Portrait and B 



ORTRAIT AND DI0GRAPHI6AL 



RECORD 



OF 



3LI 



HANCOCK, Mcdonough 

ANiJ hendp:rson counties 

ILLINOIS 

CONTAINING 

Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative 

Gitizens of the County 

TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF AM. THB 
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES 



CHICAGO 
LAKE CITY PUBLISHING CO. 

1894 



/^ 



^0 < 






//. 2ZJn 



^V/ 



preface:. 



'he greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of the 
present centnr}-, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of 
its people." In conformity with this idea, the Portrait and Biooraphical Album of this 
county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom drj- statistical 
matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men 
and women who have, by their enterprise and industrj', brought the county to a rank second to 
none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips ha\-e the story of 
their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent 
public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of 
coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, bj- industry- and economy 
have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, 
have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and 
breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as 
statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in ever>- walk in life who 
have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells 
also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even 
tenor of their way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a 
deed of mercy — "They have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and 
strength of young manhood left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting- 
room, left ever3' trade and profession, and at their countrj^'s call went forth valiantly "to do or 
die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the 
land. In the life of everj' man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon 
those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from 
the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which 
would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work, and 
every opportunity po.ssible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been 
written; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few 
errors of consequence. In addition to the biographical sketches, portraits of a immber of repre- 
.sentative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For 
this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, .some refused 
to give the information necessarj- to compile a sketch, while others were indifTerent. Occasionally 
some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the 
support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be foinid, 
though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of lousiness. 

May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co. 



// 



Portraits and Biographies 



OF THE 



PRESIDENTS 



OF THE 



United States 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



HE Father of our Country was bom in West- 
moreland County, \'a., February 22, 1732. 
His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) 
Washington. The family to which he belonged 
has not been satisfactorily traced in England. 
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- 
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a 
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence 
and John. The former married Mildred Warner, 
and had three children, John, Augustine and 
Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, 
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his second mar- 
riage, George was the eldest, the others being 
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and 
Mildred. 

Augustine Washington, the father of George, 
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. 
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an 
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt. 
\'ernon, and to George he left the parental resi- 
dence. George received only such education as 
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a 
short time after he left school, when he received 
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling 
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are 
told of his great physical strength and develop- 
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged 
leader among his companions, and was early 
noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and 
veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was fourteen years old he had a 
desire to go to sea, and a mid.shipman's warrant 
was secured for him, but through the opposition 
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two 



years later he was appointed surveyor to the im- 
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business 
he spent three years in a rough frontier life, 
gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 1751, though only nineteen 
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the 

! rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being 
trained for active service against the French and 
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West 
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there 
to restore his health. They soon returned, and 
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a 
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not 

; long survive him. On her demise the estate of 
Mt. Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia 
was reorganized, and the province divided into 
four military districts, of which the northern was 
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. 
Shortly after this a ver>' perilous mission, which 
others had refused, was assigned him and ac- 
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post 
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania. 
The distance to be traversed was about six hun- 
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey 
was to be made without militarj- escort, through 
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a 
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his 
life, but he returned in safety and furni.shed a full 
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and 
put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj. 
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel. Active war was then begun against the 
French and Indians, in which Washington took 



20 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 



a most important part. In the memorable event 
of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat," 
Washington was almost the only officer of dis- 
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. 

Having been for five years in the military serv- 
ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the 
royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du- 
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the 
\'alle\' of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon 
after he entered the Legislature, where, although 
not a leader, he took an active and important 
part. Januarj' 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha 
(Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John 
Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the 
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the 
provinces, ' ' The cause ot Boston is the cause of 
us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- 
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was 
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably 
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington 
was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten- 
tions of England were plainly apparent. The 
t)attles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, 
and among the first acts of this congress was the 
election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial 
forces. This high and responsible office was con- 
ferred upon Washington, who was still a member 
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but 
upon the express condition that he receive no sal- 
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex- 
penses, and expect congress to pa)- them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch 
to trace the military actsof Wa.shington, to whom 
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this 
country were so long confided. The war was 
conducted by him under ever\- possible disadvan- 
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses, 
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven 
years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he 
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. 
On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting 
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- 
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the- arnu to the 



Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning 
all coiniection with public life. 

In February, 1789, Washington was unani- 
mou.sly elected President, and at the expiration 
of his first term he was unanimously re-elected. 
At the end of this term many were anxious that he 
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third 
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration 
of his second term as President, he returned to his 
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining 
years free from the annoyances of public life. 
Later in the j'ear, however, his repose seemed 
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At 
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the army, but he chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command, he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara- 
i tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 12 
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, 
which, settling in his throat, produced inflannna- 
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 
14th. On the i8th his body was borne with mili- 
tarj- honors to its final resting-place, and interred 
in the family vault at Mt. Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible 
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and 
admiration. The more we see of the operations 
of our government, and the more deeply we feel 
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common 
interest, the more highly we must estimate the 
force of his talent and character, which have been 
able to challenge the reverence of all parties, 
and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as 
extended as the limits of the globe, and which we 
cannot Init believe will be as lasting as the exist- 
ence of man. 

In person, Washington was unusually tall, erect 
and well proportioned, and his nuiscular strength 
was great. His features were of a beausilul sym- 
metry'. He commanded respect without any ap- 
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious 
without being dull. 




<!^"' 




?yr/id 



JOHN ADAMS. 



^OHN ADAMS, the second President and the 
I first Vice-President of the United States, was 
QD born in Braintree (now Quincy ) Mass. , and 
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. 
His great-grandfather, Henr>' Adams, emigrated 
from England about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of 
John were John and Susannah (Boylston) 
Adams. His father, who was a fanner of limited 
means, also engaged in the business of shoe- 
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical 
education at Han-ard College. John graduated 
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at 
Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school 
of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain 
relief by devoting himself in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. 
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes- 
sion, but seems to have been turned from this by 
what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesi- 
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- 
istic good nature, ' ' of the operations of which he 
had been a witness in his native town. He was 
well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a 
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of 
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He 
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married 
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a 
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentan,- 
taxation turned him from law to politics. He 
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, 
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- 
came very popular throughout the province, and 
were adopted word for word by over fort\- differ- 
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and 
became one of the most courageous and promi- 
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was 
chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
islature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- 



gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- 
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis- 
tinguished himself by his capacitj' for business 
and for debate, and advocated the movement for 
independence against the majority of the mem- 
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- 
olution in Congress that the Colonies should 
assume the duties of self-go\-ernment. He was a 
prominent member of the committee of five ap- 
pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, 
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it 
through Congress in a three-days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independ- 
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm 
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter 
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to 
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. 
"Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question 
was decided that ever was debated in America; 
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de- 
cided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, 'that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
dependent states.' The day is passed. The 
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch 
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it 
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as 
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be 
commemorated as the day of deliverance by 
solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It 
ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, 
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from 
this time forward forever. You will think me 
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I 
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- 
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration 
and support and defend these States; yet, through 
all the gloom, I can .see the rays of light and 
glorj'. I can see that the end is worth more than 
all the means, and that posterity will triumph. 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



although you and I may rue, which I hope we 
shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed 
a delegate to France, and to co-uperate with Ben- 
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then 
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in 
arms and money from the French government. 
This was a .severe trial to his patriotism, as it 
separated him from his home, compelled him to 
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to 
great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who 
were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was 
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him- 
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and 
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the 
British cabinet might be found willing to listen 
to .such proposals. He sailed for France in No- 
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where 
he negotiated important loans and formed im- 
portant commercial treaties. 

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was 
signed, January 21,1 783. The re-action from the 
excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. 
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After 
suffering from a continued fever and becoming 
feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to 
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in 
Ivngland, still drooping and desponding, he re- 
ceived dispatches from his own government urg- 
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health 
was delicate, yet he inunediately set out, and 
through stonn, on sea, on horseback and foot, he 
made the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. 
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here 
he met face to face the King of England, who 
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng- 
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to 
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he 
was accompli.shing but little, he sought permis- 
sion to return to his own country, where he ar- 
rived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, 
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal 
services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice- 



President. Again, at the second election of Wash- 
ington as President, Adams was chosen ^'ice- 
President. In 1796, Washington retired from 
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, 
though not without much opposition. Serving 
in this ofl5ce four j'ears, he was succeeded by Mr. 
Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the 
great French Revolution shook the continent of 
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was 
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led 
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no S3"mpathy 
with the French people in their struggle, for he 
had no confidence in their power of self-govern- 
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist 
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the 
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence 
originated the alienation between these distin- 
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were 
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of 
the one whose sympathies were with England, 
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with 
France. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the 
half-centurj' since the signing of the Declaration 
of Independence, arrived, and there were but 
three of the signers of that immortal instrument 
left upon the earth to hail its morning light. 
And, as it is well known, on that day two of 
these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci- 
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For 
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly 
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he 
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On 
being requested to name a toast for the cus- 
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed 
"Independence forever!" When the day was 
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 
of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- 
ants if he knew what day it was ? He replied. 
"O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God 
bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of 
the day he said, "It is a great and glorious 
day." The la.st words he uttered were, "Jeffer- 
son survives." But he had, at one o'clock, 
resigned his .spirit into the hands of his God. 



r 





"yT^W^ 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



"HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2, 
1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va. 
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- 
dolph) JefiFerson, the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in London. To them were 
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas 
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his 
father died. He received a most liberal educa- 
tion, having been kept diligently at school from 
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he 
entered William and Mary College. Williams- 
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and 
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young 
JefiFerson, who was then seventeen j-ears old, lived 
somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and 
going much into gay society; yet he was ear- 
nestty devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in 
his morals. In the second year of his college 
course, moved bj- some unexplained impul.se, he 
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and 
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard .study. 
He thus attained very high intellectual culture, 
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- 
guages. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued 
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly, 
and distinguished himself by his energy and 
acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for 
greater action. The policy of England had awak- 
ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col- 
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had 
ever entertained soon led him into active politi- 
cal life. In 1 769 he was chosen a member of the 
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar- 



ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, 
wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important com- 
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed 
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- 
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef 
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger 
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, 
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. 
Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal 
changes before it was submitted to Congress. On 
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by 
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 
1776. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one 
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret 
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. 
Scarcely Hve: minutes elapsed after the hurried 
escape of Mr. JefiFerson and his family ere his 
mansion was in possession of the British troops. 
His wife's health, never very good, was much 
injured by this excitement, and in the summer 
of 1782 she died. 

Mr. JefiFerson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- 
I potentiary to France. Returning to the United 
States in September, 1789, he became Secretary 
of State in Washington's cabinet. This position 
he resigned January i, 1794. In 1797, he was 
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was 
elected President* over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- 
elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin- 
ton being elected Vice-President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad- 
tuiiiistration was disturbed bj- an event which 
threatened the tranquillity and peace of the Union; 
tliis was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated 
iii the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and 
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- 
dinary man formed the plan of a militan- ex- 
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south- 
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This was generally supposed 
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has 
not been generally known what his real plans 
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far 
more dangerous character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term 
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de- 
termined to retire from political life. For a period 
of nearly forty years he had been continually be- 
fore the public, and all that time had been em- 
ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon 
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of 
his life to the .ser\'ice of his countr)-, he now felt 
desirous of that rest which his declining years re- 
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- 
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for- 
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his 
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, 
was the most distinguished residence in the land. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- 
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde- 
pendence, great preparations were made in every 
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's 
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to 
the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer- 
son, as the framer and one of the few sur\'iving 
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their 
festivities. But an illness, which had been of 
several weeks' duration and had been continually 
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- 
tion. 

On the 2d of July the disease under which he 
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From Uiis time he was 



perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. 
On the next .day, which was Monday, he aske ; 
of those around him the da\- of the month, and 
on being told it was the 3d of Juh', he ex- 
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per- 
mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver- 
sar^^ His praj-er was heard — that day whtse 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our 
land burst upon his e\es, and then they were 
closed fore\-er. And what a noble consummation 
of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- 
day of a nation — ^the day which his own name 
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die 
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole 
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un- 
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that 
was wanting to fill up the record of his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the sceneof his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand the)- had stood forth, the cham- 
pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark 
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they 
had cheered and animated their desponding coun- 
trymen; for half a centurj- they had labored to- 
gether for the good of the countrj-, and now hand 
in hand they departed. In their lives they had 
been united in the .same great cause of libertj', 
and in their deaths thej- were not divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be- 
came white and silvery, his complexion was fair, 
his forehead l)road, and his whole countenance 
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great 
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and 
his command of temper was such that his oldest 
and most intimate friends never recollected to 
have seen him in a passion. His manners, though 
dignified, were .simple and unaffected, and his 
hospitality was so unbounded that all found at 
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he 
was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, aiid his 
language was remarkalily pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ- 
ings is discernible the care with which he formed 
his style upon the best models of antiquity. 




7 a~^.<^'-^ ^-^ a^^-t^-^^ xt^ 



JAMES MADISON. 



(Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti- 

I tutiou," and fourth Presidentof the Uuited 
Qj States, was born March i6, 1757, and died 
al his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The 
name of James Madison is inseparably connected 
with most of the important events in that heroic 
period of our country- during which the founda- 
lions of this great repubhc were laid. He was 
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the 
United States to be called to his eternal reward. 

The Madison family were among the early emi- 
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores 
of the Chesapeake but fifteen >-ears after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison 
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine 
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. 
It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef- 
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustri- 
ous men from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was con- 
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At 
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- 
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to 
studj- with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him- 
self for months but three hours' sleep out of the 
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously 
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of 
constitution. He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble 
body, but with a character of utmost puritj-, and 
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with 
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency 
to his subsequent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study 
of law and a course of extensive and systematic 
reading. This educational course, the .spirit of 
the times in which he lived, and the society with 
which he as.spciated, all combined to inspire him 
with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for 
his life-work as a state.sman. 

In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of 



age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- 
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The 
next year (.1777), he was a candidate for the Gen- 
eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lov- 
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but 
tho.se who had witnessed the talent, energy and 
pubhc spirit of the mode.st young man enlisted 
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to 
the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henrj- and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re- 
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- 
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth 
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. 
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the 
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- 
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately 
assigned to one ot the most conspicuous positions 
among them. For three years he continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential mem- 
bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no 
national government, and no power t) form trea- 
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law. 
There was not any State more prominent than 
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- 
tional goverinnent must be formed. In January, 
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through 
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the 
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in 
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. 
Fi\-e States only were represented. The conven- 
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by 
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadeli)liia in May, 1787, to draft 
a Con-stitution for the United States, to take the 
place of the Confederate League. The delegates 
met at the time appointed. Everj^ State but 
Rhode Island was represented. George Wa.shing- 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



ton was chosen president of the convention, and the 
present Constitution of the United States was then 
and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind 
and no pen more active in framing this immortal 
document than the mind and the pen of James 
Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one 
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several 
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was 
felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a 
conglomeration of independent States, with but 
little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. 
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up 
an address to the people of the United States, ex- 
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and 
urging its adoption. There was great oppcsition 
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all, 
and went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became 
the avowed leader of the Republican party. While 
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. 
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas- 
cination, whom he married. She was in person 
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has 
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the 
very peculiar society which has constituted our 
republican court as did Mrs. Madison. 

Mr. Madison ser\'ed as Secretarj- of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of 
war. British orders in council destroyed our com- 
merce, and our flag was exposed to constant in.sult. 
Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in 
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no 
charms for him. But the meekest .spirit can be 
roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to 
think of an American ship brought to upon the 
ocean by the guns of an Engli.sh cruiser. A 
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great non- 
chalance he selects any number whom he may 
plea.se to designate as British subjects, orders them 
down the ship's side into his boat, and places them 
on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by 
compulsion, the battles of England. This right 



of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov- 
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re- 
linquish. 

On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison 
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring 
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the 
bitter liostility of the Federal party to the war, the 
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, 
on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a 
large majority, and entered upon his second term 
of office. This is not the place to describe the 
various adventures of this war on the land and on 
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found- 
ations of its renown in grappling with the most 
formidable power which ever swept the seas. The 
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance 
of a British fleet, earlj- in Februarj', 18 13, in 
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast 
of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as 
mediator. America accepted; England refused. 
A British force of five thousand men landed on the 
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into 
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of 
Bladensburg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was 
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the 
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the 
streets of the metropolis. The whole population 
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. 
Madison in the White House, with her carriage 
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, 
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. 
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not 
go back without danger of being captured. But 
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, 
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- 
ington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and 
on February 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was 
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his 
second term of office expired, and he resigned the 
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. 
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and 
there passed the remainder of his daj-s. On June 
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell 
asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1S49. 




'7 /^^''^<::'-^ ^ ?► ^ 



JAMES MONROE. 



(Tames MONROE, the fifth President of the 
I United States, was born in Westmoreland 
G) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life 
was passed at the place of his nativity. His an- 
cestors liad for man}- years resided in the province 
in which he was born. When he was seventeen 
years old, and in process of completing his educa- 
tion at William and Marj^ College, the Colonial 
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate 
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great 
Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies, 
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. 
Had he been born ten j-ears before, it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the 
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this 
time he left school and enlisted among the pa- 
triots. 

He joined the army when ever3-thing looked 
hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters 
increased from day to day. The invading armies 
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored 
the cause of the mother country, but disheartened 
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified 
at the prospect of contending with an enemy 
whom they had been taught to deem invincible. 
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went 
right onward undismayed through difficulty and 
danger, the United States owe their political 
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks 
and espoused the cau.se of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die in her 
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in 
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights 
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited 
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. 
In four months after the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven 
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- 
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy 
he received a wound in the left shoulder. 



As a reward for his braverj-, Mr. Monroe was 
promoted to be captain of infantry, and, having re- 
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. 
He, however, receded from the line of promotion 
by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster- 
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, 
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and 
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- 
coming desirous to regain his position in the 
army, he exerted him.self to collect a regiment for 
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to 
the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this 
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued with consid- 
erable ardor the study of common law. He did 
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for 
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy 
ser\'ed as a volunteer during the two years of his 
legal pursuits. 

In 1782 he was elected from King George 
County a member of the Legi.slature of Virginia, 
and by that bod}- he was elevated to a seat in the 
Executive Council. He was thus honored with 
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty- 
three years of age, and having at this early period 
displayed some of that ability and aptitude for 
legislation which were afterward employed with 
unremitting energy for the public good, he was 
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the 
Congress of the United States. 

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of 
the old Confederacj\ he was opposed to the new 
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the 
Republican party, that it gave too mucli power to 
the Central Government, and not enough to the 
individual States. Still he retained the esteem 
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and 
who, notwith.standing his opposition, secured its 
adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the 
United States Senate, which office he held for 



36 



JAMES MONROE. 



fovu years. Everj' month the line of distinction 
between the two great parties which divided the 
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was 
growing more distinct. The differences which 
now separated them la\- in the fact that the Repub- 
lican party was in sympathy with France, and 
also in favor of such a strict construction of the 
Constitution as to give the Central Government as 
little power, and the State Governments as much 
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while 
the Federalists sympathized with England, and 
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could pos- 
sibly authorize. 

Washington was then President. England had 
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the 
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe 
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and 
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of 
neutrality between these contending powers. 
France had helped us in the struggles for our 
liberties. All the de.spoti.snisof Europe were now 
combined to prevent the French from escaping 
from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that 
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag- 
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener- 
ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could 
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, .se- 
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that 
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol- 
icy of the Government, as the minister of that 
Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- 
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem- 
onstration. 

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. 
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and 
held the office for three years. He was again 
.sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- 
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known 
as the province of Louisiana, which France had 
but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their 
utiited efforts were successful. For the compara- 
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the 



entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui- 
siana were added to the United States. This was 
probably the largest transfer of real estate which 
was e\er made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to 
obtain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against 
those odious impressments of our seamen. But 
England was unrelenting. He again returned to 
England on the same mission, but could receive 
no redress. He returned to his home and was 
again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon 
resigned to accept the position of Secretary of 
State under Madison. While in this office war 
with England was declared, the Secretary of War 
resigned, and during these trying times the 
duties of the War Department were also put upon 
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President 
Madison, and the most efficient business man in 
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re- 
signed the Department of War, but continued in 
the office of Secretary of State until the expira- 
tion of Mr. Madi.son's administration. At the 
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe 
himself had been chosen President with Ijut little 
opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in- 
augurated. Four years later he was elected for 
a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presi- 
dency were the cession of Florida to the United 
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous 
" Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- 
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: " That 
we should consider any attempt on the part of 
European powers to extend their system to any 
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our 
peace and .safety," and that " we could not view 
any interpo-sition for the purpose of oppressing or 
controlling American governments or provinces 
in any other light than as a manifestation by 
European powers of an unfriendly disposition 
toward the United States." 

At the end of his .second term, Mr. Monroe re- 
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un- 
til 1830, when he went to New York to live with 
his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th 
of July, 1831. 




3. ^. Ai 



O/Vni 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



rtOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President 

I of the United States, was born in the rural 
C2/ home of his honored father, John Adams, in 
Quincy, Mass., on the iithof Julj-, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over 
his childhood during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but eight 3'ears of 
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, 
listening to the booming of the great battle on 
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke 
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven j-ears old he took a tearful 
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu- 
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. 
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half 
in Paris, where his father was associated with 
Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary. 
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- 
tinguished men, and he received from them flat- 
tering marks of attention. 

John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
countrj', in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. 
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At 
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- 
igence for six months, and then accompanied his 
father to Holland, where he entered first a school 
in Amsterdam, then the University at Ley den. 
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the 
manly bo\- was but fourteen years of age, he was 
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- 
sian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl- 
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then 
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, 
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he 
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth 
year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri- 
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of 
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- 
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the 
most distinguished men on the continent, examin- 



ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he 
again became associated with the most illustrious 
men of all lands in the contemplation of the 
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the 
human mind. After a short visit to England he 
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies 
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to 
America to finish his education. 

Upon leaving Harvard College at the age of 
twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 
1794, being then but twenty-.sevea years of age, 
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min- 
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in 
July, he reached London in October, where he 
was immediately admitted to the deliberations of 
.Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nego- 
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. 
After thus spending a fortnight in London, he 
proceeded to The Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- 
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiarj'. On his way to 
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with 
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but 
requesting him to remain in London until he 
should receive his instructions. While waiting 
he was married to an American lady, to whom he 
had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- 
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, 
American Consul in London, and a lady en- 
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- 
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He 
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, 
where he remained until Julv, 1799, when, hav- 
ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so- 
licited his recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen 
to the Senate of Massachu.setts from Boston, and 
then was elected Senator of the United States for 
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- 
utation, his ability and his experience placed 



4° 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



him immediately among the most prominent and 
influential members of that body. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the 
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated 
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. 
Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col- 
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense 
student. He devoted his attention to the lan- 
guage and historj' of Russia; to the Chinese trade; 
to the European system of weights, measures and 
coins; to the climate and astronomical observa- 
tions: while he kept up a familiar acquaintance 
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the 
uni\'ersities of Europe, a more accomplished 
scholar could scarcely be found. All through 
life the Bible constituted an important part of his 
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters 
ever>' day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took 
the Presidential chair, antl immediately appointed 
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of 
his numerous friends in public and private life in 
Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United 
States. On the i8th of August, he again crossed 
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the 
eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. 
Adams contiiuied Secretary of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's 
second term of office, new candidates began to be 
presentetl for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. 
Adams brought forward his name. It was an 
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never 
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral 
votes were ca.st. Andrew Jackson received ninety- 
nine; John Quincv Adams eighty-four; William 
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, 
the question went to the Hou.se of Representa- 
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to 
Mr. Adams, and he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates 
now combined in a venomous and persistent as- 
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more 
disgraceful in the past hi.story of our country than 
the abuse which was ]»)ureil in one uninterrupted 
stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa- 



triotic man. There never was an administration 
more pure in principles, more conscientiously de- 
voted to the best interests of the countrj', than 
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, 
was there an administration more unscrupulously 
and outrageously assailed. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An- 
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected 
Vice-President. The slaver)' question now be- 
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams 
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he 
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not 
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No- 
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in 
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, 
he occupied the post as Representative, towering 
abo\-e all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle 
for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old 
Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the 
House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never 
was a member more devoted to his duties. He 
was usually the first in his place in the morning, 
and the last to leave his seat in the evening. 
Not a measure could be brought forward and es- 
cape his .scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams 
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery 
party in the Government was sublime in its 
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery-, 
he was threatened with indictment by the grand 
jury, with expulsion from the House, with assas- 
sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and 
his final triumph was complete. 

On the 2ist of February-, 1848, he rose on the 
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to 
address the .speaker. Suddenly he fell, again 
stricken b)' paralysis, and was caught in the arms 
of tho.se around him. For a time he was sense- 
less, as he was con\e3'ed to the sofa in the ro- 
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened 
his e>es, looked calmly around and said "This 
is the end of earth;' ' then after a moment's pause 
he added, " I am content." The.se were the last 
words of the grantl " Old Man Eloquent." 




<^^ 




o 




r/ r A:s-^''^^ 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



Gl NUREW JACKSON, the seventh President 
LI of the United States, was born in Waxhaw 
/ I settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few 
dajs after his father's death. His parents were 
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their 
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived 
in deepest po\-erty. 

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, 
grew up a ver\- rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there 
was but verj- little in his character made visible 
which was attracti\-e. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the 
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. 
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured 
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British 
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered 
boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv- 
ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. 

Andrew supported himselfin various ways, such 
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school, 
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when 
lie entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, 
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse- 
ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788, 
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District 
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then 
a part. This involved many long journeys amid 
dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never 
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- 
peat a skirmi.sh with "Sharp Knife." 

In 1 79 1, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman 
who supposed herself divorced from her former 
hu.sband. Great was the surprise of both parties, 
two years later, to find that the conditions of the 
divorce had just been definitely settled by the 
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per- 
formed a second time, but the occurrence was 
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson 
into disfavor. 



In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee 
then containing nearlj' eighty thousand inhabi- 
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville 
to frame a constitution. Five were sent from 
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson 
was one of the delegates. The new State was 
entitled to but one member in the National Hou.se 
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen 
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to 
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- 
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest ad\-ocate of the Demo- 
cratic party, and Jeffenson was his idol. He ad- 
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- 
land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash- 
ington, whose second term of office was then 
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. 
A committee drew up a complimentary address in 
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the 
address, and was one of the twehe who voted 
against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. 
Washington's administration had been "wise, 
firm and patriotic. ' ' 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned 
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the 
vSuprenie Court of his State, which position he 
held for six years. 

When the War of 18 12 with Great Britain com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr .sent word to the President that there 
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- 
-son, who would do credit to a commission if one 
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. 
Jackson offered his ser\'ices and those of twenty- 
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, 
and the troops were assembled at Na.shville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make 
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- 
kinson was in command, he was ordered to de- 



44 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



scend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid 
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez, 
and after a delay of several weeks there without 
accomplishing anything, the men were ordered 
back to their homes. But the energ\- Gen. Jack- 
.son had displaj-ed, and his entire devotion to the 
comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin- 
ions, and he became the most popular man in the 
State. It was in this expedition that his tough- 
ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickor}'." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip 
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking part as second in a duel 
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en- 
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. 
While he was lingering upon a bed of sufifering, 
news came that the Indians, who had combined 
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex- 
terminate the white settlers, were committing the 
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec- 
essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone 
just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and 
unable to mount his horse without assistance, 
gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong 
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, 
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- 
low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand 
men. Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder- 
ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their 
fort, called Tohopeka or Hor.se-shoe, on the 27th 
of March, 18 14. The bend of the river enclosed 
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and 
wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians 
had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs 
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with 
an ample supply of arms, were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly 
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. 
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those 
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten 
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The 
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw 
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- 
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly 
every one of the nine hundred warriors was 



killed. A few, probably, in the night swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. 

This closing of the Creek War enabled us to 
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who 
were the allies of the Indians. No man of less 
resolute will than Gen. Jack.son could have con- 
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an 
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- 
General. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men on a rushing march. Gen. Jackson went to 
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, 
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the 
little fort, and from both ship and shore com- 
menced a furious assault. The battle was long 
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was 
blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his 
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This 
won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. 
Here his troops, which numbered about four 
thousand men, won a signal victory over the 
British army of about nine thousand. His loss 
was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was 
twenty-six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be 
mentioned in connection with the Presidency, 
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams. 
He was, however, successful in the election of 
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins 
of government, he met with the most terrible 
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom 
he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps 
never been surpassed. From the shock of her 
death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most mem- 
orable in the annals of our countrj- — applauded 
by one party, condemned by the other. No man 
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At 
the expiration of his two terms of office he retired 
totheHennitage, wherehe diedJuneS, 1845. The 
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- 
voted Christian man. 




O > p^^ ,^z^J c^t>c^^^^--^ 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



iA ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- 
y dent of the United States, was born at Kin- 
(9 derhook, N. Y., December 5, 17S2. He 
died at the same place,. July 24, 1862. His body- 
rests in the cenieterj- at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a 
simple inscription about half-way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded 
by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van 
Bureu of romantic interest. He fought no battles, 
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life 
was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, 
and he gained many signal victories, his days 
passed uneventful in those incidents which give 
zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi- 
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the 
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of 
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing 
in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also 
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing 
unusual activitj-, vigor and strength of mind. At 
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic 
studies in his native village, and commenced the 
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa- 
tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re- 
quired of him before he could be admitted to the 
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- 
scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with 
indefatigable indnstr>-. After spending six years 
in an office in hi.s native village, he went to the city 
of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the 
seventh j-ear. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty -one years 



of age, commenced the practice of law in his na- 
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal 
and Republican parties was then at its height. 
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- 
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while 
listening to the many discussions which had been 
carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial 
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo- 
quently e-spoused the cause of State Rights, though 
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy 
both in his town and State. 

His success and increasing reputation led him 
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, 
the county seat of his county. Here he spent 
seven years, constantly gaining strength by con- 
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men 
who have adorned the Bar of his State. 

Ju.st before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years .she sank into the grave, a victim of con- 
sumption,. leaving her husband and four .sons to 
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. 
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous 
lawyer. The record of those years is barren in 
items of public interest. In 18 12, when thirty 
years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, 
and gave his .strenuous support to Mr. Madison's 
administration. In 18 15, he was appointed At- 
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al 
bany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 
the moral courage to avow that true democrac>- did 
not require that "universal suifrage' ' which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right 



48 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



of governing the State. In true consistency with 
his democratic principles, he contended that, while 
the path leading to the privilege of voting should 
be open to every man without distinction, no one 
should be invested with that sacred prerogative 
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by 
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in 
the welfare of the State. 

In 1821 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate, and in the same year he took a 
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of 
his native State. His course in this convention 
secured the approval of men of all parties. No 
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to 
promote the interests of all classes in the com- 
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he 
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active 
and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected 
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning 
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- 
ing the ' 'State Rights' ' view in opposition to what 
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor 
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned 
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the 
United States contributed so much towards eject- 
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, 
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin 
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation 
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the 
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious 
and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that 
no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret 
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to 
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize 
a political army which would .secretly and stealth- 
ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these 
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Clay, and Mr. Web.ster, and .secured results which 
few then thought could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jack.son was elected President 
he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. 
This po.sition he resigned in 1831, and was im- 
mediately appointed Minister to England, where 
he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, 



when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and 
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later 
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of 
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson, 
and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he 
took his place at the head of that Senate which had 
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal 
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated 
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other 
cause secured his elevation to the chair of the 
Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. 
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination 
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United 
States. He was elected bj^ a handsome majority, 
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving 
New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, 
"the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency 
was as much the act of Gen. Jack.son as though 
the Constitutio!! had conferred upon him the power 
to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting 
events. The insurrection in Canada, which 
threatened to involve this country in war with 
England, the agitation of the slaverj' question, 
and finally the great commercial panic which 
spread over the country, all were trials of his wis- 
dom. The financial di.stress was attributed to 
tlie management of the Democratic party, and 
brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 
1841, he retired from the presidencj-. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of 
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had 
now fortunately a competence for his declining 
years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he 
still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, 
on the 241)1 of July, 1862, at the age of eighty 
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of 
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a 
healthy old age probably far more happiness than 
he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes 
of his active life. 




^ 



/^rj- /j^ //tfi'^-^tJfn^' 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



pCJlLLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth 
\A/ President of the United States, was born 
YV at Berkeley, Va., February 9, 1773. His 
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively 
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most 
distinguished men of his da)'. He was an inti- 
mate friend of George Washington, was early 
elected a member of the Continental Congress, 
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir- 
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British 
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- 
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both 
candidates for the office of Speaker. 

Mr. Harrison was subsequentlj- chosen Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His 
son William Henrj-, of course, enjoyed in child- 
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- 
lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-.school educa- 
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where 
he graduated with honor .soon after the death of 
his father. He then repaired to Pliiladelphia to 
.study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush 
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of 
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. 

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and 
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, 
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the 
army, having obtained a commission as Ensign 
from President Washington. He was then but 
nineteen years old. From that time he passed 
graduall}' upward in rank until he became aide 
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned 
his commission. He was then appointed Secre- 
tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri- 
tory was then entitled to but one member in Con- 



gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. 
In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- 
tory was di\-ided bj' Congress into two portions. 
The eastern portion, comprising the region now 
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ' ' The 
Territory northwest of the Ohio. ' ' The western 
portion, which included what is now called Indi- 
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- 
ana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 
twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John 
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory', and 
immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- 
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- 
sive a realm as aiij' sovereign upon the globe. 
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and 
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over 
the then rapidly increasing white population. The 
ability and fidelity with which he discharged 
these responsible duties may be inferred from the 
fact that he was four times appointed to this 
office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas 
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison. 

When he began his administration there were 
but three white settlements in that almost bound- 
less region, now crowded with cities and resound- 
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. 
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly 
opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the 
Waba.sh; and the third was a French settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. 
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men, 
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among 
them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or 
"the Crouching Pai»ther;" the other Olliwa- 
checa, or ' ' the Prophet. ' ' Tecumseh was not 
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac- 



52 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse- 
verance in any enterprise in which lie might en- 
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, 
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In- 
dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath 
which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur- 
passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the 
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming 
that he was specially sent b.\- the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made man}- attempts to con- 
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at 
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great 
slaughter. October 28, 18 12, his army began its 
march. When near the Prophet's town, three 
Indians of rank made their appearance and in- 
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them 
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer- 
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the 
next day to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted 
with the Indian character to be deceived by such 
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his 
night's encampment, he took ever\- precaution 
against surprise. His troops were posted in a 
hollow square and .slept upon their arms. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock 
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting 
in conversation with his aides by the embers 
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloud)- morning, 
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness,' the In- 
dians had crept as near as po.ssible, and ju.st then, 
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- 
tion which superstition and passion most highly 
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply pro- 
vided with guns and ammunition by the English, 
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a 
shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as 
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and 
Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as 
the rocks around them until day dawned, when 
they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo- 
net and swept everything before them, completely 
routing the foe. 

Gov. Harri.son now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British, descending from the 



Canadas, were of themselves a ven,' formidable 
force, but with their savage allies rushing like 
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- 
ing torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into 
a state of consternation which even the most vivid 
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull 
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at 
Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances, 
Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi- 
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern 
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect 
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man 
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity 
and courage, but he was found equal to the 
position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet 
all the responsibilities. 

In 1 8 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member 
of the National House of Representatives, to rep- 
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved 
an active member, and whenever he spoke it was 
with a force of reason and power of eloquence 
which arrested the attention of all the members. 

In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio, and in 1824, asoneof the Presidential Elec- 
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry 
Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni- 
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought 
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency 
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the 
close of Mr. Van Buren 's term, he was re-nom- 
inated by his part)-, and Mr. Harrison was unani- 
mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler 
for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very 
animated. Gen. Jack.son gave all his influence to 
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was 
signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web- 
.ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of 
the most brilliant with which any President had 
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects 
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes 
of the countr>- more .sanguine. In the midst of 
these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison 
was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few 
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, 
just one month after his inauguration as Pre.sident 
of the United States. 



JOHN TYLER. 



30HN TYLER, the tenth President of the 
United States, and was born in Charles 
City County, Ya., March 29, 1790. He was 
the favored child of affluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered 
William and Mary College, and graduated with 
much honor when but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- 
duity to the study of law, partly with his father 
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the 
most distinguished lawyers of Yirginia. 

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the 
practice of law. His success was rapid and as- 
tonishing. It is said that three months had not 
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the 
docket of the court in which he was not retained. 
When but twenty -one j-ears of age, he was almost 
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- 
lature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and wannl}- advocated the measures 
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive 
years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving 
nearly the unanimous vote of his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was 
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- 
nestly and abh- with the Democratic party, oppos- 
ing a national bank, internal improvements by 
the General Government, and a protective tariff; 
advocating a strict construction of the Constitu- 
tion and the most careful vigilance over State 
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous 
that before the close of his second term he found 
it necessary- to resign and retire to his estate in 
Charles City County to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in 
the State Legislature, where his influence was 
powerful in promoting public works of great 
utility. With a reputation thus constantly in- 
creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority 
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- 
ministration was a signally successful one, and his 
popularity secured his re-election. 



John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Yirginia in the Senate of 
the United States. A portion of the Democratic 
party was displea.sed with Mr. Randolph's way- 
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as 
his opponent, considering him the only man in 
Yirginia of sufficient popularity to succeed 
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. 
Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of 
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke 
against and voted against the bank as unconsti- 
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions 
upon slaven,', resisting all projects of internal im- 
provements by the General Government, and 
avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view 
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson, 
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned 
the principles of the Democratic party. Such 
was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in 
perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had alwaj-s avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice 
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo- 
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a 
true JeflTersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- 
ered compliments upon him. He had now at- 
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been 
very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to 
public business, his private affairs had fallen into 
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- 
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- 
voted him.self to the cultivation of his plantation. 
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for 
the better education of his children, and he again 
took his .seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the southern Whigs he was sent to the 
national convention at Harrisbiirg in 1 839 to nom- 
inate a President. The majority of votes were 
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much 
to the disappointment of the South, which wished 



56 



JOHN TYIvER. 



for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern 
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention 
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President. 
It was well known that he was not in sympathj' 
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice- 
President has verj^ little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to 
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it 
happened that a Whig President and, in reality, 
a Democratic \' ice- President were chosen. 

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- 
President of the United States. In one short 
month from that time, President Harrison died, 
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself to his own 
surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu- 
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from 
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of 
April he was inaugurated to the high and re- 
.sponsible office. He was placed in a position of 
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long 
life he had been opposed to the main principles of 
the party which had brought him into power. 
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with 
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- 
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, 
and thus surround himself with counselors whose 
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the 
other hand, should he turn against the part\- 
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in 
harmony with himself, and which would oppose 
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- 
tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful 
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi- 
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats, 
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer, 
that God would guide and bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for 
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United 
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re- 
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, 
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon 
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac- 
cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to 
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed 
without alteration, and he sent it back with his 
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is 
said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 



ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who se- 
verely touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the 
President into their arms. The party which 
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the 
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, 
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the 
Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued 
an address to the people of the United States, 
proclaiming that all political alliance between the 
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs 
and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong 
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary 
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig 
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un- 
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No 
one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur- 
murs and \'ituperation. Whigs and Democrats 
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he 
brought himself into sympathy with his old 
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his 
term he gave his whole influence to the support 
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his 
successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re- 
tired from the haras.sments of oiEce, to the regret 
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak- 
able relief The remainder of his days were 
passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful 
home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, 
Va. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died 
in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844, 
he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia 
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and 
intellectual accomplishments. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the 
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. 
Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler re- 
nounced his allegiance to the United States, and 
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem- 
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in 
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the 
Government over which he had once presided, he 
was taken sick and soon died. 




^S^'^-— -c^ 0(L. =>^C^ 



,C5^ 



JAMES K. POLK. 



(Tames K. polk, the eleventh President of 
I the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh 
Q) Count}^ N. C, November 2, 1795. His 
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the 
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 
1735. In 1S06, with his wife and children, and 
soon after followed by most of the members of the 
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or 
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- 
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the 
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently 
called Maur\' Count}-, they erected their log huts 
and established their homes. In the hard toil of 
a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk 
spent the early years of his childhood and youth. 
His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to 
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth, 
until he became one of the leading men of the 
region. His mother was a superior woman, of 
strong common sense and earnest piety. 

Very earl)- in life James developed a taste for 
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob- 
tain a liberal education. His mother's training 
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught 
him punctuality and industr\-, and had inspired 
him with lofty principles of morality. His health 
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not 
be able to endure a sedentary- life, got a situation 
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for 
commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no ta.ste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when, 
at his earnest solicitation, his father removed 
him and made arrangements for him to pros- 
ecute his .studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- 
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could 
scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his 



studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in 
the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore class 
in the University of North CaroHna, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
.scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow- 
ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a 
religious service. 

Mr. Polk graduated in 18 18, with the highest 
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, 
both in mathematics and the classics. He was 
then twenty-three years of age. His health was 
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with 
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a 
short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville, 
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to stud}- 
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance 
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta- 
tion, the ' ' Hermitage, ' ' but a few miles from 
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac- 
quainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican 
and James K. adhered to the same political faith. 
He was a popular public sj^eaker, and was con- 
stantlj' called upon to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such 
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the 
stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, 
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that 
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth- 
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, 
he was elected to the Legi.slature of Teimessee, 
and gave his strong influence toward the election 
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of 
the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His 
bride was altogether worth}- of him — a lady of 
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk 
was chosen a member of Congress, and the .satis- 
faction he gave his constituents ma}- be inferred 



6o 



JAMES K. POLK. 



from the fact, that for fourteen successive \ears, 
or until 1839, lie was continued in that office. He 
then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might 
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In 
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent 
and a popular speaker. He was always in his 
seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke 
it was alwaj's to the point, without any ambitious 
rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were 
roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he 
performed his arduous duties to a very general 
-satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to 
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on 
the 4th of March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, 
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. 
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo- 
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. 
In 1841 his term of office expired, and he was 
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but 
was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- 
augurated President of the United States. The 
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation 
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress, 
and the last act of the administration of President 
Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu- 
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- 
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. 
As Mexico .still claimed Texas as one of her 
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- 
mediately demanded his passports and left the 
country, declaring the act of the annexation to be 
an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be 
received into the Union on the same footing with 
the other States. In the mean time, Gen. Taylor 
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the 
country. He was first .sent to Nueces, which the 
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex- 
as. Then he was .sent nearly two hundred miles 
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected 
batteries which commanded the Mexican city of 
Matamoras, which was situated on the western 



banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, 
and war was declared against Mexico by President 
Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad- 
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, 
whose army was first called one of ' ' observation, ' ' 
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was 
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans 
in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered. 
The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery 
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity 
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was 
brought on. 

' ' To the victors belong the spoils. ' ' Mexico 
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our 
hands. We now consented to peace upon the 
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in 
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of 
Upper and Lower California. This new demand 
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred 
thousand square miles. This was an extent of 
territory equal to nine States of the size of New 
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma- 
jestic States to be added to the Union. There 
were some Americans who thought it all right; 
there were others who thought it all wrong. In 
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty 
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of 
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired 
from office, having .ser\-ed one term. The next 
day was Sunday. On the stb. Gen. Taj'lor was 
inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to 
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay- 
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he 
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was 
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always 
been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his 
health was good. With an ample fortune, a 
choice library', a cultivated mind, and domestic 
lies of the dearest nature, it .seemed as though 
long years of lran(|nillity and happiness were be- 
fore him. lint the cholera — that fearful scourge 
— was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis- 
sippi, and he contracted the disea.se, dying on the 
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his 
age, greatly mourned by his countrjraen. 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



G7ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of 
j. the United States, was born on the 24th of 
/^ November, 1784, in Orange County, Va. 
His father, Col. Tajlor, was a Yirginian of 
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, 
his lather, with his wife and two children, emi- 
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path- 
less wilderness, a few miles from L,oui.s\-ille. In 
this frontier home, away from civilization and all 
its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but 
few social and educational advantages. When 
six years of age he attended a common school, 
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of 
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- 
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the 
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the 
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the 
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's 
large but lonely plantation. 

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for 
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United 
.States army, and he joined the troops which were 
.stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. 
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, 
a young lady from one of the first families of 
Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with 
England, in 18 12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then 
been promoted to that rank) was put in command 
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles 
above Yincennes. This fort had been built in the 
wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to 
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- 
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- 
son con.sisted of a broken company of infantry, 
numbering fifty men, many of whopi were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians, 
stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the 



fort. Their approach was first indicated by the 
murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. 
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to 
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- 
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav- 
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and 
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their 
chief would come to have a talk with him. It 
was e\'ident that their object was mereh- to ascer- 
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, 
kept them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared; 
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour 
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a 
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by 
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the 
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to hi 
post. Every man knew that defeat was not 
merely death, but, in the case of capture, death by 
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No 
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the 
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in 
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six 
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- 
tinued, when the savages, bafBed at every point 
and gna.shing their teeth with rage, retired. 
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- 
moted to the rank of Major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was 
placed in such situations that he saw but little 
more of active service. He was sent far away 
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw- 
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green 
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to 
wear away the tedious hours as one best could. 
There were no books, no .society, no intellectual 
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years 
rolled on. (Gradually he rose to the rank of 
Coloiiel. In the Black Hawk War, which re- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain, 
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and 
efficient, part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged 
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- 
mote, and in employments so obscure, that his 
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own 
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he 
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi- 
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the 
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- 
ised they should do. The ser\'ices rendered here 
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government, and as a reward he was ele- 
vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by 
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap- 
pointed to the chief command of the United 
States troops in Florida. 

After two years of wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- 
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of 
command, and was stationed over the Department 
of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing 
his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he 
removed his family to a plantation which he pur- 
chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained 
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, 
but faithfully discharging everj' duty imposed 
upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the 
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the 
latter river being the boundary- of Texas, which 
was then claimed by the United States. Soon 
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo 
Alto and Re.saca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won 
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank 
of Major-Geiieral by brevet was then conferred 
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received 
with enthusiasm almost everj'where in the na- 
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vi.sta, in which he won signal victories 
over forces much larger than he commanded. 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena 
Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the 
country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on 
every one's lips. The Whig party decided to 



take advantage of this wonderful popularity in 
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- 
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. 
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce- 
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such 
an ofiice. So little interest had he taken in poli- 
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote. 
It was not without chagrin that several distin- 
guished statesmen, who had been long years in 
the public service, found their claims set aside in 
behalf of one whose name had never been heard 
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said 
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It 
is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a 
fine writer. His friends took possession of him, 
and prepared such few communications as it was 
needful should be presented to the public. The 
popularity of the successful warrior swept the 
land. He was triumphantly elected over two 
opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi- 
dent Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an 
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself 
in a very uncongenial position, and was at times 
sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf- 
ferings were verj' severe, and probably tended to 
hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was 
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California 
was pleading for admi.ssion to the Union, while 
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. 
Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington 
to be far more trying to the nen^es than battles 
with Mexicans or Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but 
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief 
sickness of but little over five days, died, on the 
9th of July, 1850. His last words were, "I am 
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- 
ored to do my duty." He died universally re- 
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending 
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec- 
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 




""^"% 




'Oa-^o ^(- 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



y yi ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President 
y of the United States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 7th of 
January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, owing 
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his 
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of 
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- 
sessed an intellect of a high order, united with 
much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi- 
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. 
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished promise, though she 
was not permitted to witness the high dignity 
which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender 
advantages for education in his early years. The 
common schools, which he occasionally attended, 
were very imperfect institutions, and books were 
scarce and expensive. There was nothing then 
in his character to indicate the brilliant career 
upon which he was about to enter. He was a 
plain farmer's boj' — intelligent, good-looking, 
kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home 
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid 
the foundations of an upright character. When 
fourteen years of age, his father .sent him some 
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small village, where 
some enterprising man had commenced the col- 
lection of a village librarj'. This proved an in- 
estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even- 
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure 
moment was occupied with books. His thir.st for 
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections 
which he made were continually more elevating 
and in.stnictive. He read history, biography, 
oratory, and thus gradually there was enkindled 



in his heart a desire to be something more than a 
mere worker with his hands. 

The young clothier had now attained the age 
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear- 
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- 
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- 
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev- 
olence, — ^Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck 
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill- 
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so 
much impressed with his ability and attainments 
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- 
vote himself to the study of the law. The young 
man replied that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- 
cation had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood 
had so much confidence in him that he kindly 
offered to take him into his own office, and to 
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate- 
fully the generous ofier was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion 
about a collegiate education. A young man is 
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu- 
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- 
ters through university halls and then enters a 
law ofiice is by no means as well prepared to 
prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- 
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at 
the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to 
intense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three j-ears of age, he 
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. 
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com- 
menced the practice of law. In this .secluded, 
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, 
and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in 
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a 
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of 



68 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



adorning any station she might be called to fill, — 
Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo- 
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was 
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad- 
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member 
of the Bar in Buffalo. Ju.st before removing to 
Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of 
Assembly of the State of New York, as a Repre- 
sentative from Erie County. Though he had 
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote 
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The 
State was then Democratic, and he found himself 
in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the 
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy, 
ability and integrity won, to a verj- unusual de- 
gree, the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a 
seat in the United States Congress. He entered 
that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours 
of our national history, when the great conflict 
respecting the national bank and the removal of 
the deposits was raging. 

His term of two years closed, and he returned 
to his profession, which he pursued with increas- 
ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two 
years he again became a candidate for Congress; 
was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His 
past experience as a Representative gave him 
strength and confidence. The first term of service 
in Congress to an}- man can be but little more 
tlian an introduction. He was now prepared for 
active duty. All his energies were brought to 
bear upon the public good. Ever>' measure re- 
celv'ed his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, 
and his popularity filled the State. In the year 
1847, when he had attained the age of forty- 
seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the 
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla- 
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given 
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were 
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi- 
dent and Vice-President at the apjiroaching elec- 
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande, 
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought 



one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, 
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in 
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for 
the presidency. But it was necessary to associate 
with him on the same ticket some man of repu- 
tation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore 
became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their 
candidates for President and Vice-Pre.sident. The 
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, 
of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was .suddenly taken sick and died. Bj' the 
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be- 
came President. He appointed a verj- able cabi- 
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was 
Secretary of vState; nevertheless, he had serious 
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition 
had a majority in both Houses. He did all i:i his 
power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery- 
party in the South felt the inadequacy of all 
measures of tran.sient conciliation. The popula- 
tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing 
over that of the .slave States, that it was inevitable 
that the power of the Government should soon 
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa- 
mous compromise measures were adopted imder 
Mr. Fillmore's admini.stration, and the Japan ex- 
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 
1853, he, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but 
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. 
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri- 
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It 
was generally supposed that his sympathies were 
rather with those who were endeavoring to over- 
throw our in.stitutions. President Fillmore kept 
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words 
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus 
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, 
and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874. 




"^53*^ 




'i^^^ 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



rTRANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- 
ly dent of the United States, was born in Hills- 
I ' borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His 
father was a Revolutiouarj- soldier, who with his 
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- 
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of 
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un- 
compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- 
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- 
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. 

Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children, 
was a remarkably bright and handsome bo}-, 
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won 
alike the love of old and young. The boys on 
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved 
him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride 
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, 
always speaking kind words, and doing kind 
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which 
taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in 
body and mind a finely developed boy. 

When .sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, 
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. 
He was one of the most popular joung men in 
the college. The purity of his moral character, 
the unvarying courte.sj' of his demeanor, his rank 
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a 
universal fa\'orite. There was something pe- 
culiarly winning in his addre,ss, and it was evi- 
dently not in the .slightest degree .studied — it was 
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous 
and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin 
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office 
of Judge Woodbur>-, one of the most distinguished 



lawyers of the State, and a man of great private 
worth. The eminent social qualities of the young 
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, 
and the brilliant political career into which Judge 
Woodbur>' was entering, all tended to entice Mr. 
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of 
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he 
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- 
dency. He commenced the practice of law in 
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent 
the town in the State Legislature. Here he 
served for four years. The last two years he was 
chosen Speaker of the House by a very large 
vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was 
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being 
then but thirty-three 3'ears old, he was elected to 
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren 
commenced his administration. He was the 
youngest member in the Senate. In the year 
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a 
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one 
admirably fitted to adorn everj' station with which 
her husband was honored. Of the three .sons who 
were born to them, all now sleep with their par- 
ents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing 
fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up 
his residence in Concord, the capital of New 
Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession 
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General 
of the United States; but the offer was declined 
in consequence of numerous professional engage- 
ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs. 
Pierce's health. He also, about the same time, 
declined the nomination for Governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called 



72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint- 
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a 
portion of his troops at Newport, R I., on the 
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part 
in this w-ar, proving himself a brave and true sol- 
dier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na- 
tive State, he was received eiithusiasticall}- by the 
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his 
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- 
fession, very frequently taking an active part in 
political questions, giving his cordial support to 
the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. 
The compromise measures met cordially with his 
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en- 
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, 
which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the 
North. He thus became distinguished as a 
' ' Northern man with Southern principles. ' ' The 
strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carr>' out their plans. 

On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic con- 
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate 
for the Presidenc3^ For four days they contin- 
ued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one 
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus 
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then tlie 
Virginia delegation brought forward his name. 
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which 
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at 
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred 
and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates 
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can- 
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una- 
nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Ma.ssachu- 
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — ca.st their elec- 
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 

His administration proved one of the most 
stormy our country had ever experienced. The 
controversy between slavery and freedom was 
then approaching its culminating point. It be- 
came evident tliat there was to be an irrepressible 
conflict between them, and that this nation 
could not long exist " half slave and half free." 



President Pierce, during the whole of his admin- 
istration, did everything he could to conciliate the 
South; but it was all in vain. The conflict ever}' 
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- 
lution of the Union were borne to the North on 
every Southern breeze. 

Such was the condition of afiFairs when Presi- 
dent Pierce approached the close of his four- 
years term of ofiice. The North had become 
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery 
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been 
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and 
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in 
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The 
slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the 
fidelity with which he had advocated those meas- 
ures of Government which they approved, and 
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself 
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- 
bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and 
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- 
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav- 
ing been killed before his e}'es in a railroad acci- 
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and 
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in 
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon 
came, and he was left alone in the world without 
wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which 
divided our country into two parties, and two 
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- 
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave 
his .sympathies to that pro-slaverj' party with 
which he had ever been allied. He declined to 
do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen 
the hand of the National Government. He con- 
tiiuied to re.side in Concord until the time of his 
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was 
one of the most genial and social of men, an hon- 
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and 
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a 
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- 
tion of suffering and want, and many of his 
towns-people were often gladdened by his material 
bounty. 





^J^-Tnfu^ (2y^cc£>/Ci^^/^^^^^^i'^/^ 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



(Tames BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President 
I of the United States, was born in a small 
>2/ frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge 
iif the AUeghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the 
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- 
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- 
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- 
erty save his own strong arms. Five jears after- 
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter 
of a respectable iarmer, and, with his young bride, 
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, 
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his 
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure 
part in the drama of life. When James was eight 
years of age, his father removed to the village of 
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at .school, 
and commenced a course of study in Engli.sh, 
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and 
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col- 
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable 
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars 
in the institution. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the high- 
est honors of his class. He was then eighteen 
years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, 
fond of athletic .sports, an unerring shot, and en- 
livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. 
He immediately commenced the study of law in 
the city of Lanca.ster, and was admitted to the 
Bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one j-ears 
of age. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower 
House. During the vacations of Congress, he 



occasionally tried some important case. In 1831 
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes- 
sion, having acquired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi- 
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus- 
sia. The duties of his mission he performed 
with ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties. 
Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat 
in the United States Senate. He there met as 
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal- 
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by 
President Jackson, of making reprisals against 
France to enforce the payment of our claims 
against that country, and defended the course of 
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the 
supporters of his administration. Upon this 
question he was brought into direct collision with 
Henry Claj'. He also, with \'oice and \-ote, ad- 
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate 
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re- 
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the 
abolition of slaverj' in the District of Columbia, 
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of 
anti-slaverj' documents bj' the United States 
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, 
he advocated that they should be respectfully re- 
ceived, and that the replj- should be returned 
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the 
subject. •" Congre.ss," said he, "might as well 
undertake to interfere with slav^ery under a for- 
eign government as in any of the States where it 
now exists. ' ' 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, 
Mr. Buchanan became Secretarj- of State, and as 
such took his share of the responsibility in the 



76 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed 
that crossing the Nueces by the American 
troops into the disputed territorj- was not wrong, 
but for the Mexicans to cro.ss the Rio Grande 
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid 
man can read with pleasure the account of the 
course our Government pursued in that movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly 
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and 
extension of slavery, and brought all the energies 
of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. 
He gave his cordial appro\^al to the compromise 
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive 
Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon hi.s election to the 
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- 
sion to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- 
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- 
dency. The political conflict was one of the most 
severe in which our country has e\-er engaged. 
All the friends of slavery were on one side; all 
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition 
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the 
enemies of slaver\-, recei\-ed one hundred and 
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. 
The popular vote .stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, 
the latter was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only 
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score 
years and ten. His own friends, tho.se with 
whom he had been allied in political principles 
and action for years, were .seeking the destruc- 
tion of the Government, that they might rear 
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation 
whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In 
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly 
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed 
principles, consistently oppo.se the State Rights 
party in their assumptions. As President of the 
United States, bound by his oath faithfully to 
administer the laws, he could not, without per- 
jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en- 
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- 
fore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra 



tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand- 
ard-bearer in the ne.xt Presidential canvass. 
The pro-slavery party declared that if he were 
elected and the control of the Government were 
thus taken from their hands, they would secede 
from the Union, taking with them as they retired 
the National Capitol at Washington and the 
lion's share of the territorj- of the United States. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slave- 
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. 
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power 
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions 
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the 
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress 
had no power to enforce its laws in any State 
which had withdrawn, or \vhicli was attempting 
to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the 
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand 
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The LTnion 
must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860, 
nearly three months liefore the inauguration of 
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in 
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in 
Charleston: Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, 
navy-jards and arsenals were seized; our depots 
of military stores were plundered, and our cus- 
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated bj' 
the rebels. 

The energj^ of the rebels and the nnbecility of 
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- 
tion' looked on in agony, waiting for the .slow 
weeks to glide away and close the administration, 
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- 
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra- 
ham Lincoln was to recei\-e the scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with 
plea.sure. And .still more deplorable it is for his 
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled 
its billows of flame and blood over our whole 
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his 
wish that our country's bainier should triumph 
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his 
Wheatland retreat, June i, 186S. 





■fl — ' 




'^ 



Q^y/^'oZ^^'^^'-^-'C^jri^^ 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



(p\ BRAHAM LINCOLN, the .sixteenth Presi- 
r 1 dent of the United States, was born in Hardin 
l\ County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About 
the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia with his family and moved 
into the then wilds of Kentuckj'. Only two years 
after this emigration, and while .still a young man, 
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian 
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- 
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the 
youngest of the boys, and the father of President 
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his 
father's death. 

When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln 
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky 
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. 
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was 
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created 
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and 
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," 
exclaimed the grateful son, " I owe to my angel- 
mother. ' ' When he was eight years of age, his 
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved 
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. 
As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly 
family was the usual lot of humanity. There 
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. 
Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly 
attached, was married when a child of but four- 
teen years of age, and soon died. The family 
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln 
sold out his .squatter's claim in 1830, and emi- 
grated to Macon County, 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twent>'-one years 
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father 
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite 
diligently at this until he .saw the family com- 
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed 
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to 



his father his intention to leave home, and to go 
out into the world and seek his fortune. Little 
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that 
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- 
tion and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he 
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- 
contaminated by a single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired 
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to 
Springfield, where he was employed in building 
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, 
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and 
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- 
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed 
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his 
employers. In this adventure the latter were 
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed 
a store ^nd mill under his care. 

In T^2, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk 
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a 
company. He returned to Sangamon County, 
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was 
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. 
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the 
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His 
only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and 
soon made this his business. In 1834 he again 
became a candidate for the Legislature and was 
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him 
to study law. He walked from New Salem to 
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of 
books, carried them back, and began his legal 
studies. When the Legislature as.senibled, he 
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one 
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here 
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 
he removed to Springfield and began the practice 
of la\V. His .success with the jurj- was so great 



8o 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



that he was soon engaged in almost every noted 
case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincohi and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques- 
tion. In the organization of the Republican party 
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at 
once became one of the leaders in that party. 
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator 
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the 
Senate, form a most notable part of his historj'. 
The issue was on the slaver}- question, and he 
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. 
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a 
far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chi- 
cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates 
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to 
twenty-five thousand. An immense building 
called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo- 
date the convention. There were eleven candi- 
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. 
Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had 
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It 
was generally supposed he would be the nomi- 
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the 
nomination on the third ballot. 

Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received 
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two 
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con- 
stitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this 
good and merciful man, especially by the slave- 
holders, was greater than upon any other man 
ever elected to this high position. In Februarj', 
1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop- 
ping in all the large cities on his way, making 
speeches. The whole journey was fraught with 
much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassi- 
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang 
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to 
"get up a row," and in the confusion to make 
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren- 
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret 
and special train was provided to take him from 
Harri.sburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected 



hour of the night. The tram started at half-past 
ten, and to prevent ain- possible communicatior. 
on the part of the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train 
had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. 
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was 
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by 
all loyal people. 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to 
other prominent opponents before the convention 
he gave important positions; but during no other 
administration had the duties devolving upon the 
President been so manifold, ai:d the responsibilities 
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing 
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability 
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, 
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine 
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, 
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal 
and national. Contrarj' to his own estimate of 
himself Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- 
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel 
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with 
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had 
been made for his assassination, and he at last 
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, 
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend 
Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they 
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the 
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- 
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a 
disappointment if he should fail them, very re- 
luctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes 
Booth entered the box where the President and 
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his 
brain. He died the next morning at seven 
o'clock. 

Never before in the history of the world was 
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death 
of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and 
wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which 
will fitly become a model. His name as the 
Savior of his countrj- will live with that of Wash- 
ington's, its Father. 





jL^.-.-iy'' 




^;:^^^^;^^22;:^ 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



Gl NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President 
LJ of the United States. The early life of An- 
/ I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- 
erty-, destitution and friendlessness. He was born 
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- 
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" 
of the South, were in such circumstances that they 
could not confer even the slightest advantages of 
education upon their child. When Andrew was 
fi\-e years of age, his father accidentally lost his 
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend 
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by 
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living 
with her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one 
da}', and being unable either to read or write, was 
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- 
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's 
.shcp occasionally, and reading to the boj's at 
work there. He often read from the speeches of 
distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who 
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary 
ability, became much interested in these .speeches; 
his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with 
a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, 
and with the assistance of some of his fellow- 
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon 
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. 
The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave 
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- 
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- 
ties he pressed onward laboriou.sly, spending usu- 
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the .shop, and 
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de- 
vote such time as he could to reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 



Greenville, where he married a young lady who 
possessed some education. Under her instructions 
he learned to write and cipher. He became 
prominent in the village debating society, and a 
favorite with the students of Greenville College. 
In 1828, he organized a working man's party, 
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected 
him Mayor, which position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in 
political affairs, identifying himself with the work- 
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he 
was elected a member of the House of Represent- 
atives of Tennessee. He was then just twent}'- 
seven years of age. He became a very active 
member of the Legislature, gave his support to 
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the 
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to 
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. 
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1 84 1, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, 
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc- 
cessive elections held that important post for ten 
years. In 1 853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- 
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these 
responsible positions, he discharged his duties 
with distingui.shed ability, and proved himself the 
warm friend of the working cla.sses. In 1857, Mr. 
Johnson was elected United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, .stating, however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would 
probably prove "to be the gateway out of which 
the sable .sons of Africa are to pass from bondage 
to freedom, and become merged in a population 
congenial to theni.selves." In 1850, he also sup- 
ported the compromise measures, the two esseu- 



84 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



tial features of which were, that the white people 
of the Territories should be permitted to decide 
for themselves whether they would enslave the 
colored people or not, and that the free States of 
the North should return to the South persons who 
attempted to escape from slaver)-. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly 
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in 
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own 
exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the 
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic; 
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and 
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son 
of a carpenter. ' ' 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, 
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for 
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of 
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took 
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held 
that "slavery must be held subordinate to the 
Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn- 
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to 
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee 
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, 
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov- 
ernor of the State, and he estabUshed the most 
stringent militarj' rule. His numerous proclama- 
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was 
elected Vice-President of the United States, and 
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, 
became President. In a speech two days later he 
said, "The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime 
and must be punished; that the Government will 
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong 
not only to protect, ])ut to punish. * •■■ The 
people must understand that it (treason) is the 
blackest of crimes, and will surely be puni.shed." 
Yet his whole administration, the history of which 
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, 
and in the most violent opposition to, the princi- 
ples laid down in that .speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnest)', he was opposed by Congress, and he 
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and 
lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut- 
mo.st. In the beginning of 1868, on account of 



"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal 
of which was the removal of Secretar>' Stanton in 
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of 
impeachment were preferred against him, and the 
trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was 
at length submitted to the court for its action. It 
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar- 
ticle so would it vote upon all . Thirty-four voices 
pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds 
vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was 
pronounced acquitted, not^vithstanding the great 
majority against him. The change of one vote 
from the not guilty side would have sustained the 
impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his tenn, 
was but little regarded. He continued, though 
impoteutly, his conflict with Congress. His own 
party did not think it expedient to renominate 
him for the Presidencj'. The Nation rallied with 
enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash- 
ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew 
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin 
introduced him to the President's chair. Not- 
withstanding this, never was there presented to a 
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, 
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed 
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, 
Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 
1875. On January 26, after an exciting struggle, 
he was cho.sen by the Legislature of Tennessee 
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess, 
and took his seat in that body, at the special ses- 
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- 
dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near 
Carter Station, Tenn. Whert he started on his 
journey, he was apparently in his u.sual vigorous 
health, but on reaching the residence. of his child 
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis, 
which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc- 
casionally, but finally passed away at 2 a. m., 
July 31 , aged sixty-.seven years. His funeral was 
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with 
every demonstration of respect. 





^z^^^<^^ 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



HLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born on the 
2gth of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in 
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks 
of the Ohio. Shortlj- after, his father moved to 
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulj'sses received a common- 
school education. At the age of seventeen, in 
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academj' 
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, 
sensible young man, of fair abilitj', and of sturdj', 
hone.st character. He took respectable rank as a 
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of 
Infantrj- to one of the distant militar}^ posts in the 
Mis.souri Territory. Two years he passed in these 
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His 
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no 
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or 
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second 
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en- 
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal 
service of daring and skillful horsemanship. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant 
returned with his regiment to New York, and 
was again sent to one of the military posts on the 
frontier. The di.scovery of gold in California 
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to 
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a 
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- 
tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life 
was weari.some in those wilds, and he resigned 
his commission and returned to the States. Hav- 
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a 
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little 



skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering 
into the leather business, with a younger brother 
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As 
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter 
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting- 
room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me 
for the army; though I have served him through 
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the 
debt. I am still readj' to discharge my obliga- 
tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and 
see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of 
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to 
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their 
services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- 
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward 
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk 
in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza- 
tion that was being formed in the State in behalf 
of the Government. On the isthof Jinie, 1861, 
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of 
the Twenty-fir.st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had 
served for fifteen years in the regular army, were 
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of 
Brigadier-General, and was placed in connnand at 
Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu- 
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. 
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere 
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their 
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- 
furled in its stead. 

He entered the ser\'ice with great determina- 
tion and immediately began active duty. This 
was the beginning, and until the surrender of 
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy 



88 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, 
a few days later, he surprised and routed the. 
rebels, then at Ft. Henrj- won another victorj'. 
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. 
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the 
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately 
made a Major-General, and the military district 
of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains. Gen. Grant knew well 
how to secure the results of victory. He imme- 
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then 
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, 
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. 
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of 
the city with over thirty thousand men and one 
hundred and seventy-two cannon. The fall of 
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which 
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened 
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown 
from his horse, and received se\-ere injuries, from 
which he was laid up for months. He then 
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas 
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of 
strategic and technical measures put the Union 
army in fighting condition. Then followed the 
blood}- battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- 
tain and Mi.ssionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him 
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of 
February, 1864, Congress revived the grade of 
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred 
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to 
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties 
of his new office. 

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge 
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed 
National troops for an attack upon Richmond, 
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor 
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be 
promptly assembled from all quarters for its de- 
fense. The whole continent .seemed to tremble 
under the tramp of the.se majestic armies, rushing 
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- 
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened 



with closely-packed thousands. His plans were 
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- 
paigns, which were executed with remarkable 
energy and abilitj-, and were consummated at the 
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. 
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de- 
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- 
strument in its salvation. The eminent services 
he had thus rendered the country brought him 
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi- 
date for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
Maj" 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated 
for the Presidencj-, and at the autumn election 
received a majority of the popular vote, and two 
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and 
ninety-four electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican 
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th ot 
June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for 
a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec- 
tion was emphaticalh' indorsed by the people five 
mouths later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- 
oral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. 
Grant started upon his famous trip around the 
world. He visited almost every country of the 
civilized world, and was everywhere received 
with such ovations and demonstrations of respect 
and honor, private as well as public and official, 
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen 
of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before 
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for 
a renomination for President. He went to New 
York and embarked in the brokerage business 
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The 
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, 
and for larceny was sent to the penitentiarj-. 
The General was attacked with cancer in the 
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never 
complaining. He was re-instated as General of 
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer 
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885, 
the nation went in mourning over the death 01 
the illustrious General. 





^'^^ii^'f 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth 
President of the United States, was born in 
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost 
three months after the death of his father, Rutlier- 
ford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and 
maternal sides was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 
12S0, when Haj-es and Rutherford were two 
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both 
families belonged to the nobilitj', owned extensive 
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune 
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland 
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Coini. His son 
George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, 
married Sarah I,ee, and li\-ed from the time of 
his marriage until his death in Simsbur)', Conn. 
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was 
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. 
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather 
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in 
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and 
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an 
unknown date, settling in Braltleboro, where he 
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford 
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born. 
He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors 
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having 
been among the wealthiest and best families of 
Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is 
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the 
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- 
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary' War. • 
The father of President Hayes was an industri- 
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a 



mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, 
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that 
he chose to undertake. He was a member of the 
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises 
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris- 
tian principles. After the close of the War of 
1 81 2, for reasons inexpHcable to his neighbors, he 
resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vemiont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- 
ways, was a ver}' serious affair. A tour of in- 
spection was first made, occupying four months. 
Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where 
the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22, 
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three 
months before the birth of the son of whom we 
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, 
found the support she so much needed in her 
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from 
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had 
adopted .some time before as an act of charity. 

Rutherford was seven years old before he went 
to school. His education, however, was not neg- 
lected. He probably learned as much from his 
mother and sister as he would have done at 
school. His sports were almost whollj- within 
doors, his plaj-mates being his .sister and her asso- 
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to 
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del- 
icate con.sideration for the feelings of others which 
were marked traits of his character. 

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest 
interest in his education; and as the boy's health 
had improved, and he was making good progress 
in his .studies, he proposed to send him to college. 
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; 



92 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- 
fessor in the \Vesle>- an University in Middletown, 
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at 
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head 
of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the ofiSce of Thomas Sparrow, 
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities 
for studj' in Columbus somewhat limited, he de- 
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, 
Mass., where he remained two years. 

In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he 
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and 
shortly afterward went into practice as an at- 
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- 
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring 
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious 
of distinction in his profession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am- 
bition found a new stimulus. For several years, 
however, his progress was slow. Two events 
occurring at this period had a powerful influence 
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his 
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter 
of Dr. James Webb, of Cliillicothe; the other was 
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, 
a body embracing among its members such men 
as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John 
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others 
hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar- 
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wi\-es of 
our Presidents was more universally admired, 
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and 
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon 
American womanhood. The Literarj'Club brought 
Mr. Hayes into cdhstant association with young 
men of high character and noble aims, and lured 
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his 
bashfulness and modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge 
of the Court of Common Pkas, but he declined to 
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of- 
fice of Cit>- .Solicitor becoming vacant, the City 
Council elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was 
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at 



the Bar was among the first. But the news of 
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to 
take up arms for the defense of his countrj'. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. 
In October, 1861, he was made Lieu tenant- Colo- 
nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of 
the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused 
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. 
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of 
his old regiment. At the battle of South Moun- 
tain he received a wound, and while faint and 
bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that 
won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, 
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, 
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha 
division, and for gallant and meritorious services 
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and 
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. 
He was also breveted Major-General, "for gallant 
and distinguished services during the campaigns 
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his 
arduous services, four horses were shot from un- 
der him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress 
from the Second Ohio District, which had long 
been Democratic. He was not present during the 
campaign, and after the election was importuned 
to resign his commission in the army; but he fi- 
nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing- 
ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He 
was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of 
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular 
Democrat, and in 1S69 was re-elected over George 
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the 
third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re- 
publican party in the Presidential conte.st, and 
after a hard, long contest was chosen President, 
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. 
He served his full term, not, however, with satis- 
faction to his party, but his administration was an 
average one. The remaining years of his life 
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he 
passed away January 17, 1893. 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



(Tames a. GARFIELD, twentieth President 
I of the United States, was born November 19, 
(2/ 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga 
Countj", Ohio. His parents were Abram and 
Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England 
ancestr\-, and from families well known in the 
earl J- historj- of that section of our counti-j-, but 
who had moved to the Western Resei"ve, in Ohio, 
early in its settlement. 

The house in which James A. was born was 
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio fanners of 
that da}-. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, 
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. 
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he 
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, 
and a log barn built. The household comprised 
the father and mother and their four children, 
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in 
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time 
James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, 
can tell how much James was indebted to liis 
brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty 
years succeeding his father's death. He now 
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, 
Ohio, near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages j'oung Gar- 
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the 
mo.st of them. He labored at farm work for 
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did 
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid 
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the 
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield 
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot 
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and 
manhood; neither did they ever forget him. 
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest 
friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as 
ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym- 
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of 



want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, 
plain, modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until 
he was about sixteen years old was to be cap- 
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious 
to go aboard a ves.sel, but this his. mother strongly 
opposed. She finally consented to his going to 
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that 
he should try to obtain some other kind of em- 
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. 
This was his first vi.sit to the city. After making 
many applications for work, and trying to get 
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc- 
ce.ss, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. 
He remained at this work but a short time, when 
he went home, and attended the seminary at 
Chester for about three years. He then entered 
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few 
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other 
work. This school was started by the Disciples 
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a 
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in 
order to help pay his way. He then became both 
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram," 
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 
he entered Williams College, from which he grad- 
uated in 1856, taking one of the higliest honors of 
his cla,ss. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- 
lege as its President. As above .stated, he early 
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous 
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places 
where he happened to be. 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage, Novem- 
ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who 
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom 
all the world loved. To them were born seven 
children, five of whom are still living, four boys 
and one girl. 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and 
three years later he began to speak at county 
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker 
wherever he was. During this year he was 
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to 
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted 
to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the 
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once 
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to 
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission 
as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- 
ment of Ohio Lifantry August 14, 1861. He 
was immediately put into active service, and be- 
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was 
placed in command of four regiments of infantrj' 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the able 
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky. 
This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, 
although against great odds, and President Lin- 
coln commissioned him Brigadier-General, Janu- 
ary 10, 1862; and "as he had been the youngest 
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now 
he was the youngest General in the army." He 
was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its 
operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of 
the general court martial for the trial of Gen. 
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re- 
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the 
" Chief of Staff. " The military history of Gen. 
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick- 
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part, Gen. Garfield 
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from 
the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This .section of 
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty 
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and 
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- 
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At 
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest 
member in that body. There he remained by 
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- 
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator 
Hoar says: "Since the year 1864 you cannot 
think of a question which has been debated in 



Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the 
American people, in regard to which you will not 
find, if j-ou wish instruction, the argument on 
one side stated, in almost every instance better 
than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings 
by Mr. Garfield." 

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- 
ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of 
June, of the same year, was nominated as the 
candidate of his party for President at the great 
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- 
lowing November, and on March 4, 1881, was 
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever 
opened its existence under brighter auspices than 
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew 
in favor with the people. By the ist of July 
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- 
nary work of his administration, and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- 
iams College. While on his way and at the 
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man 
stepped behind. him, drew a revolver, and fired 
directly at his back. The President tottered and 
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second 
.shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his 
victim, but inflicting no further injurJ^ It has 
been very truthfully said that this was ' ' the shot 
that was heard around the world. ' ' Never before 
in the history of the nation had anything occur- 
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment as this awful deed. He was 
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his 
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For 
eighty days, all during the hot months of July 
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how- 
ever, remained nia.ster of himself till the last, and 
by his magnificent bearing taught the country' 
and the world one of the noblest of human les- 
sons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of 
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great 
in death. He passed .sereneh- away September 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of 
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be- 
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely 
ever had done on the death of any other great 
and noble man. 




>*. > 




-ai. 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October, 
1830. and was the eldest of a family of two sons 
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. 
WilHam Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- 
grated to this country from County Antrim, Ire- 
land, in his eighteenth j'ear, and died in 1875, in 
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc- 
cessful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at Union College, 
Schenectad)', where he excelled in all his studies. 
Alter his graduation he taught school in Ver- 
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that 
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the ofiice of ex-Judge E. D. Culver 
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he 
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and 
room-mate, Henr>- D. Gardiner, with the inten- 
tion of practicing in the West, and for three 
months they roamed about in the Western States 
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re- 
turned to New York, where they hung out their 
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- 
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- 
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the 
United States Navy, who was lost at .sea. Con- 
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- 
nition of the bravery- he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. 
Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav- 
ing two children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained con.siderable legal celeb- 
rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon 
suit, brought to reco\-er possession of eight slaves 
w^ho had been declared free b>- Judge Paine, of 
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 



1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to 
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them 
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. 
The Judge decided that they could not be held bj- 
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl 
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia 
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of 
that State to assist in an appeal. W'illiam M. 
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to 
represent the people, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the 
United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused 
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, was 
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long 
step was taken toward the emancipation of the 
black race. 

Another great ser\-ice was rendered by Gen. 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen- 
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off 
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had 
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf, 
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next 
day the company issued an order to admit colored 
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car 
companies quickly followed their example. Be- 
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few 
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines 
refused to let them ride at all. 

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of 
the Second Brigade of the State of New York, 
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him 
Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was 
made In.spector-General, and soon aftenvard be- 
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these 
offices he rendered great service to the Govern- 



lOO 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- 
gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form- 
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then 
Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, 
was added to the firm. The legal practice of this 
well-known firm was verj- large and lucrati\-e, 
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able 
lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa- 
tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent. 

Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State 
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of 
the Port of New York by President Grant, No- 
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, 
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when 
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the 
famous National Republican Convention held at 
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the 
greatest political convention that ever assembled 
on the continent. It was compo.sed of the lead- 
ing politicians of the Republican part}-, all able 
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously 
and with signal tenacity for his respective can- 
didate that was before the convention for the 
nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the 
nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for 
Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the his- 
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- 
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular 
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his 
election. 

Finally the election came, and the country's 
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- 
augurated March 4, 1 881, as President and Vice- 
President. A few months only had passed ere 
the newly-chosen President was the victim of the 
assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of 
suffering — those moments of anxi(jus suspense, 
when the hearts of all civilized nations were 
throbbing in uui.son, longing for the recover}- of 
the noble, the good President. The remarkable 
patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible 
suffering man has ever been called upon to en- 
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was 



certainly godlike. During all this period of 
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was 
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every 
action displayed only an earnest desire that the 
suffering Garfield might recover to serv-e the re- 
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- 
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in 
deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President 
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as 
never before in its history over the death of any- 
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the 
duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon- 
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath 
in New York, September 20, i88i. The position 
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so 
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious 
to know what he would do, what policy he would 
pursue, and whom he would select as advisers. 
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected 
during the President's long illness, and many im- 
portant measures were to be immediately decided 
by him ; and to still further embarass him he did 
not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many 
on this point. Under these trying circumstances. 
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern- 
ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as 
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised 
the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized 
his administration. He ser\-ed the nation well 
and faithfully until the close of his administra- 
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate 
before his party for a second term. His name 
was ably presented before the convention at Chi- 
cago, and was received with great favor, and 
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one 
of the oppo.sing candidates, he would have been 
selected as the standard-bearer of his party for 
another campaign. He retired to private life, car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American 
people, whom he had ser\-ed in a manner satisfac- 
tory to them and with credit to himself. One 
year later he was called to his final rest. 




^. 



^^. 



.^^- 



-^ 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



(pTEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the 
7\ twent}' -second President of the United States, 
\~J was born in 1837, in the obscure town of 
Caldwell, Essex Count}-, N. J., and in a little 
two-and-a-half-storj' white house, which is still 
standing to characteristicall)- mark the humble 
birthplace of one of America's great men, in 
striking contrast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in origin and 
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject 
of this sketch was three years of age, his father, 
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large 
family and a small salar}-, moved, by waj- of the 
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N. 
Y., in search of an increased income and a larger 
field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles 
from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour 
was born. 

At the last-mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned 
way, and presumably distinguished himself after 
the manner of all village boys — in doing the 
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis- 
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent 
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- 
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity- of the 
village school, and expressed a most emphatic de- 
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa- 
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money: besides, his father wanted him 
to become self-supporting by the quickest pos- 
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville 
seemed to be a po.sition in a country store, where 
his father and the large family on his hands had 



considerable influence. Grover was to be paid 
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved 
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second 
year. Here the lad commenced his career as 
salesman, and in two years he had earned so good 
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- 
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length 
of time. 

But instead of remaining with this firm in 
Fayetteville, he went with the famil}- in their re- 
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity 
of attending a High School. Here he industri- 
ously pursued his studies until the family re- 
moved with him to a point on Black River known 
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six 
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y. 
At this place his father died, after preaching but 
three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York Cit\- to accept, 
at a small salary, the po.sition of under- teacher 
in an a.syluin for the blind. He taught faithfully 
for two years, and although he obtained a good 
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that 
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers- 
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek 
his fortune, instead of going to the cit>-. He first 
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some 
charm in that name for him; but before proceed- 
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice 
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- 
breeder of that place. The latter did not .speak 
enthusia-stically. "What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to .study 
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked 
the old gentleman; "do you, indeed? Whatever 



I04 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



put that into your head ? How much money 
have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I 
haven't got any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him 
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at 
$50 a year, while he could look around. One 
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of- 
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and 
told them what he wanted. A number of young 
men were already engaged in the oiEce, but Gro- 
ver's persistency won, and he was finally per- 
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use 
of the law library, receiving as wages the sum ol 
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his 
board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although 
the first winter was a memorabh- severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he 
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and 
regular. On the first day of his service there, his 
senior employer threw down a copy of Black- 
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust 
fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A 
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and 
students, as they thought that was enough to 
.scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due 
time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve- 
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather 
than for chasing principles through all their 
metaphj'sical po.ssibilities. "Let us quit talking 
and go and do it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland 
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County, 
N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such 
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- 
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was 
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the 
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- 
ing about certain reforms in the administration 
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of- 
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance 
of duty has generally been considered fair, with 
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted 
out and magnified during his Presidential cam- 
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an 



iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a 
time for plain speech, and my objection to your 
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the 
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and 
shameless scheme to betray the interests of the 
people and to worse than squander the people's 
money." The New York Sziti afterward very 
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- 
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- 
mended him for Governor of the Empire State. 
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and 
his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, 
if any, were made very public throughout the na- 
tion after he was nominated for President of the 
United States. For this high office he was 
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo- 
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- 
petitors were Thomas F. Bajard, Roswell P. 
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. 
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was 
elected by the people, b)- a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re- 
publican statesman, Jamts G. Blaine. President 
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New 
York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for 
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United 
States, in which capacity his term commenced at 
noon on the 4tli of March, 1S85. 

The .silver question precipitated a controversy 
between those who were in favor of the continu- 
ance of silver coinage and those who were op- 
po.sed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, 
even before his inauguration. 

On June 2, 18S6, President Cleveland married 
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- 
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their 
union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh- 
ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- 
land was renominated by his party, but the 
Republican candidate. Gen. Benjamin Harrison, 
was victorious. In the nominations of 1892 
these two candidates for the highest position in 
the gift of the people were again pitted again.st 
each other, and in the ensuing election President 
Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming 
majority. 



m%^ 





T^-TT-^t-^^^^r^ 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



gENJAMIN HARRISON, the twentj--third 
President, is the descendant of one of the 
historical families of this country. The first 
known head of the familj- was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, 
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and 
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell's power it be- 
came the dut\- of this Harrison to participate in 
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subsequently 
paid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 
1660. His descendants came to America, and 
the next of the family that appears in history is 
Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa- 
ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom 
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- 
ber of the Continental Congress during the years 
1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 

Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the 
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a 
successful career as a soldier during the War of 
1812, and with a clean record as Governor of the 
Northwestern Territory-, was elected President of 
the United States in 1840. His career was cut 
short by death within one month after his in- 
auguration. 

President Harrison was born at North Bend, 



Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His 
life up to the time of his graduation from Miami 
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventftil 
one of a countrj- lad of a family of small means. 
His father was able to give him a good education, 
and nothing more. He became engaged while at 
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of 
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he 
determined to enter upon the study of law. He 
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two 
years. At the expiration of that time young Har- 
rison received the onl}' inheritance of his life — his 
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He 
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to 
get married at once, take this money and go to 
some Eastern town and begin the practice of law. 
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, 
he started out with his young wife to fight for a 
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- 
apolis, which was even at that time a town of 
promise. He met with slight encouragement at 
first, making scarcely anything the first year. 
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to 
his calling, built up an extensive practice and 
took a leading rank in the legal profession. 

In i860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- 



io8 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by 
a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its 
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- 
est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his 
time at first in mastering military tactics and drill- 
ing his men, and when he came to move toward 
the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of 
the best drilled and organized in the arm)-. At 
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and 
for his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made 
a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of 
him in the most complimentar\- terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the 
field, the Supreme Court declared the ofiice of 
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another 
person was elected to the position. From the 
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until 
the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence, 
but having been nominated that year for the same 
office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and 
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the 
State, and was elected for another term. He then 
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was 
stricken down with .scarlet fever, and after a most 
trying attack made his way to the front in time to 
participate in the closing incidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election 
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 
1S76 he was a candidate for Governor. Although 
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for 
him a national reputation, and he was much sought 
after, e.specially in the East, to make speeches. 
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the 
campaign, and was elected to the United States 
Senate. Here he .ser\-ed for six years, and was 
known as one of the ablest men, be.st lawyers and 
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- 
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the 
practice of his profession, becoming the head of 
one of the .strongest firms in the State. 

The political campaign of i888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. 
The convention which as.sembled in Chicago in 
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief stand- 
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in 
every particular, and on this account, and the at- 



titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the 
day, chief among which was the tariflF, awoke a 
deep interest in the campaign throughout the 
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations 
began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his 
home. This movement became popular, and from 
all sections of the country societies, clubs and 
delegations journeyed thither to pa\- their re- 
-spects to the distinguished statesman. 

Mr. Harrison .spoke daily all through the sum- 
mer and autumn to these visiting delegations, 
and .so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his 
speeches that thej' at once placed him in the fore- 
most rank of American orators and statesmen. 
Elected by a hand,some majority, he ser\-ed his 
country faithfully and well, and in 1S92 was nom- 
inated for re-election; but the people demanded a 
change and he was defeated by his predecessor 
in office, Grover Cleveland. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and 
his power as a debater. Gen. HarrLson was called 
upon at an early age to take part in the dis- 
cussion of the great questions that then began to 
agitate the country. He was an uncompromising 
anti-slavery man, and was matched against some 
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his 
State. No man who felt the touch of his blade 
desired to be pitted with him again. With all 
his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora- 
torical effect, but his words always went like bul- 
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his 
ideas, and is a splendid type of the American 
statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi- 
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the 
most distinguished impromptu speakers in the 
nation. Many of these speeches .sparkled with the 
rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great 
weight, and manj' of his terse statements have 
already become aphorisms. Original in thought, 
precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal 
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the 
sound .statesman and brilliant orator of the day. 
During the la.st days of his administration Presi- 
dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the 
death of his devoted wife, Caroline (Scott) Har- 
rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir- 
tues. They were the parents of two children. 



HANCOCK, McDONOUGH 

AND 

HENDERSON COUNTIES, 

ILLINOIS. 



I NTRODUCTORY. 



'HE time has arrived wlieii it becomes the 
dut>' of the peo])le of this county to perpet- 
uate the names of their pioneers, to furnish 
a record of their early settlement, and relate the 
storj- of their progress. The civilization of oui 
day, the enlightenment of the age, and the duty 
that men of the present time owe to their ances 
tors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand 
that a record of their lives and deeds should be 
made. In biographical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental 
faculties, and to waft down the ri\-er of time a safe 
vessel, in which the names and actions of the peo- 
ple who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and 
rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime 
entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil 
as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The 
number remaining who can relate the incidents of 
the first days of settlement is becoming small in- 
deed, so that an actual necessity exists for the col- 
lection and preservation of e\ents without delay, 
before all the early settlers are cut down by the 
scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of 
mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgot- 
ten soon enough, in spite of their best works and 
the most earnest efFortsof their friends to preserve 
the memorj- of their lives. The means employed 
to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their meni- 
orj' has been in proportion to the amount of intel- 
ligence they possessed. The pyramids of Egypt 
were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of 
their great rulers. The exhumations made by the 
archaeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indi- 
cate a desire of those people to perpetuate the 
memory of their achievements. The erection of 
the great obelisks were for the .same purpose. 
Comingdown to a later period, we find the Greeks 
and Romans erecting mau.soleums and monu- , 



ments, and carv^ing out statues to chronicle their 
great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in pil- 
ing up their great mounds of earth, had but this 
idea — to leave something to show that they had 
lived. All these works, though many of them 
costl\- in the extreme, give but a faint idea of the 
lives and characters of those whose memory they 
were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anj-thing 
of the masses of the people that then lived. The 
great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain 
objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monu- 
ments and statues are crumbling into du.st. 
^ It was left to modern ages to establish an intel- 
ligent, undecaying, immutable method of perpet- 
uating a full history — immutable, in that it is al- 
most unlimited in extent and perpetual in its ac- 
tion; and this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable sys- 
tem of local biography. By this system everj' 
man, though he has not achieved what the world 
calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his 
life, his history, through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of 
the physical man is left. The monument which 
his children or friends may erect to his memory in 
the cemeter}' will crumble into dust and pass 
away; but his life, his achievements, the work he 
has accomplished, which otherwise would be for- 
gotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. 

To preser\e the lineaments of our companions 
we engrave their portraits; for the same reason 
we collect the attainable facts of their historj-. Nor 
do we think it neces.sary, as we speak only truth 
of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those 
who know them are gone; to do this we are 
ashamed only to publish to the world the history 
of those whose lives are unworthy of public record. 



rv% •:■ 




H. G. Ferris 



Biographical. 



HIRAM G. FERRIS was for many years one 
of the most prominent business men and 
leading citizens of Carthage, and when 
called to the home beyond, his loss was mourned 
throughout the entire communit)-, for he had not 
onlj' won many friends, but was ever interested in 
those enterprises which were calculated to prove 
of public benefit. His father was Stephen G. 
Ferris, a pioneer of Hancock County, who emi- 
grated with his family to the West, and settled in 
Fountain Green, December i8, 1832, the journey 
being made in a flatboat down the Ohio River to 
Cincinnati, where they boarded a steamer. 

Hiram was then a lad of ten years, for he was 
born May 13, 1822, in Steuben County, N. Y. 
In early life he attended the common schools, and 
afterwards pur.sued his studies in Knox College 
at Galesburg. In company with David D. Colton, 
in 1850 he made the overland trip to California, 
and took a leading part in public affairs. He 
was appointed one of the Commissioners who or- 
ganized Siskiyou County, of which he afterward 
served for two terms as Circuit Clerk. At that 
time Gen. Colton was Sheriff of the county, which 
contained many rough characters among the min- 
ers. On one occasion a mob tried to rescue one 
of their number who was in jail, but Mr. Ferris 
and Gen. Colton kept them back with drawn 
revolvers. Our .subject also witnessed the Mor- 
mon War, but did not take part in it. Heser\'ed 
as Deputy Sheriff in 1842, and was highly spoken 
of by his superior officer. In 1857 he returned 
from California to Hancock County, and, having 
previously studied law, was admitted to the Bar. 
He formed a partnership with the firm of Hooker 
& Edmunds, which continued until 1863, when 
Mr. Edmunds withdrew. Mr. Ferris, however, 
continued in the business until the following year. 
In 1865 he embarked in the banking and real-es- 



tate business with F. M. Corby, and established 
what became the Hancock Count)- National Bank, 
of which he was elected President, and continued 
to serve as such until his death. 

In McDonough Count}-, August 20, 1857, Mr. 
Ferris married Mi.ss Julia E. Holton, and to them 
were born nine children: Junius C; Esta Maude, 
wife of Frank H. Graves, an attorney of Spokane, 
Wash.; Julia, wife of L. P. Hubbs, of Clayton; 
Ellen, wife of Ralph E. Scofield, an attorney -of 
Kansas City; Phoebe, who was married October 
4, 1893, to George W. Wooster, of Spokane, 
Wash.; Hiram B., Joel E. and Harold G. , who 
are still at home. Junius and Stephen are con- 
nected with the bank in which their father's old 
partner, Mr. Corby, was interested until his 
sudden death in Chicago. His widow still holds 
her husband's shares of stock in the same. 

Mr. Ferris became a member of the Masonic 
fraternity in 1850, and several times .served as 
Master of the Blue Lodge. He also belonged to 
the chapter, council and commandery. He was 
honored with a number of city offices, having 
sen-ed as President and Councilman, and for 
many years was on the Board of Education. 
The cause of temperance ever found in him a 
most stalwart advocate, and he strongly opposed 
the licensing of saloons in Carthage. He was al- 
ways found on the side of right and justice, was 
strictly honorable in all business dealings, and 
his word was as good as his bond. He won suc- 
cess not by over-reaching others, but by good 
management, industry and enterprise. He was 
always alive to the best interests of the city, and 
was liberal in the support of everything which he 
believed would prove of benefit totheconnnunity. 
Those who had known him from early life were 
numbered among his .stanche.st friends, a fact 
which tells of an honorable record, well worthy 



u8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of emulation. He passed awaj' Augfust 20, 1893. 
The funeral services were conducted by the 
Masonic fraternity, and a large concourse of friends 
gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to one 
who had long been among them. He was a loyal 
citjzen, a faithful and considerate friend, a kind 
and loving husband and father, and left to his 
family the priceless heritage of a good name. 



I^HJH^i 



"SI 



(TAMESON HAWKINS WETZEL, the genial 
I and popular proprietor of the Adams House, 
(2/ of Warsaw, is a native of the neighboring 
State of Indiana. He was born in Marion Coun- 
t}-, July 5, 1835, and is descended from good old 
Revolutionary stock. His grandfather, John 
Wetzel, served for four years under Washington, 
and the maternal grandfather, John Symmonds, 
bravely ser\-ed as a soldier in the War of 18 12. 
Our subject now has in his possession se\-eral 
Revolutionary relics. 

The father of Jameson H., John Wetzel, was a 
native of Pennsylvania. When a young man he 
served a three-years apprenticeship to a cabinet 
maker, and then worked for seven j-ears as a 
journeyman. He became quite proficient in that 
line, and manufactured some fine pieces of furni- 
ture. Later in life he turned his attention to 
farming. Havingrenioved to Ohio, he was there 
united in marriage with Mary Synnnonds, a na- 
tive of the Buckeye State, and to them were born 
eleven children, as follows: Marion; John, who 
died in 1845; Mahlon, whodiedin 1839; Jameson; 
Nelson M., now residing in Elvaston, 111. ; Joanna, 
who died at the age of fourteen years; Levi and 
Benjamin Franklin, who died in infancy; Loyal 
Fairman, of Hamilton; William S., ofBasco, Han- 
cock County; and Perry LaFayette, of the same 
county. The father of this family died Novem- 
ber 12, 1858, and the mother, who survixed him 
for manj' years, passed away in 1884. 

Jame.son Wetzel, whose name heads this rec- 
ord, was reared to manhood upon his father's 
farm, and in his youth received such educational 
advantages as the district .school of the neighbor- 



hood afforded. After arriving at mature years he 
followed farming for some time, and was fairly 
successful in the undertaking. He was married 
January- 16, 1859, the lady of his choice being 
Mi.ss Martha J., daughter of William Kimbrough. 
To them were bom eight children, but onlj- three 
of the number are yet living, namely: Marj^ E. , 
wife of James Biggs, of Basco; John W., of New 
York ; and Charles. Their son Albert was drowned 
on the 9th of August, 1892, and the following 
touching memorial was written by Francis Marion 
Wetzel: 

"Albert, we bid thee a sad and silent farewell. 
In thy youth thou wast laid to rest in the narrow 
limits of the tomb, there to await the resurrection 
morn. So quiet didst thou appear in thy sleep of 
death that knows no earthly awakening, it seemed 
almost mockerj- to weep over thy calm features. 
Death stole in softness and touched th}- face with 
angelic .sweetness, and stamped upon it the quiet- 
ness of calm repose, which told that thj^ soul was 
free from this earthly pri.son, and that thou hadst 
passed away from the poor cares of life. Yes, AI 
bert, thou hast crossed the dark stream of death 
and hast gone from those who loved thee dearly. 
In memorj- we see the suppressed grief of thy par- 
ents, the touching affection of thy brothers and 
thy .si.ster — hear their soft wail and see their 
farewell look. What volumes of love they be- 
spoke! But thy marble lips gave no kindred re- 
sponses. As we gazed upon this sad and affecting 
separation, manhood was moved to pity, and sor- 
row claimed her due. We turned away, feeling 
that we had parted, but not forever. Only a few 
short years and we shall come and dwell in the 
silent tomb by thy side. Thy faithful friends, true 
from fir.st to last, all shall come and rest in their 
silent beds, and with thee we shall sleep through 
death's long dreamless night until the archan- 
gel's trump shall awake us on that memorable 
morn. May we awake in that paradise where 
.sorrow, pain and death are unknown!" 

Mr. Wetzel carried on agricultural pursuits un- 
til chosen Deputy Sheriff of the county in 1878. 
He thus served for four years and was then elected 
Sheriff in 1882. He made a splendid record 
while in that office, winning the commendation of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



119 



all concerned. When his term had expired he 
embarked in the liverj- bu.sine.ssin Carthage, and 
continued operations along that line for two years, 
when he sold out and took charge of the Adams 
House in Warsaw, which he has now been con- 
ducting for two years. This is a first -class hotel, 
complete in all its appointments, and has found 
favor with the traveling public. In his political 
views, Mr. Wetzel is a Democrat and warmly ad- 
vocates the principles of his partj-. He holds 
membership with the Masonic fraternity, the In- 
dependent Order of Mutual Aid and the Mutual 
Benefit Association. His life has been well and 
worthily pas.sed. and he well merits the high re- 
gard in which he is held. 



1^+^ 



[^_ 



NENRY WILLIAM RABE, pastor of the 
Lutheran Church of Warsaw, was born 
March 12, 1856, in Concordia, Mo., andisa 
son of Frederick and Dorothea (Oetting) Rabe, 
both of whom were natives of Hanover, German>-. 
With their respective families they came to Amer- 
ica in 1840. By occupation the father of our sub- 
ject was a farmer, and followed that pursuit 
throughout his entire business career. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Rabe were born seven children, of whom 
Henry is the sixth in order of birth. Frederick, 
the eldest, is located at Concordia, Mo. Mrs. 
C. E. Marr resides in Buckley, 111. Mrs. Sophia 
Brackmann is a resident of Concordia. Mrs. Marj- 
Paar makes her home in Indianapolis, Ind., and 
Mrs. Lydia Blanken resides in Buckley, 111. 

Mr. Rabe whose name heads this sketch ac- 
quired his education in the schools of St. Louis, 
and was graduated from Concordia College of 
Springfield, 111., in 1877, i" ^ cla.ss of fourteen. 
Quite early in life it had become his earnest de- 
sire to enter the ministry and devote himself to 
the Master's work, and having fitted him.self for 
that labor he accepted a call from a congregation 
at Webster City, Iowa. He spent nearly six 
years as pastor of the Lutheran Church at that 
place, and built up a church which at the begin- 
ning numbered only a few families. Under his 



super\'ision a parsonage was there erected, and 
the church, which was greatly increased numeri- 
cally, was placed in a thriving condition. Through 
his efforts a house of worship was also erected 
in Alden, in Hubbard and in Eldora, Iowa. In 
1875, when but a student, he built a church in 
Waverl}', Iowa. He has always been quite suc- 
cessful in this line of work and tliereb\- has done 
much for the cause. 

Ere leaving the Hawkeye State, Mr. Rabe was 
married in Dubuque, on the 21st of Maj^ 1878, 
to Miss Louise Weland, daughter of Frederick 
Weland, who belonged to a family of Mecklen- 
burg, Germany. Mrs. Rabe has proved to her 
hu.sband a faithful helpmeet in the truest and 
best sense of that word, and by her encourage- 
ment and sympathy has greatly aided him in his 
labors. Like her husband, .she wins friends 
wherever she goes and has the high regard of all. 

On the 6th of June, 1883, Mr. Rabe came to 
Warsaw, in response to a call from the Lutheran 
Church at this place, and has been its pastor 
for eleven years. The church now numbers 
three hundred and twenty- four members and has 
a well-located property. In connection with the 
church a parochial school is also conducted, now 
under the charge of William A. Erdmann. Mr. 
Rabe has accomplished much in getting the mem- 
bership into good working order. There is now 
a Young People's Society of sixty members which 
was organized by him, and in 1886 was organized 
a Ladies' Aid Society, which has a membership 
of one hundred and six. He is indefatigable in 
his labors for the advancement of the cause of 
Chri.stianity, and is highly esteemed, not only by 
the people of his own denomination, but by those 
of other denominations as well. 



-=1^1^ 



cs_ 



[=^ 



^VSAAC BLISS has for many years resided in 
I Hancock County, and is .so widely and fa\or- 
X abl)- known that this work would be incom- 
plete without the record of his life. He conies of 
an old family of England, that belonged to that 
class which considered coats of arms as indis- 



I20 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



pensable appendages of gentlemen. At the time of 
the Reformation coats of arms were treated in a 
measure as idle trappings of aristocracy, and lost 
the prestige originally attributed to them. In 
America the>- soon began to be regarded as relics 
of former family vanity, and the stanch old 
Puritans would not allow themselves to tolerate 
even a thought that could remind them of the 
vain-glorious display and pomp of their persecu- 
tors in England; and so their children and de- 
scendants born in America grew up in ignorance 
of the heraldic standard of their ancestors in the 
mother country'. The coat of arms of the Bliss 
family, as set forth in Edmundson's Heraldrj', is 
thus described: " Gules a bend vaire between 
two fieur de lis," and bore the inscription "Sew- 
per Sursum , ' ' meaning ' ' Ever upward . ' ' 

Ancient traditions represent the Bliss family 
as living in the south of England and belong- 
ing to the yeomanr)-. From time immemorial 
they had been inclined to Puritanism, through ob- 
serving the loose manners of most of the clergy 
and laymen of the established church. This 
led the family to undergo persecution, and their 
goods were .seized, and some of their number were 
thrown into pri.son. Such treatment led them to 
look toward America with longing, and repre- 
sentatives of the family emigrated hither. Thomas 
Bliss and his brother George landed in Bo.ston in 
the autumn of 1635. From the former in direct 
line is descended our subject. His fourth child, 
Nathaniel, was born in Springfield, Mass., and 
married Catherine Chapin, by whom he had four 
children. One of these, Samuel, was born No- 
vember 7, 1647, and lived to the advanced age of 
one hundred and one and a-half j-ears. He wed- 
ded Sarah Stebbins, and the youngest of their 
nine children, Ebenezer, who was born March 4, 
1696, married Sarah Colton. They had ten chil- 
dren. Isaac, the sixth in order of birth, was 
born January 28, 1727, and became a prominent 
citizen of Warren, Mass. He served as one of 
the Selectmen and as a Deacon in the Congrega- 
tional Church. He took part in the Indian War 
ill 1758. He married Hannah Hubbard and they 
had seven children, of whom Daniel was born 
April 10, 1761. The latter became a prominent 



physician in Chandlersville, Ohio, and married 
Prudence Chandler, by whom he had twelve chil- 
dren. 

Their second child, Samuel, was born May 22, 
1 79 1, and became the father of our subject. He 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Jordan, 
and thej- became the parents of eleven children. 
The Bliss family has furnished many men to the 
country- who have been prominent in professional 
and business circles, and the honored name has 
remained untarnished through many generations. 

Isaac Bliss of this sketch was the fifth in order 
of birth in his father's family, and was born Sep- 
tember 9, 1824, in Muskingum County, Ohio. 
His father, however, was a native of Vermont, 
and died in 1852, at the age of .sixtj'-one years. 
His wife long sur\-ived him, and passed away at 
the advanced age of ninetj'-eight. She was buried 
on the anniversary of her birth, August 12, 1893. 
Two grand-uncles of our subject were soldiers in 
the Revolutionary War. Both were Englishmen, 
but one fought in the British service, while the 
other was in the Colonial army. The Jordan fam- 
ily is probably of Irish lineage. 

In the State of his nativity Isaac Bli.ss spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth. In his early 
years he enjoyed excellent educational advantages, 
and, making the most of his opportunities, he be- 
came a well-informed man. In 1848 he deter- 
mined to try his fortune in the West and emi- 
grated to Hancock Countj-, 111. For many years 
he devoted his energies to teaching school during 
the winter season, being thus employed for more 
than a quarter of a century in the public schools 
of Muskingum County, Ohio, and in this locality. 
After his arrival in Hancock County, he was en- 
gaged during the summer months in farming and 
breeding Short-horned Durham cattle, of which 
he had a large and valuable herd. He al.so taught 
for a short time in Keitli.sburg, Mercer County, 
111. He was an educator of recognized abilitj-, 
and his success along that line made him well 
known among other members of the profession in 
this State. 

On the 4th of October, 1849, Mr. Bliss wedded 
Elizabeth M. Peairs, and to them were born four 
children. The mother died April 17, 1878, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



on the 23d of May, 1888, Mr. Bliss married Mrs. 
Harriet M. Cherrj'. They have one daughter, 
May Elizabeth. Mrs. Bliss is a daughter of Aloiizo 
and Eliza (Lj'ons) Sanford. Her father came 
from New York to Hancock County in 1837, ^'^^ 
is now living in Wythe Township. The mother 
came with her family in 1831. Her father estab- 
lished a town that year which he called Mechan- 
icsville. He was a blacksmith by trade, built a 
smithy and a mill and opened a dry-goods store. 
This undertaking, however, proved unprofitable 
and he lost nearly everything he had. The town 
was situated about four miles west of the present 
site of Augusta. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. In 1853 he aided in organizing a 
church of nine members and was Superintendent 
of its Sunday-school for twenty-five years. He 
continued his connection with it until 1892, and 
lived to see it become a prosperous and flourish- 
ing church. In politics, he is a stanch Republi- 
can, but in exercising his right of franchise he is 
guided not by party, but by principle. By virtue 
of his integrity of character, by his adherence to 
principle, and by his honesty of purpose he has 
embodied in his life the motto on the old coat of 
arms, " Semper Siirsum." 



"^] 



yyiARTIN POPEL, the senior member of the 
y firm of Popel & Giller, of Warsaw, claims 
V9 Bohemia as the land of his birth, the date 
of that event being the 22d of April, 1837. The 
first fifteen years of his life were spent in his na- 
tive land, and no event of special importance oc- 
curred during that period. He then left his old 
home for America, and on reaching the shores of 
this country made his way to vSt. Louis. He 
was dependent upon his own resources for a live- 
lihood, and began working at the butcher's trade, 
which he there followed for a number of j^ears. 
In 1 86 1 he came to Warsaw and embarked in the 
same line of business. 

In 1863, Mr. Popel was joined in wedlock 
with Mrs. Catherine Giller. He continued (iper- 



ations along the old line of business for some time, 
but afterwards embarked in the brewing business. 
In 1 88 1 he was joined by his stepson, John Giller, 
and the present firm was formed. They estab- 
lished a brewery in this place on a small scale, 
but have steadily increased it until it has reached 
its present large proportions. The business has 
continually grown, and employment is now fur- 
nished to about eighteen men. Their sales amount 
to about $50,000 per annum. The members of 
the firm are enterprising and progressive men, and 
their industry and perseverance have brought to 
them a comfortable competence. 



■"S) 



^-^ 



C3_ 



*>&- 



|ILLIAM KUHNS HILL is Principal of 
the Carthage public schools. He is well 
capable of filling the responsible position 
to which he has been called, for he is an educator 
of recognized ability and has already won the 
commendation and favorable criticism of those 
concerned. He has under him eight assist- 
ant teachers, and the scholars enrolled number 
four hundred. The schools are well graded, the 
corps of teachers efficient, and under the able 
management of Prof Hill, the cause of education 
is steadily advancing in Carthage. 

Mr. Hill was born in Leechburg, Pa., Decem- 
ber II, 1857, and is a .son of Salem and E.sther 
(Kuhns) Hill, both of whom were also natives of 
the Key.stone State. The mother was descended 
from an old Huguenot family, and Capt. Mar- 
chand, one of the commanders at Mobile, was her 
cousin. Her grandfather, Michael Steck, was the 
pioneer Lutheran minister west of the mountains 
of Pennsylvania. Henry Steck, who is connected 
with the Chicago Stock Yards, is one of the same 
family. The Hill famih' is of English origin, 
and settled in Philadelphia shortly after the found- 
ing of that city. 

Returning to the personal history of Prof Hill, 
we note that at the age of seventeen years, he en- 
tered Pennsylvania College, of Getty.sburg, Pa., 
from which institution he was graduated in the 
Class of '79, with the degree of A. B. When 



122 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



that course was finished he entered the Lutheran 
Theological Seminary- , of Gettysburg, where he 
studied for three years. He then engaged in 
teaching in that place for a time, and in 18S4 
came to Carthage, to take the Chair of Science in 
Carthage College with Dr. E. F. Bartholomew. 
He continued to acceptably iill that position for 
eight years. He then spent the summer of 1 892 as 
a season of rest, after which he accepted the posi- 
tion of Principal of the Carthage public schools, 
which place he yet fills. 

On the 23d of December, 1887, Mr. Hill was 
married to Miss Kate Griffith, daughter of 
Dr. A. J. and Margaret (McClaughrj-) Griffith, 
whom we will mention later on. The lady was 
bom in this city and was graduated from Carthage 
College in the Class of '82. Three children grace 
their union: Esther Margaret, William Griffith 
and Katharine. In the fall of 1884, before the 
Iowa Synod of the Lutheran Church , Prof. Hill 
was ordained as a minister, and has supplied vari- 
ous pulpits, but has never regularly taken up pas- 
toral work, although he takes a deep and active 
.interest in everything that pertains to the promo- 
tion and upbuilding of the church. 

Dr. Andrew Jackson Griffith, father of Mrs. 
Hill, was for some time a well-known physician 
of Carthage, and it is but just that mention should 
be made of him in this volume. He was born in 
Highland County, Ohio, in February, 1822, and 
was a son of Llewellyn App and Hannah (Hope) 
Griffith. His parents came to Illinois in 1842, 
locating in Fulton County. His father was a 
wagon-maker, and the Doctor partially learned the 
trade, but before he completed it, he began read- 
ing medicine with Dr. P. S. Secor, of Fountain 
Green. He pursued a course iu the Missouri 
Medical College of St. Louis, and after a few years' 
practice took a post-graduate course at the Jeffer- 
son Medical College, of Philadelphia, Pa. He 
entered upon the pro.secution of his cho.sen pro- 
fe.ssion in Fountain Green in 1846. 

The following year, Dr. Griffith married Miss 
Fidelia Ferris, the youngest daughter of Stephen 
G. Ferris. She died in 1849, leaving one child, 
William, who is connected with the Hancock 
County National Bank. In 1850, the Doctor 



crossed the plains to California, where he remained 
two years. In 1854, he removed to Carthage, 
where he engaged in practice some years. On 
the lothofMay, 1854, he was joined in wedlock 
with Miss Margaret McClaughry, who yet sur- 
viv'es her husband. They became the parents of 
twochildren: Kate, wife of Prof. W. K. Hill; and 
Ralph, a bookseller and stationer of Carthage. On 
retiring from practice he became the editor and 
publisher of the Carthage Republican, and in 
1865 became interested in banking, being elected 
Vice-President of the Hancock National Bank. 
To the work connected with the bank he devoted 
much of his attention, and was thus emploj-ed un- 
til his death, which occurred March 19, 1884, af- 
ter a lingering illness. In politics the Doctor was 
a Democrat, and for fort^'j-ears was a prominent 
Mason. He possessed hosts of warm friends, who 
esteemed him highly for his sterling worth and 
many excellencies of character, and his loss was 
deeply mourned throughout the community. 



-=]. 



^-k^ 



\^ 



HOMAS A. DAVIS, D. D. S., who is en- 
gaged in the practice of dental surgerj' in 
Warsaw-, claims Missouri as the State of his 
nativit)-, his birth having occurred in Callaway 
County, Mo., July 9, 1837. He is a son of David 
B. and Rebecca Cynthia (Howe) Davis. His 
father was a native of Kentucky. He was born 
and reared near Mt. Sterling, and in his native 
State married Miss Howe. Soon after his removal 
to Missouri, the date of the event being 1832, he 
joined the church under the preaching of "Rac- 
coon" John Smith, a Chri.stian mini.ster, who 
also performed the wedding ceremony. Mr. Davis 
became a pioneer preacher of Missouri, and held 
meetings throughout that State and in Illinois, 
Kentucky and Indiana. He did much good in 
the world and added many to the church. He 
was born August 31, 1807, and died in Winches- 
ter, 111., March 9, 1887. His wife passed away 
in Taylors-ille, 111., November 7, 1864. This 
worthy couple were the parents of eight children, 
but the Doctor is the only one now living. Tlie 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



123 



Davis family was originally of Welsh extraction, 
but the great-great-grandfather married a French 
lady, and the great-grandfather married an Indian 
maiden. The Howe family was of English lineage. 

Dr. Davis was reared upon hi.s father's farm, 
and early became familiar with the work of the 
fields, plowing corn, raising tobacco, etc. When 
he was sixteen j'ears of age his father removed to 
Audrain County, Mo., and preached for many 
years for the Salt River Church. During that 
time our subject worked at carpentering for a 
while, and in the winter months engaged in teach- 
ing singing-school, but at length he determined 
to give his attention to dentistrj-. In the year 
1872 he began the study of the same with Dr. 
D. G. Palmer, of McLean County, 111., and in 
1874 he became associated with his preceptor as 
a partner. This connection continued for two 
years, when, in 1876, he went to Atlanta, Logan 
County, where he spent four years. On the ex- 
piration of that period, he removed to Jerseyville, 
where the succeeding four years of his life were 
passed. He also spent four years in practice in 
Winchester, 111., and in 1888 came to Warsaw, 
where he has since made his home. 

Dr. Davis has been twice married. On the 
2 1 St of September, 1861, he was united in mar- 
riage with Mi-ss Sallie A. Broaddus, a daughter 
of William G. and Amelia Broaddus. Her death 
occurred June 8, 1883. They were the parents of 
eleven children, but only five are now living: 
Lucy E., wife of J. Hayes, a resident of Missouri; 
Ada, wife of J. E. Baird, of Jersey Countj', 111.; 
Ira J., who resides in Vandalia, Mo. ; Dollie, who 
is living in Centralia, Mo.; and Myrtle, who 
makes her home with her .sister, Mrs. Baird. 
On the 19th of March, 1884, was celebrated the 
marriage of Dr. Davis and Mrs. Mary E. White, 
daughter of H. S. Rodgers. They have one 
child, Viola. 

Dr. Davis has devoted his entire time and at- 
tention to dental work for the past twenty years, 
and has become an expert in his profession. His 
skill and ability secure him a liberal patronage, 
and he now occupies an enviable place among his 
profes.sional brethren. Socially, he is a member 
of the Independent Order of Mutual Aid. He 



belongs to the Christian Church, is a stanch sup- 
porter of temperance principles, and takes an active 
interest in all that tends to benefit and elevate 
humanity. He is public-spirited and progressive, 
and the best interests of the city ever find in him 
a friend. 



=*=l^+^i 



HOMER JUDD, M. D., D. D. S., won great 
prominence as a dentist, and occupied a 
leading place in the ranks of his profes.sion. 
He engaged for a time in practice in Warsaw, but 
the last eight years of his life were spent in Upper 
Alton. He was born in Otis, Berkshire County, 
Mass., March 29, 1820, and was a son of Asa 
and Adah Judd. His father was a farmer and an 
influential citizen of the community in which he 
lived. He several times represented his district 
in the State Legislature of Massachusetts. The 
son in the common .schools acquired his early 
education, which was supplemented by study 
in the Lee and Worthington Academies. Wish- 
ing to fit himself for the medical profes.sioii, he 
entered Berkshire Medical College of Pitt.sfield, 
Mass., and was graduated therefrom in 1847. 
Subsequently, he studied dentistry with Dr. Cone. 
He displayed special aptitude in his studies and 
was a thorough student, whose deep researches 
along the line of knowledge in which he was in- 
terested made him a more than well-informed 
man. Not only did he confine his study to sub- 
jects connected with his profession, but later he 
reviewed his Greek and Latin, and acquired a 
knowledge of the French, German, Spanish and 
Italian languages, also became somewhat ac- 
quainted with the Sanscrit. 

Dr. Judd commenced the practice of medicine 
and dentistry in Ravenna, Ohio, and three years 
later removed to Santa Fe, N. M. He was the 
first educated dentist to fill a tooth in that Terri- 
tory. After a short time, however, he returned 
to the Buckeye State, and sub.sequtntly came to 
Warsaw, where he practiced his dual profession for 
twelve years. While here residing, he served 
for several years on the School Board, and for one 



124 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3'ear was Superintendent. He was always inter- 
ested in the cause of education, and in every en- 
terprise calculated to prove of public benefit. In 
1847 he became a member of the Odd Fellows' 
Lodge of Ravenna, Ohio, and filled all the offices 
in the lodge in Warsa 7^. He was chosen as its 
representative to the Grand Lodge, which met in 
Chicago in 1859. 

In Pittsfield, 111., in March, 1853, Dr. Judd 
was united in marriage with Miss Emily F. 
Hodgen, of that city. Three children were born 
to them, a son and two daughters, but the son 
died at the age of six years. The daughters, 
Adah May and Mary Emily, are .still living, and 
reside with their mother. 

In 1 86 1 the Doctor went to St. Louis, and en- 
tered the United States service as Assistant Sur- 
geon on a hospital steamer running to Vicksburg. 
After the battle of Shiloh, he offered his services, 
and was employed as one of the four surgeons 
charged with the care of four hundred Union 
soldiers. His labors were .so arduous that his 
health became impaired, and he was compelled to 
visit Minnesota for rest and recuperation. He 
was subsequently made Surgeon of the Fortieth 
Mi.ssouri Regiment, and with it served in the bat- 
tles of Franklin, Na.shville and Spanish Fort. 
For some months after the clo.se of the war, he re- 
mained in the service, being stationed at Hunts- 
ville, Ala. In Augu.st, 1865, he was honorably 
discharged and returned to St. Louis, where he 
engaged in dental practice. He was prominent 
in his profes.sion, and was untiring in his efforts for 
its advancement. His zeal in the cause led him to 
enter heartily into the movement for the establish- 
ment of a dental college founded on the basis of 
a medical education, and in 1866 the Missouri 
Dental College was organized, in connection witli 
the St. Louis Medical College. Dr. Judd was 
appointed to the Chair of Institutes of Dental Sci- 
ence, and was made Dean of the college, which 
position he filled for .several years. His fondness 
for literary pursuits, and belief in the need of a 
good dental journal, led him to establish one in 
St. Louis, and in 1869 he became the editor-in- 
chief of the Missouri Dental Joiintal, now the 
Anliiirs of Dentistry. His connection therewith 



made him well known in professional circles 
throughout the country, and his magazine filled a 
long-felt want and aided in the advancement of 
his beloved science. As a journalist and teacher, 
he has never been excelled, and his skill, merit 
and ability won for him promotion, step by step, 
until he occupied a place at the head of the pro- 
fession. He was honored with its highest posi- 
tion, being unanimously elected President of the 
American Dental Association in 1869. His love 
for scientific investigation led him to take an active 
part in the work of the Academy of Science in St. 
Louis, of which he was an active member. 

In later years Dr. Judd was extensively inter- 
ested in silver mining in Colorado, and became 
the head of the Judd Mining Company, which 
owns valuable property near Ouray. His health 
failing in later years, he was compelled to aban- 
don to a great extent his literarj- and professional 
work, and in outdoor pursuits among the moun- 
tains of Colorado the summer seasons were passed. 
In 1882 he removed to Upper Alton, where he 
established a dental office, and practiced his pro- 
fession initil his death, which occurred May 20, 
1890, at the age of seventy years. He posses.sed 
tho.se sterling qualities of head and heart which 
win the re.spect of all, and although he never had 
many intimate friends, he was held in high es- 
teem by everj' one with whom he was brought in 
contact. His life was a noble one, well and 
vi'orthily pa.s.sed, and he left behind a hallowed 
memors'. 



-^^+^[ 



jILLIAM R. FAIRCHILD is extensively 
engaged in coal dealing in Warsaw, hav- 
ing carried on tliat line of bu.siness in this 
place for ten years. He comes from the Buckeye 
State, his birth having occurred in Warrenville, 
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, January 23, 1840. His 
parents were Levi and Dyerdana (Barber) Fair- 
child. The Fairchild family is of Scotch origin. 
The father of our subject was a native of the Em- 
pire State, and by occupation was a farmer and 
carpenter. He emigrated to Illinois in June, 1849, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



125 



and spent his last days in Augusta, where his 
death occurred on the 3d of August, 1879. His 
widow still survives him. To them was born a 
famih- of seven children. 

Mr. Fairchild of this sketch, who was the third 
in order of birth, was reared in the usual manner 
of farmer lads, no event of special importance oc- 
curring during his boyhood and youth. He aid- 
ed in the cultivation of the old homestead farm 
until after the breaking out of the late war, when, 
prompted by patriotic impulses, he responded to 
the country's call for troops, enli.sting on the 7th 
of August, 1862, as a private of Company H, 
v'^eventy-second Illinois Infantrj'. His service 
was principall}^ in the Department of the Missis- 
sippi, and he participated in a number of import- 
ant battles. During the latter part of his term 
he served as Corporal. When hostilities had 
ceased, and the Stars and Stripes once more waved 
over a land of peace, he was honorably discharged, 
on the 7th of August, 1865. 

Returning to his old home in Augusta, Mr. 
Fairchild there remained until 1867, when he en- 
gaged in coal-mining and in running a construc- 
tion train on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 
Railroad. In the same year he went to St. Louis, 
and while there was united in marriage with 
Miss Dora Ruger, daughter of Martin Ruger, 
their union being celebrated on the 7th of August, 
1867. 

After going to the city, Mr. Fairchild entered 
the employ of the Pacific Railroad Company, with 
which he continued for about a year and a-half 
His residence in Warsaw dates from 1868, at 
which time he began dealing in threshing-ma- 
chines and also commenced teaming. He success- 
fully continued this dual occupation until 1884, 
when he embarked in the coal trade. He now 
handles about forty-five hundred tons of coal per 
year, and receives a liberal patronage from the 
surrounding farmers as well as the citizens ot 
Warsaw. He possesses good business and execu- 
tive ability, and by close attention to details, per- 
severance and enterprise, he has won the success 
which has crowned his efforts. Mr. Fairchild 
takes some interest in civic societies and holds 
membership with the Ancient Order of United 



Workmen, the Modem Woodmen of America 
and the Grand Army of the Republic. He exer- 
cises his right of franchise in support of the Re- 
publican party, and is a warm advocate of its 
principles, but has never been a politician in the 
sense of office-seeking, preferring to devote his en- 
tire time and attention to his business interests. 



J^i. 



^3 



^+^ 



WELLINGTON LeROY WINNARD, M.D., 
is an enterprising and leading young phy- 
sician of Warsaw, and though not far ad- 
vanced along life's journey, he has made rapid 
strides along the pathway of his profession. A 
native of Iowa, he was born in Greeley, Dela- 
ware County, on the 7th of November, 1867, and is 
a .son of James P. and Rose Linda (Holden) Win- 
nard. His parents were both natives of Michigan, 
and the father followed the occupation of farming. 
The Doctor was the second child in their family. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the childhood and youth of our subject, which 
was largelj' passed in his parents' home and in 
the country .schools of the neighborhood. There 
he acquired his primary education, which was 
supplemented by a course of stud},- in Lenox Col- 
lege, Iowa, from which in.stitution he was grad- 
uated in the Class of '87. His ta.stes and ambi- 
tion led him to enter the medical profession, and 
to fit himself for that work he became a student 
in the Homeopathic Medical College of Chicago, 
from which he was graduated in the Class of '90, 
with forty-two fellow-students. Having received 
his diploma and the degree of M. D., he then 
came to Warsaw to enter upon his life's work, 
reaching this place on the 6th of April. Here he 
has been engaged in active practice continuously 
since. He makes a specialty of ruptures and the 
diseases of women and children. He is now as- 
sociated with Dr. Lawrence, under the firm name 
of Winnard & Lawrence, which connection is 
proving mutually pleasant and profitable. 

Dr. Wiiuiard was married on the i8th of No- 
vember, 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss 
Laurine Ralston, a daughter of Rev. W. D. Ral- 



126 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ston, a minister of the United Presbj'terian 
Church, now located in Maroa, 111. Both the 
Doctor and Mrs. Winnard are well known in the 
communit}- and are held in high regard, for thej- 
possess man\- excellencies of character. He gives 
his entire time and attention to business, and the 
success which has crowned his efforts is well mer- 
ited. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, and in religious belief is a Methodist. He 
is a j'oung man with good prospects of a bright 
future before him, and the industn,- and energj- 
which are numbered among his chief character- 
istics will undoubtedly win him prosperity. 



_=]. 



l^f^i 



"DWARD P. BECKER, a prominent and 
^ well-known citizen and ex-Postmaster of 
^ Warsaw, is also numbered among the native 
sons of this place, his birth having here occurred 
on the i8th of February, 1857. He comes of a 
family of German origin; his parents, Louis and 
Philipena (Brehm) Becker, were both natives of 
Germany, and spent the days of their childhood 
and youth in that country. In 1851 they bade 
adieu to their old home and crossed the Atlantic 
to America, landing at New Orleans, from whence 
the}- came to Illinois, after which they were mar- 
ried. The father is a carpenter by trade, and fol- 
lowed that pursuit as a means of livelihood for 
some years, but he is now engaged in general mer- 
chandising. In the Becker family are two chil- 
dren, Rosetta E. and Edward P. They al.so lost 
four children, who died in infancy. 

Mr. Becker of this sketch has spent his entire 
life in the county of his nativity. The days of 
his boyhood and youth were quieth- passed, and 
his education was acquired in the public schools 
of Warsaw. His business training was received 
as a clerk in his father's store, where he was em- 
ployed from an early age. He was also engaged 
in the milling business, continuing operations 
along that line from 1885 until 1887, inclusive. 
He then went upon the road to sell goods for the 
Warsaw Milling Company, and continued his 



labors as a traveling salesman until he became 
Postmaster of Warsaw. He was appointed to 
that position by President Harrison on the i8th 
of July, 1889, and it was not long after he had en- 
tered upon his duties that he demonstrated to the 
public the fact that a faithful officer was in charge, 
one who would fulfil his duties with promptness 
and fidelity. 

On the 6th of May, 1880, Mr. Becker was united 
in marriage with Miss Addie G. Bristow, the 
daughter of Henry G. Bristow, and a most esti- 
mable lady. By their union have been bom three 
children: Arthur; Lester, deceased; and Harr}-; 
the first was born during President Arthur's ad- 
ministration, and the last while Benjamin Harri- 
son was the chief executive of the nation. In 
politics, Mr. Becker is a stalwart Republican, an 
inflexible adherent of the principles of his part}-. 
Socially, he is connected with the Masonic fra- 
ternity and is a member of the Modern Woodmen 
of America. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, 
very popular with all, and his sterling worth has 
won him high regard. His entire life has been 
passed in Warsaw, and he well deser\xs mention 
among its leading citizens. 



"^ 



^-^f^l 



r"ATHER JOHN CHRISTIAN SCHURZ, 
r^ who has charge of the Catholic Church of 
I Warsaw, was bom in the city of Bonn, 
Rhenish Prussia, January 6, 1843, and is a .son of 
Henry and Anna M. (Sneider) Schurz, the fonner 
of whom was a store-keeper. Our subject was their 
sixth and youngest child. His education was ac- 
quired in his native city, and he was graduated 
from the famous Bonn University in 1866. With 
a couple of fellow-students he then went to Eng- 
land, but the father of one of his friends, a Cap- 
tain in the anny, was ordered to the East Indies, 
while the son died of consumption. Mr. Schurz 
was left a stranger in a country whose language 
he could hardly speak. He did not wish to re- 
turn to Germany, for he would then have to serve 
in the army. Having to provide for his own 
maintenance, he began working in a Spanish 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



127 



bakery in Liverpool, where he remained for three 
years, when he secured a \"ery good position as 
Professor in a grammar school in that city. There 
he engaged in teaching Latin, Greek, German 
and geometn,", and was thus employed until the 
.spring of 1865. In that year he was joined by 
his eldest brother, and with him came to America. 
The brother pleaded, "Let us go to the United 
States, for our cousin, CarlSchurz. and his parents 
are there and the advantages there are better than 
here. ' ' So Father Schurz severed his connection 
with the school, and in May, 1865, they landed in 
New York, from whence they went toWatertown, 
Wis. , the home of Carl Schurz. There they found 
Jacob Jussen, a brother of Carl Schurz' mother, 
who had formerly been Mayor of a German city, 
and was then serving as Postmaster of Watertown. 
A vacancy in the postoffice was offered John, 
which he filled for two and a-half years, when a 
change in administration caused him to lose his 
position. 

The successor to Jacob Jussen offered to con- 
tinue him in the postoifice at an increase of wages, 
making his income $60 per month, but the po.si- 
tion he declined. He then went to Milwaukee, 
and on to Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Kan- 
sas City, and to the State of Kansas, where he 
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. He 
knew nothing about farming, but he built a house, 
had his land broken, and there began studying 
with a view to entering the priesthood. He 
prosecuted his studies under the tutelage of 
priests in Topeka, and after a year and a-half be- 
came a student in St. Francis Theological Semi- 
nary, of Milwaukee, Wis. 

Father Schurz was ordained February 18, 1874, 
as a priest for the diocese of Leavenworth, Kan., 
and was stationed at Emporia, as assistant to Rev. 
Joseph Perr}-. After six months he was made 
first resident priest at Wichita, and was in that city 
during its great boom. He there remained for four 
and a-half years, during which time the nearest 
priest to him was ninety miles away. A large .scope 
of territory- was under his supervision, including 
thirty-two stations. In 1878 he was given an as- 
sistant. About this time. Father Schurz, was 
thrown from a buggy and dislocated his .shoulder. 



besides sustaining internal inj uries. While in poor 
health he took a trip to Europe, where he had two 
conferences with Pope Pius IX., and brought 
home with him as a relic an autograph and por- 
trait of the Pope. After four months he returned 
to this country. At Wichita he had many pleas- 
ant experiences. He found only twenty families 
there at first, but through his untiring labors he 
built seven churches in a missionary district, two 
presbyteries, two schoolhouses, laid out cemeteries 
for each church, and organized three colonies, two 
German and one Irish, called respectively St. 
Mark's, St. Joseph's and St. John's. 

In 1879, Father Schurz removed to St. Mark's, 
where he remained until 1882. For two years he 
had sought to sever his connection with the Leav- 
enworth Diocese and join the Diocese of Peoria, 
111., which he succeeded in doing in the spring of 
1882. He was assigned by Bishop Spaulding to 
Danville, Vermilion County. In 1885, he again 
went to Europe to settle up the estate of his father, 
who died in 1884. In October, 1886, he was sent 
to Ottawa, 111., but the following June resigned 
at that place and was appointed to take charge of 
the church at Warsaw, where he has remained 
since March, 1887. He also has charge of a mis- 
sion at Hamilton, with fifteen families. He placed 
the church in working order and it is now in a 
thriving condition. Father Schurz is a great lover 
of flowers, and has many rare specimens in his 
collection. He is a social, genial gentleman and 
has the high regard of all with whom he has been 
brought in contact. 



-^] 



^+^ 



.1:^- 



t^" 



-a 



(TAMES GUTHRIE JOHNSON, one of the 
I prominent citizens of Carthage, 111., well de- 
Q) serves mention in the history of his adopted 
county, for besides being a man of enterprise and 
activity, in whom the thriving spirit of the age pre- 
dominates, he is a man of broad and liberal mind, 
conversant on all questions of the day. He was 
born in Jefferson County, Ky., about twelve miles 
from Louisville, December 24, 1827, and is a son 
of George and Eleanor (Guthrie) Johnson. His 



128 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



maternal grandparents were James and Elizabeth- 
(Cooper) Guthrie. The former was one of the 
pioneers of Kentucky, and made a home eleven 
miles from Louisville, at the intersection of two 
much-traveled roads, where he kept a tavern. He 
built a stone house, which still stands, a relic of 
former greatness. It was erected in 1774, and 
became a popular resort with the traveling pub- 
lic. There the numerous Catholic missionaries 
were instructed to remain until an escort was sent 
to conduct them safely further west. James Guth- 
rie was a prominent character in his day and knew 
all the prominent pioneers of the State. One of 
his daughters, Margaret, lived for many long 
years in the old stone house, and in speaking of 
her death the Christian Observer said: "On 
Thursday, December 22, 1892, Miss Margaret 
Guthrie, of Ferran Creek, Jefferson County, Ky., 
passed away in peace. She was ninety-two years 
and nine months old, had been a devoted member 
of the Presbyterian Church for sixty-eight j-ears, 
and until past the age of eighty-eight had been a 
regular attendant at Sabbath-school. There are 
now living four generations of the family who 
were instructed by her. vShe was the last of 
twelve children who reached the average age of 
seventy-six years. One of the most liberal givers 
to the church while she lived, she bequeathed her 
house and land to the church for a parsonage. 
She was always to be found at the bedside of the 
sick, walking miles in her old age to impart com- 
fort to the afiQicted. At her death she was the 
oldest subscriber of the Christian Observer, hav- 
ing read it for upwards of fifty years." 

When our subject was in his fourth year his 
parents removed to Adams County, 111. , in Oc- 
tober, 1 83 1, and the father entered land from the 
Government and made a home. He was a black- 
smith by trade, and carried on a smithy on his 
farm. He was born December 15, 1799, in Ken- 
tucky, and died on the old homestead in this 
State March 5, 1867. His wife, who was born 
in the old home mentioned, near Louisville, Jaii- 
uar>^ 21, 1802, passed away April 10, 1887. Mr. 
Johnson was the first nurserj^man of Adams 
County, and set out trees in the hazel brush be- 
fore he had broken any ground. He carried on 



the nurserj' business until 1850. In the family 
were nine children, and with the exception of one 
who died at the age of three, all are yet living. 

James Guthrie Johnson was reared on the home 
farm, and from early boyhood was a great ad- 
mirer of the changing beauties of nature, which he 
studied closely. His love of the beautiful has 
gone with him throughout his life, undimmed by 
• business cares. On attaining his majority, he 
left home and was married, on December 24, 1850, 
to Miss Melvina Jane Thomas, who lived in the 
same neighborhood. They began their domestic 
life upon a farm in Adams County, and there re- 
mained until 1855, when they settled on a par- 
tially' improved farm of one hundred and sixty 
acres in Durham Township, Hancock County. 
There Mr. John.son carried on farming until the 
fall of 1863, when he bought land near Elvaston. 
Three years later he came to Carthage, where he 
engaged in growing o.sage-hedge plants, and in 
making contracts for setting out fences of the same, 
for some years. In 1871 he secured patents for a 
corn-husking peg, known as theJohn,son Hu.sker, 
and established a factors- for its manufacture. 
He has since given his time to this bu.siness, which 
has proved very .succes.sful, yielding him a hand- 
some competence, much of which he has invested 
in farming lands. He has visited nearly all the 
corn-growing States, making arrangements for 
the sale of his invention, which is now largely 
used. 

In 1884, Mr. Johnson was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 3d of 
December. On the i8th of November, 1886, he 
wedded Miss Minerva Hughes, of Ursa, Adams 
County, 111. His family immbers two daugh- 
ters: Rebecca Ella, wife of N. P. McKee, an artist 
and teacher of painting of Carthage; and Alice 
Geneva, wife of W. L. Aaron, an attorney of 
Hays City, Kan. 

The home of the Johnson family is one of the 
most desirable residence properties in Carthage. 
It is a commodious house, .standing in the mid.st 
of well-kept grounds, that are adorned with beau- 
tiful shrubbery. One has scarcely entered the 
door before he is impressed by the atmosphere of 
taste and refinement which pervades this home. 




Charles Chandi.kr 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



131 



For twenty-five years Mr. John.son has been col- 
lecting rare and interesting works, both of men 
and nature. We have before mentioned his love 
for the beautiful in nature, which is equaled only 
by his appreciation of the delicate and lovel)' in 
art. The walls of his home are handsomely 
adorned by many interesting and beautiful arti- 
cles, many of which are the works of his own 
hand. From polished honis taken from domestic 
cattle and goats, he has made several valuable 
ornaments. He also has a fine pair of deer horns; 
a large hornets' nest, which hangs on a branch 
where the busy insects placed it ; stuffed birds of all 
sizes, from the humming-bird to the white crane; 
the saw of the dangerous saw-fish, and many 
Indian relics, including pipes, clothing, etc. In 
a number of large gla.ss cabinets are thousands of 
choice and valuable souvenirs. There are hun- 
dreds of varieties of birds' eggs, varying in size 
from that of the humming-bird and titmouse to 
that of the ostrich, together with alligator, turtle 
eggs, etc. Other cabinets contain fine specimens 
of oceanic animals and sub-marine growths, to- 
gether with all kinds of shells, wonderful for their 
beauty and delicacy of tint. Sea-mosses and corals 
add their loveliness to the collection, and the ad- 
mirable arrangement of the specimens show how 
carefully Mr. Johnson has studied designs and 
colors. What so elevates one as the study of na- 
ture unmarred by man ? This home is a delicate 
curiosity-shop, which .speaks in no uncertain terms 
of the cultured taste and keen appreciation of the 
owner for all that is most beautiful and noble upon 
this earth. 



D^'T'^ 



CS- 



EOL. CHARLES CHANDLER, decea.sed. 
The name of Chandler is inseparably con- 
nected with the hi,story of McDonough Coun- 
ty, and the gentleman whose name heads this 
record was connected with nearly all the important 
industries and enterprises that tended toward its 
advancement and further development. He was 
6 



born in Alstead, Cheshire County, N. H., August 
28, 1809, and was a .son of James and Abigail 
(Vilas) Chandler. His father was also born in 
the old Granite State, but his mother was a na- 
tive of Massachu.setts. Both reached an advanced 
age, the mother passing away in 1854, at the age 
of seventy-nine, while the father departed this 
life in 1857, at the age of eighty-six. The latter 
was an agriculturist, and his son was reared in 
the usual manner of farmer lads. His training 
at farm labor was not as meagre as was his 
training in the district schools, which he attended 
ill the winter season . 

At the age of nineteen, Charles Chandler left 
the parental roof and went to Boston, where for 
two years he was employed as a clerk in a mer- 
cantile establi-sliment. After two years he re- 
turned home, and a year later emigrated to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. The .spring of 1834 witnessed his 
arrival in Macomb, where his elder brother, 
Thompson Chandler, had located a few years 
previous. Here he again engaged in clerking, in 
the store of which his brother was part owner, 
and in 1836 he embarked in business for himself 
along the same line. After three years he sold 
out and engaged in the real-estate business. With 
keen foresight, he bought land, which could be 
obtained at a low figure, and as it .steadily rose in 
value, he realized a handsome income from its 
sales. His real-estate ventures proved a ver>- 
profitable one, and his sagacity, enterprise and 
well-directed efforts made his bu.sine.ss career one 
of great success. 

In 1858, Mr. ChancUer embarked in the bank- 
ing business, e.stabli.shing a private bank, which 
he successfully conducted until 1865, when he 
merged this in the First National Bank of Ma- 
comb. He became President of the latter insti- 
tution, and held that position until his death. He 
made it one of the .solid financial in.stitutions of 
the county, and its safe and progressive, yet con- 
ser\'ative, policy gained the cc^nfidence and sup- 
port of the entire community. lie was also in- 
terested in banking in Bu.shnell, establishing a 
private bank, which afterward became the Farm- 
ers' National Bank. Of this he became one of 
the directors and largest stockholders, and con- 



132 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tinued his connection with the same throughout 
his life. 

On the 15th of December, 1836, was celebrated 
the marriage of Col. Chandler and Sarah K. 
Cheatham, of Macomb, a most estimable lady, 
who took an active interest in church and benev- 
olent work. Her death occurred in 1855, and her 
loss was mourned by manj" friends. In the fam- 
ily were seven children, three of whom survived 
the mother; Martha Abigail, widow of Henrj- C. 
Twyman, of Macomb; Charles Vilasco, whose 
sketch appears elsewhere in this work; and James 
Edgar, of Bushnell. In his family, Mr. Chand- 
ler was kind and considerate, and it seemed that 
he could not do too much to enhance the welfare 
or promote the happiness of his wife and chil- 
dren . 

In politics, the Colonel was a Whig in early 
life, but became a stanch Republican, and always 
took a great interest in politics, although he never 
sought or desired political preferment. He was. 
however, elected Coroner for two years, was Coun- 
ty Commissioner four years, long serv'ed as Jus- 
tice of the Peace, was also Aldennan, and for one 
term ser\'ed as Mayor of Macomb. His lo^'alty 
to the country was made manifest during the 
Civil War by his active .sen-ice in behalf of the 
Union. He spared neither time nor expen.se in 
its aid. As he was too old to go to the front, he 
did much toward encouraging others to enlist, 
and his faithful and efficient .ser\-ice was recog- 
nized by Gov. Yates, who commissioned him 
Colonel of the State Militia, and authorized him 
to raise a regiment for home service. Through- 
out his life he maintained the greatest interest in 
the welfare of his adopted town, and few enter- 
prises or industries calculated to benefit this 
commiuiity failed to receive aid at his hand. He 
was popular with all cla.sses of people, for he was 
a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, and 
his well-.spent life won him high regard. For 
some years before his death, he .spent the winters 
in a more genial clime, visiting the States along 
the Gulf, also Central America, Mexico and South 
America. He passed away December 26, 1878, 
and the country thereby lost one of its most valued 
and honored citizens. 



(TOHN W. BERTSCHI, who occupies the posi- 

I tion of County Treasurer of Hancock County, 
\Z/ and makes his home in Carthage, has the 
honor of being a native of this localitj-, his birth 
having occurred in Appanoose Township, on the 
12th of February, 1852. He is a representative 
of one of the honored pioneer families. His 
father, William Bertschi, is still living on the 
same farm to which he removed in the .spring of 
1852. The mother, who bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Walti, died on the 7th of October, 
1 893, at the age of sixty-six \-ears, and was buried 
the following day, Sunday, in Nauvoo Cemetery . 
The parents were both natives of Switzerland. 
The father crossed the Atlantic to America m 
1S49, but the following year returned to his native 
land. He was there married and then came with 
his bride to his new home in 1851. Henowowns 
a good farm of one hundred and forty acres and is 
comfortably situated in life. 

In the Bertschi family were ten children, of 
whom eight are now living, five sons and three 
daughters. Four of the number are now residents 
of Hancock County, and most of them follow 
fanning. John W. of this sketch was reared to 
agricultural pursuits, and devotedhis time to farm 
work until the fall of 1890. He became familiar 
with the business in all of its details, for as .soon 
as old enough to handle the plow, his labors in 
the field began. 

Mr. Bertschi continued upon the old homestead 
farm until the age of twenty -six years, when, on 
the 24th of October, 1877, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Margaret Porth, daughter of 
Frederick Porth, one of the early settlers of Ap- 
panoo.se Town.ship, where the birth of the daugh- 
ter occurred May 28, 1856. Three children grace 
the union of our subject and his wife: William 
Tell, born August 19, 1878; Ro.scoe Ru.ssell, born 
April 13, 1S83; and Wallace, bora May 14, 1887. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. Bertschi secured a farm 
near the old homestead, which he still owns. He 
began its cultivation, and soon the well-tilled fields 
yielded to him a golden tribute in return for the 
care and labor he bestowed upon them. He gave 
up farming in the autumn of T890, when he was 
elected to the office of County Treasurer, being 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



133 



the candidate of the Democratic party. He had 
previously held township offices, having sen-ed 
as Township Supervisor for three years, as Col- 
lector for four years, and as Town Clerk for one 
year. He has also ser\-ed as Central Committee- 
man of his township. His entire time and atten- 
tion are now given to his official duties, which are 
discharged with a promptness and fidelity that 
have won him high commendation. He is always 
true to everj^ trust, whether public or private, and 
has therefore won the confidence and high regard 
of all with whom business or .social relations have 
brought him in contact. 



-S3 



^-^ 



t^^ 



QEV. FATHER MICHAEL PAUL O'- 
Ul BRIEN, pastor of the Catholic Church of 
p\ Carthage, is a native of County Waterford, 
Ireland, but at the age of four years was taken by 
his parents to England, where he was reared to 
manhood, his boyhood days being spent in Darling- 
ton, in Durham County. He was educated in 
the public schools and by private study, and then 
engaged in school teaching, being for two j'ears 
a teacher in St. George's Academy, of London. 
He was also employed in St. George's Industrial 
School of Liverpool, and at St. Joseph's Academy, 
Oxford Street, London. 

Having resolved to devote his life to the work 
of the mini.stry. Father O'Brien began studying 
for the priesthood in a college in Turin, Italy, and 
atMondovi, Piedmont, Italy. He was ordained by 
Bishop Chadwick in St. Cuthbert's College, 
U.shaw, Durham, England, in 1873, and .served 
as priest in the Dioce.se of Hexham and New- 
castle-on-Tyne until 1890, when he determined 
to devote his life to church work in America. 
Crossing the Atlantic, he landed on the shores of 
this countrj-, and after a short time was appointed 
to the Catholic Church at Carthage. This was in 
July, 1890. 

The parish over which Father O'Brien now 
has charge includes four churches, namely, at 
Carthage, La Harpe, Gidding's Mound and West 
Point, with about fifteen hundred members. He 



devotes his time entirely to the work of the church 
and is laboring earnestly for its upbuilding and ad- 
vancement. He has now had charge of his present 
pari.sh for about four years. Under his manage- 
ment the church has been considerably improved 
and enlarged by the addition of a beautiful sanct- 
uarv and the useful sacristies, or vestries. 



HENDRICKS VEATCH, M. D., who 
is numbered among the leading medical 
practitioners of Carthage, where he has 
built up an excellent business, claims Indiana as 
the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred 
in New Albany August 19, 1831. His father, 
Rev. Isaac Veatch, was a Baptist minister, and 
served in the State Legislature of Indiana as 
Representative from Spencer County. He died 
of cholera in Indiana in 1833, while visiting his 
daughter, who also died of the same disease. 
His son, James C. Veatch, is an attorney of 
Rockport, Ind., and served as Deputy County 
Auditor before he attained his majority. When 
he had reached man's estate, he was elected 
County Auditor. He was a candidate for Con- 
gress on the Republican ticket in 1856, and has 
represented his di.strict in the vState Legislature. 
In i860 he was a delegate to the Republican Na- 
tional Convention that nominated Abraham Lin- 
coln for President, and was also a Representative 
to the convention that nominated James A. Gar- 
field for the presidency. During the war he 
served as Colonel of the Twenty-fifth Indiana In- 
fantry, and after the battle of Ft. Donelson 
was made Brigadier-General. When the war 
closed he was breveted Major-General. During 
his service he was placed in command of the city 
of Memphis, luider Gen. Hulburt, and later had 
charge of the enlisting of the negro troops. At 
the battle of Hatchie River he was wounded, and 
was carried off the field for dead, but it was found 
that life was not extinct, and he ultimately re- 
covered. After his return home he was made 
Collector of Internal Revenue at Evansville, Ind. , 
under President Grant, and filled the position for 



134 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fourteen years. After that time he gave his atten- 
tion to law practice until about seven years ago, 
when he retired from business. 

The eldest .son of the Veatch family, John Al- 
len, died in 1872. Before the birth of our subject 
he left home, going to Louisiana, where he en- 
gaged in teaching. He then went to Texas, and 
took part in the Mexican War as a Captain of 
a company of Texas Rangers. On the cessation 
of that struggle, he went to Colorado, and the 
last heard of him for twenty' years was that he 
was in a mas.sacre of the Indians while on the 
waj' to Texas. When two decades had passed, 
and James C. \'eatch was serving in the Indiana 
Legislature, he met a gentleman who said there 
was a physician in California by the name of 
John Allen Veatch, that he lived in San Fran- 
cisco, and was the noted author of medical works, 
and also works on the flora of that State. Trac- 
ing him, it was found that he was the missing 
brother of our subject. He died in Oregon, but 
his family is .still living in California. He pre- 
pared the first authentic record of the plants of 
California, and attained eminence as a botanist 
and physician. 

Our subject is the youngest of fifteen children, 
but only two are now living, our subject and the 
brother before mentioned, who is now seventy- 
five years of age. The mother of this familj- re- 
moved to Schuyler County, 111., in 1S37, and 
there died in 1874. 

Mr. \'eatch whose name heads this record was 
a boy of only .six years at the time of that re- 
moval. He remained upon the home farm until 
after the marriage of all his brothers and si.sters. 
He took up the study of medicine with his broth- 
er-in-law. Dr. McCa.skill, in Pawnee, Sangamon 
Count}-, and pursued a course of lectures in the 
Universitj- of Missouri at St. Louis, from which he 
was graduated in the Class of '56. Among his 
cla.s,smates was Dr. J. Miner, of Winchester, 111. 
Dr. Veatch then joined his brother-in-law, who, 
after two years, went to California, and our subject 
continued in practice alone until 1877. He then 
removed to Sciota, McDonough Countv , and in 
1880 came to Carthage, where he has since suc- 
ce.s.sfully engaged in practice. He is a member 



of the Hancock County Medical Societ>% the Mili- 
tan.- Tract Medical Society, and the State, and 
American Medical Societies. He has been a con- 
tributor to the Peoria Medical Monthly for some 
time, and has written many able articles for that 
.sheet. He has also been the author of a number of 
articles of good literarj- merit which do not treat 
of the medical science. For .six years he filled 
the Chair of Hjgiene in the Carthage College, 
and has delivered many lectures on the subject 
before teachers' institutions. 

In 1857 Dr. Veatch was united in marriage 
with Miss Elizabeth Sweet, of Auburn, Sanga- 
mon County, who died five years later, leaving 
one child, Byron E., a merchant of Chicago. For 
his second wife the Doctor married Martha E. 
Klepper, of Schuyler County, .sister of Jacob 
Klepper, the banker and horseman of Augusta. 
They have one child, DeLaskie Miller, who was 
named for Dr. De Laskie Miller, a prominent 
professor of Rush Medical College of Chicago. 
He is now in a dr3'-goods store in Quincy. Dr. 
Veatch is a member of the Ev.angelical Lutheran 
Church, but was reared in the faith of the Baptist 
Church. In early life he was a Douglas Demo- 
crat, but when the war broke out he joined the 
Republican party, and has since been one of its 
stanch supporters. The greater part of his time 
and attention, however, is devoted to his profes- 
sion, of which he has ever been a close student. 
His .skill and ability have won for him a high and 
well-merited reputation. 

b ' ■*■ i=J"^"T'">(S "■ — ^ 

(lOHN FRAZER SCOTT, of Carthage, occu- 
I pies the position of County Clerk of Hancock 
C2/ County, and in the faithful discharge of the 
duties connected therewith has shown that he 
well merits the confidence and tru.st repo.sed in 
him by his fellow-citizens. He has the honor of 
being a native of this county, his birth having 
occurred in Warsaw on the ist of March, 1856. 
His parents were John and Louisa (Frazer) Scott. 
His father, a native of North Carolina, emigrated 
westward in an early da>- and took up his resi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



135 



dence near Jacksonville, 111. He afterward came 
to Hancock County, and was engaged in business 
in Warsaw. In Adams County, this State, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Louisa, daugh- 
ter of James Frazer, a native of Kentucky, who 
during the girlhood of his daughter came to Illi- 
nois. Mr. Scott carried on business in Warsaw 
until his death, which occurred in 1865. He was 
.several times nominated for office, and took an 
active interest in the anti-Mormon movement. 
He was connected with the events which occurred 
when Joseph Smith and others were killed. He did 
not sympathise with this, howe\er, and, leaving 
the company who were engaged in the matter, he 
returned to his home in Warsaw. Mrs. vScott still 
sur\-ives her hu.^)and, and is now living in Cartil- 
age. In the family were two daughters: Mary 
F.. widow of George J. Rogers, of Warsaw: 
and Louisa J. , wife of A. W. Boscow, of Carthage, 
with whom Mrs. Scott is living. An uncle of our 
subject, Larkin Scott, resides near Denver, 111. 
He and his wife have lived together for over sixt>- 
years. 

Mr. Scott of this sketch was only nine years of 
age at the time of his father's death. He acquired 
his education in the common schools of his nati\'e 
town, and then began earning his own livelihood 
by work as a farm hand. He was also employed 
as a clerk in a clothing store. On the loth of 
vSeptember, 1874, he came to Carthage and ac- 
cepted a position as Deputy County Clerk, under 
his brother-in-law, George J. Rogers, with whom 
he served for three years. He then continued in 
the same position under John R. Newton, ser\'ing 
in all as Deputy- County Clerk for twelve years. 
In 1886 he was elected to the superior office for a 
four-\-ears term, and in 1890 was again elected, 
so that when his present term expires he will have 
served for eight years. He is the candidate on 
the Democratic ticket, for he is a warm advocate 
of Democratic principles, and in the campaign of 
1892 served as Chairman of the County Demo- 
cratic Committee. 

On the 1 6th of November, 1882, Mr. Scott was 
united in marriage with Miss Julia Stejjp, of 
Carthage, daughter of Frank and Marv C. ( Pheil ) 
Stepp. Her father, who was formerl\- engaged 



in the restaurant business, is now deceased, but 
her mother is yet living in this city, where Mrs. 
Scott was born. She is a member of the Episco- 
pal Church, and a mo.st estimable lady. In the 
family of our subject and his wife are three chil- 
dren: Mary L., John Frank and Eugenia. 

Mr. Scott was made a Ma.son in Hancock Lodge 
No. 20, A. F. & A . M . , and has iiUed all of its offices. 
He was Worthy Ma.ster at the time of the build- 
ing of the Masonic Hall. He also belongs to Al- 
moner Commandery, of Augusta; and to Carthage 
Chapter No. 33, R. A. M., of which he has been 
High Priest, and lie holds membership with the 
Knights of Pythias fraternity. He has frequently 
been a delegate to the State Democratic Conven- 
tions, and for fifteen years has attended the Na- 
tional Democratic Conventions. He is a man 
true to all trusts repo.sed in him, and throughout 
tlie community in which he has so long made his 
home is both widely and favorably known. 



^+^ 



"S] 



L=^ 



pQlLLIAM RANSOM HAMILTON is the 
\ A/ well-known and popular Postmaster of 
V V Carthage. He was born in Johnstown, Ful- 
ton Count)', N. Y., November 5, 1829, and is a 
son of Artois Hamilton. The family has long 
been prominently identified with the history of 
this community, for it was founded in Hancock 
County in pioneer days. Our subject was con- 
cerned in the events which resulted in the death 
of Joseph vSmith, the noted Mormon. He, in 
company with the Deputy County Clerk, David 
E. Head, took the county records in his father's 
wagon to about eight miles east of Carthage, and 
hid them in a cabin in tlie woods, for it was ex- 
pected that the Mormons would sack the town. 
Mr. Hamilton also remembers .seeing the body 
of Hyruni Smith taken to Nauvoo in his father's 
wagon, while that of Jo.seph .Smith was placed 
in a wagon containing four Mormons who had 
come to take the murdered men. Mr. Taylor, 
who was wounded in sex'en places, was brought 
to the hotel which was kept by Mr. Hamilton's 
father, opposite the site of the Criss Hou.se, and 



136 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



William aided in caring for the injured man, who 
was kept there for ten da)s. Those were excit- 
ing times, and great dangers were often incurred. 

On the 8th of June, 1854, Mr. Hamilton was 
united in marriage with Miss Martha H. Miller, 
a native of Elmira, N. Y., and a daughter of 
Warren Miller. To them were born six children, 
but three are deceased. Ida A., Willard C. 
and Herbert are yet living in Carthage. 

The year following his marriage, Mr. Hamilton 
entered upon official duties, being Census Taker 
of the county, which then had a population of 
twenty-two thousand one hundred and fifty-eight. 
In 1858 he was elected Sheriff, which position he 
filled for two jears. On his retirement from of- 
fice in i860, he removed to his farm in Prairie 
Township, now Carthage Township, and made 
his home thereon initil 1882. His knowledge of 
public affairs, however, caused him to be often 
called upon to assist one or another of the county 
officials, ajid he has always been more or less 
connected with public interests. In 1882, he 
took his family to California and Oregon, expect- 
ing to make his home in the Northwe.st, but sick- 
ness caused his return to Illinois in 1883. Soon 
after he was chosen to fill a vacancy caused by 
the death of his old friend, Justice John M. Fer- 
ris, who was one of the honored and most highly 
respected pioneers of the count}'. A special elec- 
tion soon followed, and it seemed the universal 
wish that Mr. Hamilton should .succeed to the 
judicial honors. He acceptably filled the various 
duties of the position for ten years, but about a 
year ago he became Postmaster of Carthage, Pres- 
ident Cleveland having appointed him to the posi- 
tion in recognition of his fifty years of faithful 
.serv'ice in the ranks of the Democracy, his good 
business ability and popularity. 

Mr. Hamilton has long been well known to 
many of the leaders of his part}-, and faithfully 
.served for some years as Chairman of the County 
Democratic Connuittee. He is a man of broad and 
liberal views and is highly regarded by all. for 
o\'er forty years he has been a member of the Ma- 
.sonic fraternity, having been made a Mason in 
Hancock Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., when 
twenty-three years of age, and for several years 



served as Master. He also belongs to Carthage 
Chapter No. 33, R. A. M.; Carthage Council 
No. 47, R. & S. M.; and Almoner Commandery 
No. 32, K. T., of Augusta, and has frequently- 
been a representative to the Grand Lodge. Mr. 
Hamilton is a pleasant, genial gentleman, of com- 
manding presence, free from all ostentatious dis- 
play, and possesses those social qualities which 
make him a favorite with all. 



(TESSE C. WILLIAMS, who for many years 
I was prominently connected with the business 
Q) interests of Carthage, but is 'now practically 
living a retired life in that city, was born in Rich- 
mond, Madi.son County, Ky., on the 22d of Au- 
gust, 18 19. His father, Richard G. Williams, 
was a native of Culpeper Countj^ Va., and in 
1808 emigrated to Kentucky, where he met and 
married Catherine Holder, who was born in that 
State in 1797. Her father, John Holder, was a 
native of \'irginia, and was a comrade of Daniel 
Boone. Her mother was a daughter of Col. 
Richard Calloway, who was prominent in the 
French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. He 
made his home for some jears in Kentuckj-. A 
story of romantic interest is connected with the 
marriage of his daughter, and is as follows: 

Late on a Sunday afternoon, three young girls, 
Betsy and Frances Calloway, daughters of Col. 
Calloway, and Jemima Boone, a daughter of Dan- 
iel Boone, ventured from the enclosure at Boones- 
boro to amuse themselves with a canoe upon the 
river that flowed by the fort. They drifted down 
with the current, and before tliej- were aware of 
danger they were seized by five Indian warriors. 
Though the)- resisted with their paddles, they 
were drawn ashore and hurried off to the Shaw- 
nee tribe on the Ohio. Their screams were heard 
at the fort, and the cause of the outcry was at 
once imagined. The fathers were absent, but 
soon returned and quickly started in pursuit. 
Col. Calloway heading a mounted party, while 
Boone, as was his custom, went on foot. His 
party numbered eight, among whom were three 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'37 



young men, the girls' lovers, who shared in 
the anxiety of the almost distracted fathers. 
Betsy Calloway, the eldest girl, marked the trail 
as she was hurried along by breaking twigs and 
bending bushes, and when threatened with the 
tomahawk if she persisted, tore small bits from her 
dress and dropped them as she passed along. She 
would also frequently plant the heel of her shoe 
deeply in the soil to make distinct impres.sions to 
guide those she knew would soon pursue. Ever\- 
precaution was taken bj- the Indians to obliterate 
any trace of their course, but keen eyes and anx- 
ious hearts were following, and as day dawned on 
Tuesday a film of smoke showed the vicinity of 
the camp where the Indians were cooking break- 
fast. Col. John Floj-d, who was afterwards 
killed b}- the Indians, was one of the party, and 
vividly described the rescue. "Our .study was to 
get the prisoners without giving the Indians time 
to kill them after the}- discovered us. Four of 
us fired, and we all rushed on them, by which 
the}- were prevented from carrying anything away 
except one shotgun. The red men escaped, but 
with no guns, clubs or provisions, and two of 
them were severely wounded. The return of the 
rescued girls was the occasion of great rejoicing. 
The young lo\'ers had proved their skill and cour- 
age under the eye of the greatest of all warriors 
and woodsmen, Daniel Boone, and had fairly 
won their sweethearts." Two weeks later the 
first wedding on Kentucky soil was solemnized, 
the parties being Samuel Henderson and Bet.sy 
Calloway. The contract was witnessed by friends 
and neighbors, the formal license was dispensed 
with, and the vows were administered by Rev. 
Boone, a Hardshell Baptist preacher. Within a 
>ear Frances Calloway became the wife of the 
gallant Capt. John Holder, who afterwards dis- 
tinguished himself in Kentucky annals, and 
Boone' s daughter married the son of Col . Calloway . 
In tracing the ancestry of the Williams famil\', 
we find that Je.sse Williams, grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born in ea.stern Maryland in 1750. His 
grandfather had emigrated from Wales and had 
there located in 1720. Jesse Williams, Sr., emi- 
grated to Kentucky in 18 17, and there died in 
1835. His son Richard became a resident of that 



State in 1808, and continued there to make his 
home until called to his final rest in 1876, at the 
age of ninety. By trade he was a saddler. His 
wife died at the age of eighty-seven. In their 
family were thirteen children, of whom twelve 
grew to mature years, while eight are yet living. 
Only two are residents of Illinois, J. C. and a 
sister who lives in Bloomington. 

The boyhood days of J. C. Williams were .spent 
upon the old home farm. At the age of twenty 
he left the parental roof and went to southea.stern 
Tennessee, where, in 1839, he assisted in build- 
ing the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad, the 
first road built into the former State. In 1840, 
he went with his employer to Georgia, and was 
engaged on the construction of the Georgia Cen- 
tral Railroad. He ser\'ed as book-keeper for the 
contractors, and in 1841 returned to Kentucky, 
where he engaged in farming for a year. He 
then followed .school-teaching until 1843, when 
he began selling goods in Mt. Vernon, Ky. In 
1848, he began business thereon his own account, 
and continued to successfully carry on operations 
along that line until 1856, when he removed to 
Crab Orchard, Ky., where he spent eighteen 
months. In the fall of 1857, he came to Carthage, 
where for two years his brother, William H. Will- 
iams, had been engaged in bu.sine.ss. In August 
the latter had opened a large store, and in October 
of the .same year Mr. Williams of this sketch 
assumed control of the same. He carried a .stock 
valued at $6,000, which included all kinds of 
general merchandi.se. After two years his brother 
retired and entered the army. Later he went to 
Iowa, but is now li\ing in the northwestern part 
of Mexico. 

Mr. Williams had married ere leaving his na- 
tive State. On the 5th of March, 1850, in Lin- 
coln County, Ky., he wedded Mary Collier, 
daughter of John and .Susan Collier, of Rock 
Ca.stle, Ky. Unto them were born seven chil- 
dren, five of whom are yet living. Oscar W., 
who graduated from the law department of Har- 
vard College, is now an attorne>- and the County 
Judge of Pecos County, Tex. He is al.so a ranch- 
man and is largely interested in Texas lands. 
William I), graduated from Abingdon College, of 



138 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Abingdon, 111., studied law with Judge Ireland, 
of Austin, Tex., and is now a well-known attor- 
nej- of Ft. Worth, where he is engaged in prac- 
tice as a member of the firm of Williams & Butts. 
Josiah J., who graduated from Carthage College, 
is also a succe.ssful lawjer. He studied with the 
firm of Scofield & Hooker, of this city, and is 
now in practice in Kansas Cit)-, Mo., where he is 
serving as A.ssistant Pro.secuting Attorney of 
Jackson County, Mo. Susan, who graduated 
from Carthage College, is successfully engaged in 
teaching in the citj' schools. Jessie, a .stenog- 
rapher and typewriter, is employed in the pub- 
lishing house of Chapman Brothers, of Chicago. 

Mr. Williams began business for him.self in 
Carthage in Januarj', i860, and for two years 
was alone, after which he admitted to partnership 
A. M. Ossman. The following June Mr. O.ss- 
nian was murdered, while assi-sting Sheriff Ing- 
rahm to arrest a man named Ritter, who was 
killed later in the day. The widow continued in 
the business for two years, after which Mr. Will- 
iams became sole proprietor. He did a good bus- 
iness, building up an excellent trade, and his well- 
directed efforts brought him a handsome compe- 
tence. In March, 1892, he retired after a third 
of a century spent in merchandising in Carthage. 
He was always prominent in business circles and 
honorable and straightforward in his dealings. 
He has always paid one hundred cents on the 
dollar, and his word is as good as his bond. He 
had established two branch stores, but did not 
continue their operation for any great length of 
time. He is now interested to a considerable ex- 
tent in Texas lands, having his cajiital well in- 
vested. 

When a young man in Kentucky, Mr. Will- 
iams became a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
and he and his wife hold membership with the 
Christian Church, taking an active interest in its 
welfare. He has served as a member of the City 
Council, and was President of the Board. In 
1871 and 1872, he represented his district in the 
State Senate, during which time the work of re- 
con.struction was carried on. By his ballot he has 
always supported the Democratic party. His 
time, however, has been mo.stly given to commer- 



cial interests, and through the legitimate channels 
of business he has acquired a comfortable prop- 
erty, which is the just reward of a bu.sy and well- 
spent life. 

"HOMAS F. DUNN, who is now serving his 
second term as Circuit Clerk of Hancock 
County, makes his home in Carthage, and 
is recognized as one of its progressive and public- 
■spirited citizens, wide-awake to the best interests 
of the community. He is also one of Hancock 
Count)-'s native sons, and a representative of one 
of her early families. He was born on the 21st 
of April, 1858, and is of Iri.sh lineage. His par- 
ents, John and Marj' (Cummings) Dunn, were 
both natives of the Emerald Isle. The father re- 
sided in that country during the days of his boy- 
hood and )-outh, and when a young man of eigh- 
teen years sailed for America. Hoping to better 
his financial condition in a land where greater 
privileges were afforded, he crossed the Atlantic 
and took up his residence in Connecticut. 

In the Nutmeg State, John Dunn was united in 
marriage with Mary Cunmiings. They became 
the parents of eight children, but three of the 
number are now deceased. Mary still resides in 
Hancock County; Edward J. is a prosperous 
farmer of this county; John J. is also engaged in 
agricultural pursuits; Ellen is the wife of Edgar 
P. Hull, a resident of Hancock Count}-; and 
William W. is clerk in the Exchange Bank of 
Carthage. In 1857 John Dunn came to Illinois, 
and took up his residence in Pilot Grove Town- 
ship, Hancock County. There he purchased land, 
and to its cultivation and improvement he has 
since devoted his energies. He is recognized as 
one of the leading agriculturists of the community , 
and by his well-directed efforts has acquired a 
comfortable i)roi)erty. 

We now take up the personal history of Mr. 
Dunn whose name heads this record. He was 
reared on the old homestead in the usual maimer 
of farmer lads. His days were passed midst play 
and work, and in attendance at the common 




Gkn. Oi.ivkr Edwards 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



141 



schools, where he acquired a good education. 
He earlv began to labor in the fields, and became 
familiar with fann life in all its details. It was 
his desire, however, to engage in some other pur- 
suit than that to which he was reared, and when 
twenty-two years of age he left the parental roof 
and came to Carthage. 

It was at this time that the official life of Mr. 
Dunn began. He was appointed Deputy Circuit 
Clerk of Hancock County, and continued to fill 
that position for six consecutive years. He was 
then, in 1888, elected as Circuit Clerk for a term 
of four years. So ably did he fill the office that 
on the expiration of his term he was re-elected. 
He is ever prompt and faithful in the discharge 
of his official duties, and has won the high com- 
mendation of all concerned. In 1881 he served as 
Township Assessor. In his political views, he is 
a Democrat, and the part}' has found in him a 
stanch supporter since he attained his majority. 
Like his parents, he is a member of the Catholic 
Church. In this county, where his entire life has 
been passed, he is both widely and favorably 
known, and his friends throughout the community 
are man v. 



i&- 



=^^+^P=- 



_9 



SEN. OLIVER EDWARDS, Mayor of War- 
saw, lives in an elegant home overlooking 
the Mississippi Valley for many miles. He 
is recognized as one of the most pi ominent citizens 
of this place, and his name is inseparably con- 
nected with many of its leading events. His an- 
cestors were numbered among the Revolutionary 
fathers, and his great-grandfather, who serv^ed in 
the War for Independence, was made a pri.soner 
in what was called the Black Hole at Quebec, but 
succeeded in escaping to Albany, N. Y. His 
widow afterward received a pension in recognition 
of his ser\'ices. The family has always fur- 
ni.shed representatives as defenders of the country. 
John S. Edwards, who was in the War for Inde- 
pendence, was born July II, 1764, in Dedhani, 
Mass., and in 1775 removed to Norwich, Mass. 
In April, 1781, he was drafted for six months' 



service in the Colonial army under Capt. William 
Forbes. With his command he marched into the 
interior of New York, where the Indians were 
harassing the settlers, and was stationed for three 
months at Ft. Schuyler. He afterward spent 
three months at Ft. Stannox, where he received 
his discharge. He died in the ninety-third year 
of his age. Capt. Oliver Edwards entered the 
Colonial service in 1775, and valiantly aided in 
the struggle to secure to the oppressed Colonies 
release from the British yoke of tyranny. 

Capt. Oliver and Rachel (Parsons) Edwards, 
of Northampton, Mass., were the grandparents of 
our .subject. Their son, Dr. Elisha Edwards, 
father of the General, was born in Chesterfield, 
Ma.ss., January 26, 1793. When a young man 
he went to Northampton, and began learning the 
apothecary's trade in the store of E. Hunt. In 
1815, he emigrated to Springfield, 111., where he 
embarked in business on his own account. Af- 
terward he formed a partnership with Henry ' 
Stearns, which continued from 1820 until 1825. 
In 1828, he joined Charles J. Upham in business, 
under the firm name of C. J. Upham & Co. Dr. 
Edwards, who was a prominent citizen, was one of 
the subscribers to the fund for the purchase of the 
Court Square, and was one of the original Direc- 
tors of the Chicopee Bank. In 1821, he married 
Eunice Lombard, daughter of Daniel and Sylvia 
( Burt) Lombard, and to them were born five sons 
and five daughters. The members of the famih- 
now living are Mrs. Caroline L- Smith, of Spring- 
field, Mass.; Mrs. Sophia Orne Johnson, of Bath, 
N. H.; Mrs. Charlotte E. Warner, of Springfield, 
Mass.; William, a prominent merchant of Cleve- 
land, Ohio; Mrs. Julia E. Hurd, of Dorchester, 
Mass.; Oliver, of Warsaw; and Mrs. Mar>- E. 
Child, of Cleveland, Ohio. 

We now take up the personal hi.story of Gen. 
Edwards, who was reared in the expectation of be- 
coming a master mechanic of Springfield, Mass. 
In 1856 he emigrated we-stward, making his home 
in Warsaw, IH., where he became a member of the 
firm of Heberling, Edwards & Co., and occupied 
the po.sition of ma.ster mechanic. To that work 
he devoted his energies until the breaking out of 
the Civil War, when, prompted by patriotic im- 



142 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



pulses, he responded to the country's call for 
troops. He had studied the events previous to 
the beginning of the struggle, and when the disso- 
lution of the Union was threatened he resolved to 
strike a blow in its defense. He donned the blue, 
and like his ancestors of old fought valiantl}- for 
his countrj'. 

Gen. Edwards was a brave soldier. He entered 
the ser\-ice as Fir.st Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 
Tenth Massachusetts Regiment, June 21, 1861; 
was mustered in as Colonel of the Thirtj^-seventh 
Massachusetts Regiment September 4, 1862; and 
was appointed Brigadier-General of Volunteers 
Maj' 19, 1865. He received the brevet rank of 
Brigadier-General of Volunteers October 19, 1864, 
for gallant and distinguished services in the battle 
of Spott.sylvania Court House, Va., and Major- 
General of \'olunteers April 5, 1865, for conspic- 
uous gallantry at the battle of Sailor's Creek, Va. 
He was honorably mustered out of service Januarj- 
15, 1866. 

When the war was over, Gen. Edwards re- 
turned to Warsaw and for a year and a-half .served 
as Postmaster of this place. In the mean time, he 
was married. On the 3d of September, 1863, he 
wedded Ann Eliza Johnson, daughter of the late 
Gen. E. Johnson, of Warsaw. They became par- 
ents of two children: John E., who is now general 
superintendent in Montana for Cruse' s cattle and 
sheep ranches; and Julia Kate at home. 

Gen. Edwards resigned as Postma.ster to become 
genera! agent for the Florence Sewing-machine 
Company, of Northampton, Mass. His connec- 
tion with that company continued for seven years, 
during a portion of which time he was its man- 
ager. In 1879, he returned to Warsaw, and re- 
tired from business, but in 1882 he accepted an 
appointment as General Superintendent of the 
Gardner Gun Company in England. Thus his 
time was occupied for two years, when he resigned 
on account of ill health and returned home. The 
best interests of the community have ever found 
in him a friend, one ever ready to aid in the ad- 
vancement of those enterprises which are calcula- 
ted to prove of public benefit. He has been honored 
with a number of local offices, and is now send- 
ing his third term as Mayor of Warsaw. The city 



has had no more competent official in that office 
than Gen. Edwards, whose fidelity to duty is 
everywhere known and recognized. In his polit- 
ical views he is a stalwart Republican, and so- 
cially, is connected with Arthur W. Marsh Post 
No. 343, G. A. R., and with the Masonic fra- 
ternity. 



e^HjH^! 



[=" 



"PHRAIM H. PORTER, the well-known 
'S editor of the Hancock Comity Pilot, which 
^ is published in Warsaw, claims Alabama as 
the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred 
in Gadsden, November 24, 1858. His parents 
were Ephraim and Sarah A. Porter, the former 
a native of Connecticut, and the latter of North 
Carolina. During his life the father engaged in 
various pursuits, having been a .school teacher, 
merchant, farmer and saddler. He spent about a 
quarter of a century in the sunny South, but in 
1865 removed from Georgia to the North, taking 
up his residence in Danville, Iowa, where his last 
days were passed. His death occurred on the 8th 
of August, 1890, at the age of seventy-four years. 
Mrs. Porter still survives her husband and is now 
living with her son in Warsaw. The family- num- 
bered eleven children, six of whom are yet liv- 
ing. They are all married, but are widely scat- 
tered. One resides in Gadsden, Ala.; the second 
in Chicago; another in Triplett, Mo.; the fourth 
in Alliance, Neb.; and another in Marble Mount, 
Wash. 

Mr. Porter of this sketch was only seven years 
of age at the time of his parents" removal to Iowa. 
His education was completed in the High School 
of Danville, that State. He was reared on a farm, 
and with his father learned the saddler's trade, 
which he followed for a time, but, wi.shing to de- 
vote his time and attention to other pursuits, he 
decided to enter the newspaper field, and at the 
age of eighteen years began learning the printer's 
trade in an office in Danville. He was afterward 
associated with his father in the puljlication of the 
Danville News. He embarked in this enterprise 
in 1881 and continued it until 1883, when he .sold 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



143 



out and removed to Martinsville, Clark Count}', 
111., where he formed a partnership with John 
Shepherd, an old schoolmate, and established 
the Martinsville Planet. This connection con- 
tinued for a year, when Mr. Porter bought out 
his partner's interest and continued the publica- 
tion of his paper alone during the four succeed- 
ing years. Then, selling out, in 1889, and coming 
to Warsaw, he established the Hancock County Pi- 
lot, a paper published in the interest of the Demo- 
cratic party. He has been quite successful in this 
undertaking, and it has now gained quite an ex- 
tensive circulation. The paper is a bright, newsy 
sheet, well edited, and is deserving of a liberal 
patronage. 

On the 9th of May, 1882, Mr. Porter was united 
in marriage with Miss Mar>- Elizabeth Petzinger, 
and to them has been born an interesting family 
of six children. In his social relations, Mr. Por- 
ter is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Hancock Lodge 
No. 71, I. O. O. F. In his political views, he is 
a stalwart Democrat. Public-spirited and pro- 
gressive, he is ever alive to the best interests of 
the community in which he lives, and does all in 
his power to aid in its advancement. 



e^H^I 



"HOMAS B. hunt, M. D., who is .success- 
fully engaged in medical practice in War- 
saw, and who is numbered among the lead- 
ing physicians of Hancock County, is a native of 
Kentucky. He was born in Fayette County 
Jaiuiary 6, iS.^i, and is a son of Silas W. and 
Elizabeth C. (Wil.son) Hunt, who were also 
natives of the .same countw Their ancestors 
removed thither from Virginia. It seems that 
there were originally three branches of the family 
in this country, one locating in New York, one 
in Virginia, and the third in Alabama. The fa- 
ther of our subject was a farmer by occupation, 
and followed that pursuit throughout his entire 
Hfe. He died in Kentucky, September 30, 1869, 
at the age of .sixty-six years, and his wife died 
April 15, 1846, at the age of forty-three. They 
were the parents of eight children, but only three 



are now living: A. S., proprietor of the Phoenix 
Hotel, of Lexington, Ky.; Mrs. Elizabeth Hen- 
dricks, of Georgetown, Ky.; and Thomas B. of 
this sketch. 

The Doctor acquired his literary education in 
New Castle, Ky., and, taking up the study of 
medicine, was graduated from the Medical Uni- 
versity of Louisville, in the Class of '64. Pre- 
vious to this time, he had practiced to a limited 
extent, for he had taken his first course of lec- 
tures in the winter of 1859-60. For twelve years 
he engaged in the practice of his profession in 
Bedford, Ky. In September, 1864, he became 
Assistant Surgeon of the Fifty-fourth Regiment 
of Kentucky Mounted Infantry, and served one 
year, his duties calling him to southern and east- 
ern Kentucky, East Tennessee and southwestern 
Virginia. He was always in the field, working in 
an improvised hospital. 

When the war was over Dr. Hunt returned to 
Bedford, in September, 1865, and there continued 
to successfully engage in practice until 1872, when 
he left his native State and came to Illinois. He 
took up his residence in Tower Hill, Shelby 
County, where he remained until 1880, when he 
came to Warsaw, where he has since made his 
home, devoting his time and attention to general 
practice. His success has been a.s.sured from the 
first, and he now enjoys a liberal patronage as the 
result of his skill and ability. 

On the 29th of September, 1862, Mr. Hunt 
wasjoined in wedlock with Miss Mary H. Affleck, 
the wedding being celebrated in Bedford, Ky. 
The lady is a daughter of Alex and Marj- R. 
(Bell) Affleck, and on her father's side is of 
Scotch descent. To the Doctor and his wife have 
been born nine children. Two died in Kentucky 
and three in Illinois. Those living are Mollie 
Gibson and MattieM., both of whom are engaged 
in teaching; Sanuiel J., who is employed in the 
machine .shops in Peoria; and Berenice, at home. 

.Socially, Dr. Hunt is a member of the Ancient 
Order of Free and Accepted Masons, the Inde- 
pendent Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, American Legion of Honor, and the 
Grand Army of the Republic. In 1886 he was 
electedCommander of Arthur W. Morris Post No. 



144 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



343, G. A. R., again served in 1890 and 1891, 
and was elected for the fourth term in 1893. He 
is a member of the Christian Church, and has 
served as Trustee of the Warsaw public schools 
for nine years, part of the time as President of 
the Board. He takes an active interest in the 
cause of education, and in everything that tends 
to elevate humanity. He is President of the 
Board of Pension Examiners of Carthage, with 
which he has been connected for several years, 
and for a time was President of the Board both in 
Bushnell and Carthage. He received his first 
appointment under President Cleveland, was re- 
appointed by President Harrison, and then again 
by Cleveland. By his ballot he always supports 
the Democracy. He is a man of social nature 
and generous disposition, and in the community 
where he has now made his home for fourteen 
years he is widely and favorably known. 



-^5. 



^H^[ 



pCJlLLIAM P. RAICH, who is prominent in 
\ A / busine.ss circles in Warsaw, represents 
V V various insurance companies, and is doing 
a good business along that line. One of War- 
saw's native sons, he was born in the city which 
is still his home on the 15th of November, 1858. 
His parents, Frederick and Elizabeth (Ro.ss) 
Raich, were both natives of German}-. The fa- 
ther was a .stone mason by trade and fallowed 
that pur.suit for many years. He bade adieu to 
his native land in 1856, crossed the Atlantic to 
America, and took up his residence in Louisville, 
Ky., from whence he came to Warsaw. His 
death occurred in 1882, and his wife died twenty 
years previous, passing away in 1862. In their 
family were five children, of whom three are yet 
living, namely: William P. of this notice; Benja- 
min A. , who is connected with the pickle works 
of Warsaw; and Fannie M., who holds the po.si- 
tion of book-keeper with the firm of Eckbohm, 
Dross & Co. 

Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth midst play and work, and his education 
was acquired in the public schools of Warsaw. 



He began earning his own livelihood at the age 
of fifteen years, and whatever success he has 
achieved in life is due to his own efforts. In 
1873, he began working as delivery boy in the 
grocery store of Stroh & Roth, and was thus em- 
ployed for about three years. In 1876, he began 
clerking for Mr. Stroh, and the following year en- 
tered the emplo)- of the firm of Eckbohm, Dross 
& Co. as book-keeper. He continued in that 
capacity for fifteen years, a faithful and trusted 
employe. In the mean time he had worked into 
the insurance business, and in 1893 he opened 
an insurance office. He now represents various 
companies, including the Mutual Life Insurance 
Companj- of New York; the Bankers' Life of Des 
Moines, Iowa; the Northern Assurance Company 
of London; Niagara Fire Insurance Company of 
New York; the Detroit Fire and Marine; Traders' 
of Chicago; and the American Fire Insurance 
Company of New York. He has a good and 
growing business, which has constantly increased 
from the beginning, until it has reached fair pro- 
portions, and yields to the proprietor a good in- 
come. 

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Raich 
was in her maidenhood Miss Lou.sia A. Schott. 
The marriage of our subject and his wife was 
celebrated on the nth of November, 1884, and 
they have become the parents of four children, 
two sons and two daughters, Clara, George, 
Frederick and Carrie. Mrs. Raich is the daugh- 
ter of John Schott, a resident of Warsaw. Mr. 
Raich, who is a stockholder in the Warsaw Pickle 
Company, assisted in organizing the company, 
which was incorporated in February, 1887, and 
was its first Secretary, holding that position for 
one year. 

In his social relations, Mr. Raich is an Odd 
Fellow. He exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Democratic party, and has been 
honored with a number of local and official pasi- 
tions. He was elected Collector of Warsaw in 
1887, was chosen Alderman in 1889, and in 1893 
served as Assessor. His various duties he dis- 
charged with promptness and fidelity, for he is al- 
ways true to every trust, whether public or pri- 
vate, that is reposed in him. He is well known 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'45 



in this community, where his entire life has been 
passed, and his warmest friends are those with 
whom he has been acquainted from boyhood, a 
fact which indicates an honorable and straight- 
forward career. 



_=3 



^-^[ 



"S3 



HON. JOHN DEE STEVENS (deceased), 
of Carthage, was prominently identified 
with the history of Hancock County for 
many years, and, in fact, his name is inseparably 
connected therewith, for he was a leader in 
main- enterprises and public movements which 
have resulted in the growth and development of 
the county and in promoting its best interests and 
material welfare. Almo.st his entire life was here 
passed, and so widely and fa\'orably was he 
known that we feel assured our readers will re- 
ceive with interest this record of his career. 

Mr. Stevens was one of the native sons of Illi- 
nois, his birth having occurred in Carrollton, 
Greene County, February 8, 1826. His parents, 
Joseph and Elmira (Dee) Stevens, were married 
in Carrollton, in April, 1825. The maternal 
grandfather, John Dee, was a native of Vermont, 
and with his family removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, 
where Mr. and Mrs. Stevens became acquainted. 
In 1818, her father's family went to St. Charles, 
Mo. , and two years later removed to Carrollton, 
111., where, in 1822, Joseph Stevens took up his 
residence. He was born in New York City, and 
in Cincinnati learned the hatter's trade. In 
1828, he removed with his wife and son John to 
Hazel Green, Wis., and for a few months was 
connected with the lead-mining interests of that 
region, but in the autumn he went down the 
Mi-ssissippi on a keel-boat to where now .stands 
the town of Louisiana, Mo. , which was then onh- 
a hamlet. There he opened a hatter's shop, and 
in connection with business along that line traded 
extensively with the Indians, making various 
trips to the several tribes in northwestern Illi- 
nois, Iowa and Wisconsin. This he carried on 
until his business was almost stopped by the 
Black Hawk War, in 1832. The following year 



he came to Hancock County, and secured Gov- 
ernment land in Chili Township, about twelve 
miles due .south of Carthage, being located on 
the main line of travel between Quincy and the 
East. He established the stage-house at Chili for 
the accommodation of the public, and, .securing 
the control of the line, continued to nni stages be- 
tween Macomb and Quinc)- for some >'ears. His 
place was noted for its cheerful hospitality, and 
its most popular and companionable landlord be- 
came a favorite with all who went his way. He 
died on the old home.stead in 1846, at the age of 
forty-six. His widow survived him about seven- 
teen years, her death occurring in 1863. Car- 
thage had ju.st been chosen the county .seat when 
he located here, and he was present at the fir.st 
sale of town lots, which occurred in 1832. He 
was an anti-Mormon, and was called to aid in 
suppressing that sect. Not long after he located 
in this county, he was joined by his brother, 
Moses Stevens, who also secured Government 
land. He was a contractor, and erected the court 
house which is .still standing. He completed the 
building in 1839, and soon afterwards went to 
Iowa. In 1850, he went to California, where his 
death occurred the same year. 

John Dee Stevens was the eldest in a family of 
four sons and one daughter who grew to mature 
years. George W. resides at Medicine Lodge, 
Kan. ; J. O. is a farmer of Chili Township; Mrs. J. 
S. Hatton resides in Carrollton, 111.; and Frank, 
a Union soldier, was killed at the battle of 
Jackson, Miss., in 1863. John remained at home 
during his boyhood, and passed through the ex- 
citing scenes which accompanied the Mormon 
troubles. He was with the men who were called 
out bj- Gov. Ford to aid in disbanding the Mor- 
mons at Nauvoo. On the 27th of June, 1844, 
Hyruni and Joseph Smith were killed by a squad 
of men from Warsaw, who had been expected to 
join Gov. Ford at Golden Point, but who after 
disbandnient came to Carthage and committed 
the atrocious murder. Mr. Stevens remembered 
.seeing both men when they were brought into 
the court house the following morning. Later 
he was with the forces under Thomas Muckman, 
of Mt. Sterling, who, with John Carlin. went to 



146 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Nauvoo to ser\-e the papers on the Mormons. 
This was in October, 1846. The army of about 
five hundred camped three miles from the temple 
at Nauvoo and awaited negotiations, which it was 
hoped would end the affair peaceably, but these 
were rejected, and hostilities commenced. The 
battle was begun and raged for an hour and a- 
quarter. when the supplies gave out, and the at- 
tacking party withdrew. Mr. Stevens remained 
with the army, doing the duty assigned him un- 
til hostilities ceased, and Nauvoo was given into 
the hands of the authorities. Soon after, the 
Mexican War came on, and he was anxious to 
enter the service, but the death of his father oc- 
curred about that time and he felt that his sen-ices 
were needed at home, although he had made 
preparations to join a regiment at Ouincy. 

In 1849, gold was discovered in California, and 
the following year Mr. Stevens joined three 
young men, who with a six-horse team started 
overland to California. On reaching their de.sti- 
nation, Mr. Stevens began work in the mines at 
Placerville, but. being attacked by rheumatism, 
he was disabled for that arduous labor. After 
leaving the mines, he sought a warm climate, and 
located near the old missions of Santa Barbara 
and Los Angeles, where he .secured employment 
with some Mormons who were engaged in the 
lumber business. It is ver>- probable that he did 
not tell his employers that he had acted as a sol- 
dier against them in Hancock County, else he 
would have lost his position, if nothing wor.se had 
occurred. At length he turned his face toward 
home, for he was tired of wild life in the West, 
and determined to join a sur\-e>ing party which 
was fixing the boundan,- line between Mexico and 
the United States. In company with a Mr. Pea- 
body from Ohio, and an old .sailor named Mor- 
mon Bill, he started on the trip, the three travel- 
ing on ponies. The journey was full of interest- 
ing and sometimes dangerous adventures and was 
one never to be forgotten by Mr. Stevens. His 
companions were not men of the best class, and af- 
ter a time he parted company with them, join- 
ing a man who was going direct to Texas. 
Mr. Stevens proceeded to Eltar, Mexico, where 
he joined two Americans and .sixty native laborers. 



who were building a substantial fort. Here Mr. 
Stevens began raising tobacco, which sold for 
$10 per pound in Mexico, but the Apache In- 
dians coming to attack him, the camp and its fol- 
lowers all fled to Eltar, and the crop was lost. 
Our subject then set out to join the surveying 
party. On the way he fell in with a band of 
thieves, but at length reached the party, and later 
found himself in San Antonio, Tex. 

Mr. Stevens did not then at once set out for 
Illinois, but. with the hope of retrieving his for- 
tunes, made a trip to Ft. Clark. At length, after 
an ab.sence of five years, he returned to the scenes 
of his boyhood, poor in pocket, but rich in expe- 
rience. The following year he visited Ft. Riley, 
Kan., then the headquarters of all the wild spirits 
of the border, but a few months spent there satis- 
fied him, for he was in the company of gamblers, 
and he returned to the prairies of Hancock Coun- 
ty, and accustomed himself to the habits of a 
more civilized life. 

About this time he married Miss Julia Ann 
Towler, of La Prairie, Adams County, and 
after his marriage he began fanning on the old 
home which he had left seven years before, and 
there resided until 1870, when he was elect- 
ed County Sheriff, and removed to Carthage. 
In 1872, he was re-elected and eflScientlj- ser\'ed 
for four years. During the succeeding ten years 
he devoted himself to farming interests, but did 
not remove to the countrj-. In 1882, he was 
chosen to represent his district in the State Legis- 
lature, and while thus serving always had the in- 
terests of his constituents at heart, and took an 
active part in advocating such legi.slation as 
would cau.se the railroads to provide more ade- 
quate ser\'ice for the people. This roused the op- 
position of those connected with the railroads, and 
when he was renominated the opposing part}' so 
persistently worked against him that he was de- 
feated. For years he was Chairman of the Coun- 
tj- Democratic Committee, and did all in his 
power to promote his party's interests. He was 
the author of the "Aledo Letter,"which resulted in 
the iniion of the Democrats and Greenbackers in 
the district for the election to Congress of their 
candidate, William H, Neece, much to the cha- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'47 



grin and annoyance of the Republican leaders. 
He was a man of keen obsen'ation, a close stu- 
dent of human nature, and his great urbanity and 
.suavity of manner made him a leader of men. 
He became Postma.ster of Carthage under Cleve- 
land, but resigned his office on the election of 
President Harrison, not desiring to serve under a 
political opponent. Though he was an advocate 
of Democratic principles, he did not fully agree 
with the President on all matters, as he was a 
strong advocate of the free-coinage system. 

Mr. Stevens took an active interest in every- 
thing that pertained to the perpetuation of the au- 
thentic history of the count}' in which he .so long 
made his home. He was for ^-ears a member 
of the Old Settlers' Association, and for two 
years served as its President. He was a man of 
broad and liberal mind, who believed in giving to 
the pioneers who were the founders of the county 
their just dues. Those who knew him esteemed 
him highly for the many excellencies of his char- 
acter, and certainly his name deserves an honored 
place on the pages of his adopted county. 

Mr. Stevens died at his home in Carthage Jan- 
uan- 3, 1S94, after an illness of but a few days. 
His children are Leona M., who is connected 
with the educational interests of the county; Clara 
B., wife of Thomas Jackson, a farmer of Hancock 
Countv: and Elmira A., at home. 



-S] 



l^>^P-= 



iA C. ECKBOHM is acknowledged by many 

y to be the leading business man of Warsaw. 

CS He is connected with some of its leading 
industries and interests, and thereby has aided 
materially in the progress, prosperity and up- 
building of this place. The various enterprises 
with which he is connected have yielded to him a 
good income and numbered him among the .sub- 
stantial citizens of the community. 

Mr. Eckbohm is a native of Germany. He 
was born in Liebick, March 13, 1S46, and is a 
son of Henry and Marie (Wohlbrand) Eckbohm. 
The father was a ship carpenter by trade, and fol- 
lowed that business in his native land. In i860. 



he bade adieu to his old home and friends and 
with his family cros.sed the briny deep to America. 
On landing in this country he came direct to 
Warsaw, where he made his home until his death, 
which occurred about the year 1884. In the 
family were three children, of whom two are now 
living, namely: Mrs. Capt. Myers, and Martin C. 
of this sketch. A brother, Charles, was drowned 
at Mound City, 111., on the loth of June, 1881. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of our .subject. He at- 
tended the public schools of his native land until 
fourteen years of age, when he accompanied his 
parents on their emigration to America. During 
the past thirty-four years, he has been a resident 
of Warsaw, and is familiar with the history' of its 
upbuilding and advancement. In October, 1872, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Shafer, 
of Warsaw, daughterof John Shafer. They have 
one child, Clara. 

In 1 88 1, Mr. Eckbohm established the firm of 
Eckbohm, Dross & Co., dealers in hardware, ag- 
ricultural implements and groceries. He had 
formerly been engaged in the grain business for 
several years. When the above-mentioned firm 
was established, he labored assiduously to build 
up a good business, and by his well-directed ef- 
forts, his fair and honest dealing, and his earnest 
desire to please his customers he soon secured a 
liberal patronage. He also established a branch 
house in Keokuk and one in Alexandria, and both 
proved profitable investments, yielding to the 
owner a good income. In 1888. he established 
the pickle works at Warsaw. A company was 
formed with a capital stock of $25,000. From 
the beginning trade has constantl}' increased, and 
the business in 1893 amounted to upwards of 
$75,000. In that year they purcha.sed forty-two 
thousand bushels of cucumbers. 

In his political views, Mr. Eckbohm is a Re- 
publican, and has twice .served as City Alderman 
of Warsaw with credit to himself and satisfaction 
to his con.stituents. He manifests a commenda- 
ble interest in ever^-tliing that pertains to the 
welfare of the connnunity, and his hearty support 
and co-operation ar^given to those enterprises 
which are calculated to prove of public benefit. 



148 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Socially, he is connected with the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. Through the legitimate 
channels of business he has won a success of which 
he is well deserving — a success which has brought 
to him a handsome income, and made him one of 
Warsaw's substantial citizens. 



-=]. 



^+^[ 



REV. HOLMES DYSINGER, D. D., Presi- 
dent of Carthage College, is well known as a 
leading educator throughout Illinois and 
other Central States. He was born near Mifflin, 
Pa., March 26, 1853, and was one of a family that 
numbered six sons and a daughter. The family 
is of German origin, his ancestors having set- 
tled originally in York and Lancaster Counties, 
Pa., more than a century ago. His grandparents 
on both sides removed to that part of Mifflin 
County which was afterwards cut off and forms 
a part of Juniata County. There was celebrated 
the marriage of Joseph Dysinger and Mary 
Amelia Patterson, who became the parents of our 
subject. They were not wealthy people and did 
not leave to their children a handsome compe- 
tency, but they gave to them what is oftentimes 
far better — a good home training. They were 
reared to habits of industry' and economy, and les- 
sons of honor, obedience and consideration for 
one another were instilled into their young minds. 
Their parents po.ssessed true refinement, and sur- 
rounded their children with only that which was 
pure and good. 

In the labors of the farm, Mr. Dy.singer of this , 
sketch was also well developed. From an early 
age he was very fond of study, and .soon man- 
ifested a praiseworthy ambition to excel in the 
country schools, which con\-ened for about three 
months out of the year. He found in his parents 
his principal teachers, and the older members of 
the family often assisted the younger in their les- 
sons, an experience which proved of benefit to 
Mr. Dysinger in his after life. His love of good 
books continued to grow, and he soon became fa- 
miliar with the broad and elevating thoughts of 
many master minds. He wished to enter profes- ' 



sional life, and one of his first independent efforts 
was at school-teaching, which he began at the 
early age of seventeen. During the .spring and 
summer he would aid in the labors of the farm, 
and in the winter season take charge of the 
school. He was thus employed for five years. 

In the winter of 1871-72, under the preaching 
of the Rev. D. M. Blackwelder, he united with 
the Lutheran Church, and from that time has 
been actively interested in its promotion. Be- 
coming imbued with a strong desire to enter the 
ministry, be began a course of preparation for the 
sacred office, and his studies were cho.sen with 
the view of fitting himself for college. In the 
spring of 1873, he became a pupil at Airy View 
Academy, at Port Royal, Juniata County, Pa., 
where he took up the study of Latin and Greek 
in connection with the academic course. As time 
advanced, his desire to enter the niini.strj' grew 
continually stronger, for he felt that his labors 
were needed in the work of uplifting humanity. 
With the exception of one term at the academy 
and a few private lessons, he prepared himself for 
college without the aid of a teacher, and in the 
fall of 1875 was admitted to the Sophomore Cla.ss 
of Pennsylvania College, at Getty.sburg, Pa., 
where he applied himself assiduously to his stud- 
ies. He was graduated from that school in the 
spring of 1878, and had the honor of being vale- 
dictorian of his class. The excellent work which 
he did in the school, and the regard of the faculty, 
were shown by his appointment as tutor and man- 
ager-in-chief of the preparatorj- department of 
his alma tiiaUr. While thus employed he .spent 
all his .spare time in the .study of theology in the 
seminar)- clas.ses, and at length completed the 
course and was graduated from the .seminary in 
June, 1 88 1. However, he continued his studies 
along that line for the following year, and at the 
termination of his post-graduate course in theol- 
ogy, he received notice of his election to the Pro- 
fessorship of Ancient Languages of North Carolina 
College, where he remained for about a year. 
He afterwards ser\-ed for a short time as supply 
in a mi.ssion church in Mooresville, N. C. In the 
spring of 1883, he accepted the Chair of Ancient 
Languages in Newberrj- College, Newberry, S.C, 



y 




^r-y^ /^.^.^^i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



151 



and entered upon his duties in the following au- 
tumn. He filled that position five years, and 
during four years of that period also ser\-ed as 
Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis 
in the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Semi- 
narj- of the South. 

In August, 1886, was celebrated the marriage ot 
Rev. Mr. Dysinger and Miss Ada Ray, a most es- 
timable and accomplished ladj- of Blairsville, Pa. 
While at Newberry College, the Professor became 
a member of the American Institute of the He- 
brew Language, an organization formed by Prof 
\V. R. Harper, then of Yale College, but now 
President of the Chicago University. During the 
regular vacation months, he was employed one 
season as a professor in that institute. He is a 
man of earnest purpose, and his researches and in- 
struction in Hebrew literature did nuich for the 
advancement of knowledge along that line. His 
connection with Carthage College began July 10, 
1888. He was elected its President, and he and 
his able corps of assistants form a mo.st excellent 
faculty. He is capable of filling the most respon- 
sible position, which he has now held for about 
six 3'ears to the .satisfaction of all concerned. 



ii^'¥'">c 



=s 



HON. WILLIAM HARRISON RANDOLPH, 
deceased, who was one of the most public- 
spirited and progressive citizens Macomb 
has ever known, and who was a leading factor in 
all that pertained to the upbuilding of the city, 
was born in Lebanon, Ohio, on the 20th of Au- 
gust, 1813, and was a son of David and Rebecca 
(Sutphen) Randolph. Both were natives of New 
Jersey, and from that .State they removed to 
Kentucky, and thence to Ohio. Some members 
of the family, however, are .still living in Lexing- 
ton, Ky. The Randolph family was founded in 
America in a ver>- early day, bj' ancestors who 
crossed the Atlantic and settled in New Jersey 
prior to the Revolution. 

W. H. Randolph spent his early boyhood on 
his father's farm, and in his youth he served an 
apprenticeship in a woolen mill in Lebanon, Ohio. 

7 



Wishing to tr\- his fortune on the broad prairies 
of the West, and with the hope of thereby better- 
ing his financial condition, he came to McDon- 
ough County, 111., in 1834, and cast his lot 
among the early settlers. He embarked in gen- 
eral merchandi.sing in Macomb, and from a small 
beginning he steadily increased his business until 
it had assumed extensive proportions. His fel- 
low-town.smen, soon recognizing his worth and 
ability, called him to public office, and in 1838 
he was elected County Sheriff, which po.sition he 
filled for six years, or for three terms. In 1844, 
he was sent to the House of Representatives, and 
in 1846 was elected his own successor. Manj' 
years passed before he was allowed to retire to 
private life, for he was always found prompt and 
faithful in the discharge of his public duties, and 
the confidence and trust of the people were alwaj's 
with him. In 1848, he was elected Circuit Clerk 
of the county, and filled that position until 1856. 
He very seldom, if ever, held an office to which 
he was not re-elected on the expiration of his first 
term. His popularity and the confidence repo.sed 
in him were so great that he always ran far ahead 
of his ticket, and on no occasion was he a defeated 
candidate. 

On the 26th of January, 1837, Mr. Randolph 
was united in marriage with Matilda Jane Brook- 
ing, daughter of Thomas Alexander and Mar}- 
Louise (Thrushley) Brooking, the former a na- 
tive of Richmond, Va., and the latter of Lexing- 
ton, Ky. Her parents were honored pioneers of 
McDonough County, who, in 1834, settled upon 
a farm four miles north of Macomb. They had a 
family of thirteen children, six of whom are yet 
living, namely: Mrs. Randolph; William T. and 
Alexander V., of Macomb; Robert S., of Ando- 
ver, S. Dak.; Mrs. J. E. Randolph, of Ft. Scott, 
Kan.; and August, a farmer of Dallas, Tex. 
One of the number, Edward S., was killed near 
Memphis, Tenn., upon the occasion of a raid by 
Forest's men. He was taken pri.soner, and was 
afterwards killed by his captors, August 21, 1864. 
He was buried by the roadside, and all trace of 
his grave was soon lost, so that his resting-place 
is unmarked. A sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Upde- 
grafF, died October 13, 1873. Mrs. Lucy Snyder, 



152 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of CarroUton, Mo., died in August, 1889. Louise 
died in May, 1852, and the others died in early 
childhood. 

Mr. and Mrs. Randolph began their dome.stic 
life in Macomb, and always made their home in 
this city. In 1854, he opened the first banking 
house in McDonough County, in company with 
Joseph M. Parkinson, Joseph W. Blount and M. 
T. Winslow. During the first two j-ears they 
were quite successful, but they were persuaded by 
T. L. McCoy, of Galesburg, to invest $20,000 in 
the Nemaha Valley Bank. The Macomb Bank 
was to issue its own notes and to be held respon- 
sible for the same, as was the case with ever\- 
other bank interested therein, but afterwards an- 
other arrangement was made whereby any notes 
issued on the Nemaha Valley Bank could be pre- 
sented to any bank connected therewith for col- 
lection, and then sent to their respective banks 
for final redemption. In 1858, the Nemaha Val- 
ley Bank failed. Me.ssrs. Randolph & Co. re- 
deemed their whole issue and over $5,000 of the 
notes of other parties, for which the}- never ob- 
tained compen.sation. This cau.sed their failure, 
and Mr. Randolph alone lost over $too,ooo. 
Here the honorable dealing which alwa>-s charac- 
terized his business career was strongly shown. 
He did not compromise with his creditors, pajing 
a few cents on the dollar, but he began at once to 
liquidate all debts, and labored earne.stl}- to pay 
his creditors. At the time of his death he had 
paid nearly the entire amount. No one doubted 
his honest}- of purpose, for his word was as good 
as his bond. 

In 1856, Mr. Randolph began the erection of 
the well-known Randolph Hotel, which stands as 
a monument to his enterprise and public spirit. 
Not finding a suitable tenant, he took charge of it 
in 1858, and continued to carry on the hotel busi- 
ness until his death. He made the house a fav- 
orite stopping-place with the traveling public, 
and it was an honor to the city. During the 
same year that work on the hotel was begun, he 
laid off Oakwood Cemeter\', comprising a tract of 
eleven acres, north of the city. It was the most 
beautiful and eligible spot near Macomb, and he 
set it aside as a resting-place for those who had 



cros-sed the dark river. Mr. Randolph was also 
interested in the real-estate business. In 1853, 
he began business along that line under the firm 
name of Randolph, Parkinson & Co., and this 
connection was continued until November 3, 1856, 
when the firm became McLean, Randolph & Co. 
The\- confined their operations to a region known 
as the "Military- Tract," comprising sixteen 
counties, lying between the Illinois and Mi.s.sis- 
sippi Rivers, and for a time did an extensive bus- 
iness, which materially increased Mr. Randolph's 
wealth. He was a man of keen sagacitj- and 
foresight, which, combined with his thorough 
knowledge of the countrj-, made his purchases 
and sales profitable. 

In politics, Mr. Randolph was first a Whig, 
and on the organization of the Republican party 
he at once joined its ranks. No one was ever 
doubtful as to where he stood, for he was a man 
of firm convictions, and neither fear nor favor 
could make him withhold an opinion on questions 
which he believed to be vitally important to the 
country. When the Republican part}' was yet 
new and its success seemed doubtful, he put forth 
ever}' eifort in its behalf and labored untiringly 
for its growth and upbuilding. In i860, he re- 
doubled his efforts in support of Illinois' greatest 
statesman, and his labors in this community did 
much toward securing the large majority which 
was given to the Martyr President. His loyalty 
and patriotism were made manifest on the out- 
break of the late war, and his time and means were 
given freely to the support of the Union. The 
boys in blue were ever welcome at his house, and 
if they had no money to pay bills it mattered not, 
for he gave to them freely. They were engaged 
in the effort to preserve the Union, and the cause 
was dear to his heart. 

On the 15th of June, 1863, Mr. Randolph was 
appointed Deputy Pro\ost-Marshal for McDon- 
ough County, without his solicitation, and was 
re-appointed September 28, 1864. His friends 
urged him not to accept, for they knew that 
many enemies would arise, anxious to take the 
life of one whom they would regard as a foe; but 
it was a question of dut}-, not of safety, with him, 
and he accepted the appointment. His first act 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



153 



was to make an enrollment of the militia, report- 
ing the names to the Provost-Marshal in Mt. 
Sterling. At this time McDoiiough Count3- was 
short in the quota, and a draft was ordered. The 
number deficient was drawn, and among others 
John Bond, of Hire Town.ship, was drafted. Mr. 
Randolph at once notified him, and ordered him 
to report at once at Mt. Sterling; but this not be- 
ing done he proceeded to Blandinsville to arrest 
Bond. The latter endeavored to escape, but Mr. 
Randolph told him he was a prisoner. Bond 
then took a step or two back and fired at Mr. 
Randolph, after which he fled. The Marshal re- 
turned the shots, and each fired again several 
times. James Bond, a brother of the prisoner, 
now came up in the rear of the Marshal and be- 
gan firing, and inflicted a fatal wound, the death 
of Mr. Randolph following within twentj'-four 
hours. His loss was mourned throughout the 
entire community, for he was one of the most 
prominent, influential and highly-respected citi- 
zens. His name is inseparably connected with 
the history of the communitj% for he was one of 
the important factors in its upbuilding. 

Mrs. Randolph still surA'ives her luusband and 
is yet living in Macomb. She is the possessor of 
considerable valuable property, and the income 
derived therefrom surrounds her with all the 
comforts of life. 



"SJ 



Raw DAVID LOY TRESSLER was born 
in Loy.sville, Pa., February 15, 1839, and 
was a son of Col. John Tre.ssler, whose death 
occurred in 1859. The father was a man of much 
more than ordinary- ability, and was a prominent 
citizen of the Keystone .State. He was a warm 
friend to education, and with his own means 
erected a school in Loysville, of which he was at 
the head for several years. On his death his son 
succeeded to his position. This academy was 
later transformed into a Soldiers' Orphans' Home, 
and stands to-day as the permanent Orphans' 
Home of the Lutheran Church of Pennsylvania. 
Others in the family evinced a talent for educa- 



tional work, and a brother of our subject, who 
died at the age of twenty-four, occupied the Chair 
of Mathematics in the Capital University in Col- 
umbus, Ohio. 

The Rev. D. L. Tressler whose name heads 
this sketch was educated in the public schools and 
in Loysville Academy, of which he afterwards be- 
came principal. In 1857 he entered the sopho- 
more class of the Pennsylvania College, and was 
graduated with honor in i860. The same year 
he became principal of the academy which his fa- 
ther founded, but in 1S62 resigned that position, 
and largely among his students raised a company 
of volunteers for service in the Civil War. He 
was chosen Captain, and led his command in the 
battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Fred- 
ericksburg. In the last-named he was twice 
wounded, but after recovering he resumed his com- 
mand and took part in the famous battle of Chan- 
cellorsville. He was tendered a Colonel's com- 
mission, but declined this and returned home. 

Capt. Tre.ssler then took up the study of law, 
and in 1864 was admitted to the Bar. For five 
years he continued practice, and was considered a 
rising young lawyer, for his talents were such as 
to make him well adapted for that profession; but 
he had other aspirations, and as he expressed it, 
" If I wish to be rich in this world's goods, I will 
remain in the legal profession; if rich in the next 
world, I will enter the ministrj'." Accordingl)-, 
in 1870, having removed to Mendota, 111., he en- 
tered the ministry of the Lutheran Church, and 
was immediately called to Lena, where he labored 
most assiduously and successfully until coming to 
Cartilage in 1872, having been elected a professor 
in Carthage College. After one year's work- in 
the classroom he was called to the head of the in- 
stitution, entering upon the duties of President in 
1873. He also had charge of the financial affairs 
of the college and was pastor of the Trinity Luth- 
eran Church. It was largely through his in.stru- 
mentality that the substantial house of worshi]i 
was erected. 

In 1865, Dr. Tressler wedded AdaJ. Mclntyre, 
of Pennsylvania, who survives him and still makes 
her home in Carthage, highly respected by all 
who know her as a lady of refinement, possessed 



154 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of many excellencies of character. She was a 
faithful helpmate to her husband, and by her gen- 
tle, vvomanl}- influence aided him greatly in his 
work as an educator and minister. 

Dr. Tressler was admirably fitted for the im- 
portant position which he held. He was a man 
of indomitable energy, quick intellect and fine 
business tact, possessed a kind, generous and sym- 
pathetic nature, was of a cheerful disposition, and 
always looked upon the bright side of things. He 
had a happy faculty of making every one feel at 
ease in his presence, and with untiring zeal and 
energj- he labored for the success of the college 
and for the advancement of the cause of Christ. 
He was a fluent and graceful writer, possessed 
many of the qualities of a fine orator, and in man- 
ner was easj' and free and void of all ostentation 
and' display. His career was devoted to all that 
was noble and best in life and to the elevation of 
humanit)-. His death, which occurred Februarj' 
20, 1880, in his fortj'-second year, was deeply 
mourned, not only in this community, but 
throughout the circles of the Lutheran Church. 



^^H^! 



[S^ 



HENRY BOWER, of Carthage, who is now 
practically living a retired life, is a native of 
the Keystone State, his birth having oc- 
curred in Carlisle, Pa., on the iith of March, 
1825. His father, Daniel Bower, was also a na- 
tive of Cumberland County. He was a farmer 
by occupation, and married Martha Bishop, a na- 
tive of York County. Their la.st j-earswere spent 
in Cumberland County, and when death came 
they were laid to rest in Carlisle Cemeterj-. 

Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth in his parents' home, and ere he attained 
his majority he served an apprenticeship of three 
years and a-half to the black-smith's trade, which 
he followed for a time. At length he determined 
to seek a home in the West, and in 1855 started 
for Kansas, but located instead in Hancock Coun- 
ty. 111. In the spring of 1857, he came to Carth- 
age, and, meeting old friends, decided to remain in 
this place. He secured the position of Jailer, in 



which capacity he served for three years. In 
1865, he opened a blacksmith shop near the pres- 
ent .site of the city water works, and continued 
to work at his trade until 1878. He did a good 
business and accumulated a comfortable compe- 
tence. Part of his capital he invested in a one 
hundred acre farm situated a mile and a-half west 
of Carthage, on the Keokuk road. He rents his 
land, which is under a high state of cultivation 
and well improved, and therefore yields to him a 
good income. 

Mr. Bower was married ere leaving the State of 
his nativity. On the 22d of March, 1849, in Mt. 
Rock, Pa., he was joined in wedlock with Miss 
Rachel Melinda David.son, who has been his 
faithful companion and helpmeet along life's 
journej^ for forty-five years. To them were born 
the following children: John Davidson, who died 
at the age of twenty-three; LiHie, who died at the 
age of nineteen; William W., who is engaged in 
the poultr}' business; Matthew B., who died at 
the age of seven; and Addie, who passed away at 
the age of one year. All died of typhoid fever in 
1871. 

In his political views, Mr. Bower is a Republi- 
can. He has long supported that party by his 
ballot, but has never been an office-seeker. His 
wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and both are highly respected citizens, who well 
deserve representation in this volume. 



I 



=1 



~^3 



^-^ 



C^_ 



I OTHAIRE BRUCE COCKERN is one of 
I C the honored veterans of the late war, who 
LJ went to the front and valiantly .stood for the 
preservation of the Union. He now makes his 
home in Carthage, 111., and for a year past has 
been engaged in the publication of the Hancock 
County Journal, of which he is now editor and 
proprietor. He was born at Hillsboro, Ky., on 
the 22d of December, 1838, and is a son of John 
P. and Mary A. (Crawford) Cockern, who were 
natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. The 
Cockern family came originally from England, 
and settled in Pennsylvania. Later, its repre- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



155 



sentatives became residents of the Panhandle Dis- 
trict of West Virginia. The father of our subject 
is a carpenter by trade, and has followed that pur- 
suit through much of his life. He is now living 
in California, whither he removed in March, 
1863. The mother died in Carthage, 111., Jan- 
uar>- 24, 1861. In the family were eight chil- 
dren, six of whom are yet living, namely: L. 
B., of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah A. Gilham, who 
resides in Live Oak; Mrs. Eliza B. Gray, of 
Marysville; Mrs. Zerelda A. Bartlett, of Suisun; 
Mrs. Aramanda A. Creighton, of Glenburn; and 
George \V., who is located in Fairfield, Cal. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who was reared in the usual manner of 
farmer lads, spending hissummer months at labor 
in the field, while in the winter season he attended 
the public schools of the neighborhood. The 
vear 185 1 witnes.sed his arrival in Hancock 
County, where he has made his home continu- 
ously since. At an early age he began working 
as a farm hand at $8 per month, and was thus 
employed for several seasons. 

The Union found in Mr. Cockern one of its most 
zealous defenders during the late Civil War. 
Prompted by a spirit of patriotism , he enlisted on 
the 6th of May, 1 861, in his country's ser\'ice, and 
joined the boj-s in blue of Company D, Sixteenth 
Illinois Infantry. His first season's service was 
in northern Missouri. This was light .serv-ice — 
he lia\ing only to chase the rebel cavalr}- j ust 
enough to keep the horses poor. In 1862 he was 
under the command of Gen. Pope until after the 
siege of Corinth. He participated in that siege, 
was later stationed atTuscumbia, Ala., until that 
line was abandoned, and then went to Nashville, 
where with his command he lay for ten months. 
He later did service under Gens. Rosecrans and 
Thomas, and went with Sherman as far as Rome, 
Ga., in the campaign against Atlanta, just prior 
to the ever memorable march to the sea . His term 
of service expired while at Rome, Ga. He was a 
non-commissioned officer, having been made Cor- 
poral on the day of his muster in, while later he 
was promoted to be .Sergeant. He was ever found 
at his post of duty, faithful to the trust and confi- 
dence reposed in him. Through the heroic efforts 



of the private soldiers, the Union was preserved, 
and to them the country owes a debt of gratitude 
which can never be repaid. 

After his return to Hancock County, Mr. Cock- 
ern was engaged in the recruiting service until 
the close of the war. He was married on the 
28th of March, 1866, to Miss Emily A. Symonds, 
daughter of Frederick W. Symonds, a native of 
New Hampshire. Five children were born to 
them, but two of the luunber, Robert and an in- 
fant sister, are at rest. Tho.se still living are 
Mary, Isabel and John. 

In 1869, Mr. Cockern was appointed Postmas- 
ter at Carthage, 111., by President Grant, and held 
that position for five years, proving a capable and 
efficient officer. He now devotes his entire time 
and attention to the publication of his paper. In 
politics, he was first a Democrat, following in the 
political footsteps of his father, and on attaining 
his majority voted for Stephen A. Douglas. Dur- 
ing the war, however, he became a Republican, 
and has generally supported its men and meas- 
ures. Socialh-, he is connected with the Masonic 
fraternity, and is an honored member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. He is a valued citizen of 
the community, who manifests the same loyalty 
to his duties of citizenship in days of peace as he 
did in dajs of war. Through the columns of his 
paper he exerts his influence for all that promotes 
the best interests of the comnuuiity, and his co- 
operation is given to all worthy and commendable 
enterprises. 

PTdWARDM. ROBBINS, D. D. S.,isthelead- 
rp ing dental surgeon of Carthage, where for 
I eighteen years he has been continuou.sly 
and successfully engaged in the practice of his 
chosen profession. A native of Indiana, he was 
born in LaGrange County, Ajiril 11, 1842, and 
is a son of Dr. Eppaah and Mary (Clarke) Rob- 
bins. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, 
but was reared in Ohio, and the mother claimed 
New York as the State of her nativity. They con- 
tinued to re.side in LaGrange Count_\- until 1850, 



156 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



when they emigrated with their family to Fayette 
County, 111., and the Doctor continued in prac- 
tice in this State until 1871. He then removed 
to Osage Mission, Kan., where he resided until 
his death, in February, 1892, at the age of seventy- 
three years. He made his home in Hancock 
County from October, 1861, until 1871, residing 
in Nauvoo and Pontoosuc. The only brother of 
our subject, George E., a dentist, was drowned 
in the Walnut River, at Arkansas City, Kan., in 
June, 1893. The only sister became the wife of 
R. D. Cogswell, M. D. They lived in Hancock 
County from 1861 until 1868. 

Doctor Robbins of this sketch was a lad of only 
eight years when he came with his parents to 
Illinois. He acquired his education in the com- 
mon schools, and in an acadeni}' at Alton, which 
is now known as Shurtliff College. He then began 
the study of medicine with his father, but in Au- 
gust, 1862, prompted by patriotic impulses, he 
enlisted as a member of Company H, Seventy- 
eighth Illinois Infantry-, and was mustered in at 
Quincy on the 20th of the month, with John K. 
Allen as Captain, George T. Bear as Lieutenant, 
and Samuel Simmons as Second Lieutenant. He 
served under Gens. Buell and Rosecrans, and 
the first hard-fought battle in which he partici- 
pated was at Chickamauga, where his company 
suffered a heavy loss. His division, however, 
under Gen. Steadman, saved the entire army. 
Later, he was in the battles of Chattanooga, Mis- 
sion Ridge, Sweet Water, and was then with his 
command sent to Knoxville to relieve Banks. 
He took part in the first battle of the Atlanta 
campaign at Tunnel Hill, and the engagements 
at Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain and Peach Tree 
Creek. His divi.sion was also in the battle of 
Jonesboro, which resulted in the evacuation of 
Atlanta. They were then sent back to Hunts- 
ville and Mt. Forest, and afterwards again went 
to Atlanta, and on the celebrated march to the 
sea under Gen. vShennan. The Doctor then 
marched to Richmond and on to Washington, 
where he participated in the Grand Review. He 
received his di.scharge in Chicago. In the spring 
of 1863, he had been detailed to act as a,s.sistant 
hospital steward in the medical department, but 



was always with the regiment and on the field 
taking care of the wounded. 

When the country no longer needed his serv- 
ices, Mr. Robbins returned to Illinois, and re- 
sumed the study of medicine, but soon after be- 
gan dealing in stock and later took up farming. 
In 1869 he resumed his studies and entered a 
dental college in Chicago, from which he was 
graduated in 1871. The following year he re- 
moved to Osage Mission, Kan., but after two 
years returned to Illinois, and in 1875 came to 
Carthage, where he has since been actively en- 
gaged in practice. He is a member of the Cen- 
tral Illinois Dental Society, of which he has 
served as President, and of the State Society, in 
which he is now serving as a member of the execu- 
tive council. 

Dr. Robbins was married March 24, 1870, to 
Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mar>' (Con- 
ner) Brownlee, who were pioneers of Hancock 
County, where Mrs. Robbins was born. They 
have three children: Eulalie, a j^oung lady of 
twenty, who is now studying music under Prof 
Liebling, of Chicago; and Eddie and Samuel, who 
are at home. 

The Doctor served as a member of the Town 
Council for a number of years, and was then 
called upon by the people of Carthage who were 
in favor of anti-licen.se and the support of public 
enterprises calculated to promote the interests of 
the community to become a candidate for Mayor. 
This he did, and he is now acceptably and credit- 
ably filling that office. He is indeed always 
found on the side of progress and advancement. 
The Doctor is one of the incorporators of the 
Hancock County Agricultural Board, which owns 
a forty acre-park, finely arranged for fairs and pic- 
nics. He is Secretary of the company, which has 
given twelve public exhibitions. He has alwaj's 
been a great lover of fine horses, and is now en- 
gaged in breeding trotters. He bred "Combina- 
tion , ' ' with a record of 2 : 1 8 >^ ; " Sebasco, ' ' a three- 
year-old, with a record of 2:10: and he now owns 
"Eulalie," by "Egmont," full sister of "Combi- 
nation." He also has one mare sired by "Jerome 
Eddy," the famoushor.se that sold for $30,000. 

In his .social relations, the Doctor is connected 



J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



157 



with the Odd Fellows' society and the encamp- 
ment, and also the Knights of Pythias fraternity, 
which he has represented in the Grand Lodge. 
He belongs to the Lutheran Church, and is ranked 
among the best and most valued citizens of the 
community, his name being inseparably con- 
nected with all that pertains to the general wel- 
fare and to the promotion of its best interests. 
Carthage has had no better Mayor, or one who is 
more universally esteemed. 



_=) 



"^ 



^^f^ 



r=3 



(=- 



\A ILTON T. HUNT, who is engaged in the 
y dry-goods business in Warsaw, as a mem- 
(^ ber of the firm of Elhebe, Hunt & Co., 
was born in this place on the loth of October, 
1 86 1, and is a representative of one of the early 
families of the county. His parents, M. T. and 
Helen M. (Baldwin) Hunt, came to this place in 
1854, and the father became prominently con- 
nected with the business intere.sts of this place. 
He was a native of North Carolina, and his wife 
was born in New York. He came from his native 
State to Illinois, and took up his residence in Mc- 
Donough County, where he made his home until 
his removal to Warsaw, as before .stated. For a 
time he followed farming, but later turned his at- 
tention to the pork-packing business, in which he 
continued for about seven years. He was a man 
of good business and executive ability, and his 
enterprising and well-directed eiforts won for him 
.success, and secured for him a comfortable com- 
petence. 

In 1856 Mr. Hunt was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his first wife. In their family were 
the following children: Mrs. Jennie Withers, who 
resides in Henderson County; Carrie, who is now 
decea.sed; Henry, who is living in Texas; and El- 
len, of Warsaw. After the death of his first wife, 
Mr. Hunt was again married, his second union be- 
ing with Mrs. Helen (Baldwin) Wilson. Their un- 
ion was graced by three children: Mrs. Eugenia A. 
Dallam, Milton T. of this sketch, and Kate, now- 
deceased. The father of this family was called to 
his final rest March 8, 1879, and his wife pa.s.sed 



away on the 6th of December, 1886. Mr. Hunt 
whose name heads this record has known no 
other home than Hancock County. Here the 
days of his boyhood and youth were pa.ssed, and 
it has been the scene of his business career. Dur- 
ing his earlier years he followed farming to some 
extent, and also worked in a grocer)^ .store at va- 
rious intervals, but in 1892 he embarked in the 
business as a member of the firm of Elhebe, Hunt 
& Co. He is now in charge of the store, which 
is a well-appointed one, tastefully arranged and 
stocked with everything found in an establish- 
ment of this kind. He is enjoying a good trade, 
for his courteous and gentlemanly treatment of 
his patrons, and straightforward, honorable deal- 
ing, always retain the trade of those whose cus- 
tom he once secures. He is wide-awake and enter- 
prising, and his .success is well merited. 

Mr. Hunt is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, and has taken the Knight Templar Degree. 
In religious belief he is an Episcopalian. He ex- 
ercises his right of franchise in support of the Re- 
publican party, for he is a .stalwart advocate of 
its principles, and does all in his power to pro- 
mote the growth and insure the success of Repub- 
licanism, and he takes an active interest in everj- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of the city. 



_^) 



IS) 



1^-!^^-= 



^OHN GILLER is extensively engaged in the 
I brewing business in Warsaw. A native of 
G/ Canada, he was born in thecit\- of Hamilton, 
Wentworth County, Ontario, on the 8th of Feb- 
ruary, 1859. His father, Rudolph Giller, was a 
native of Switzerland, and there spent the days 
of his childhood. In the year 1848, he bade 
adieu to home and friends and crossed the broad 
Atlantic to America. Taking uj) his residence in 
Loui.sville, Ky., he embarked in the brewing 
business, and there carried on operations for souk- 
years. At length he left that State, and in 1854 
removed to Canada. He was the first manufac- 
turer of lager beer in Canada, ale having been the 
only product of the kind made hitherto. Mr. 
Gilkr was united in marriage with Miss Catherine 



158 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Bauer, who was born in the grand duchj- of 
Baden, and in 1852 he came with his family to 
Illinois. 

Our subject was a child of only two years when 
his parents came to this State. His early boy- 
hood days were quietly passed. During his 
youth he went to New York, and in Rochester 
learned his trade in Bartholomew's brewer5\ 
There he continued until 1879, when he returned 
home. Two years later he entered into partner- 
ship with Martin Popel, his stepfather. His own 
father had died in 1861. 

On the 4th of October, 1886, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Oilier and Miss Anna Wolf, 
daughter of the late Charles Wolf. Their union 
has been blessed with three children, a son and 
two daughters: Florentine, Olivia and Walter 
John. 

Mr. Oilier is a member of the Turners' Society, 
is one of the firemen of Warsaw, holds member- 
ship with the Independent Order of Mutual Aid 
and the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and belongs to 
Ft. Edward Encampment. He is a man of good 
business ability and has made a success of his un- 
dertakings. 



-=5. 



^+^ 



(=~ 



(D]lCTOR DORY was for many years promi- 
\ / nently connected with the mercantile inter- 
V ests of Warsaw, but is now living a retired 
life, having placed his busine.ss in the hands of 
his sons, who are now conducting it under the 
name of Dory Brothers. He is a man of deter- 
mined effort, enterprising and energetic, andiu his 
undertakings he won a well-merited success. As 
he is so widely and favorably known in this com- 
munity, we feel assured that this record of his 
life will prove of interest to many of our readers. 
Mr. Dory was born in the department of the 
Moselle, France, May 7, 1827, and is a son of John 
and Barbara (Laluette) Dorj-. He remained on 
his father's farm during the days of his boyhood 
and youth, but in 1848, having attained his ma- 
jority, he left the old home and sailed for America. 
He took passage on the vessel "Pyramid, ' ' which 



after a \oyage of fifty-three days, dropped anchor 
in the harbor of New Orleans. Mr. Dory then 
had a cousin living in the Crescent City, who ad- 
vised him to go North on account of the cholera 
which raged in the Southern States. On the fol- 
lowing day, therefore, he took passage on the 
"Southern" for a trip up the Mississippi. Three 
days later cholera broke out on board the ship, and 
each evening the boat would go to land to bury 
the victims of that disease, numbering from ten to 
sixteen in a single day. One entire family of 
seven members died, save a boj' of fifteen. Mr. 
Dory was taken with the cholera at Louisville, 
the fifth da}' after his arrival in this countrj-, and 
for six weeks he was unable to walk. He then 
went to Bloomington, Ind., where his brother 
Sylvester was living, and with him remained for 
three years. 

In 1852, Mr. Dor>- and his brother came to 
Warsaw, and, purchasing a .stock of goods, opened 
a store on the present site of the store now con- 
trolled by Dory Brothers. There he carried on 
business continuous!)- until his retirement, with 
the exception of two j-ears spent in his native 
land. In 1858, on account of impaired health he re- 
turned to France, where he spent two years, again 
coming to Warsaw in i860. In 1872, his brother 
Sylvester left this place and went to Louisville, 
Ky . Later, he removed to Dakota, where he now 
resides. 

On the 9th of April, 1866, Mr. Dory wedded 
Miss Mar>' A. Festor, of St. Louis, who was of 
French extraction. They became the parents of 
eleven children, five of whom are yet living, 
namely: Firmin, Albert, Victor, Estella and Ce- 
celia. They have given their children all liberal 
educational advantages and thus fitted them for 
the practical and responsible duties of life. The 
children now deceased are Victor S., who died 
May 8, 1869; Amy, who died June 19, 1884; 
Vitaline A., who died Augu.st 27, 1886; Eugene, 
who died September 12, 1886, at the age of eigh- 
teen; Joseph, who died September 17, 1890; and 
August, who died September 24, 1892. 

Mr. Dory is a member of the Catholic Church, 
and is one of its earnest and ardent supporters, do- 
ing all in his power for its promotion and upbuild- 




John B. Risse 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i6i 



ing. When he came to the West he spent some 
time in looking over the countr>', visited Quincy, 
Keokuk, Burlington and Warsaw, and finally de- 
cided to locate at the last-named, for it then seemed 
to present excellent advantages and gave evidence 
of rapid growth. Although the town has not be- 
come as large as some of the others, Mr. Dory 
need have no occasion to regret his choice of it as 
a home, for he has here found friends and pros- 
perity . 



_^] 



S) 



!^+^ 



HON. JOHN B. RISSE is a prominent at- 
torney, and ex-County Judge of Hancock 
County. This locality has been the scene 
of his entire professional career, and on life's 
.stage he has played well his part. For seventeen 
years he served as County Judge, and his long 
continuance in office well indicates his fidelity to 
duty and the high commendation which he re- 
ceived from his fellow-townsmen. In the ranks 
of the legal profession, he occupies a foremost 
place, and as one of its most prominent representa- 
tives we gladly place his historj- in this volume. 

Judge Risse was born on the 28th of October, 
1835, in Donsten, West Prus.sia, Germany, and 
was the third in a family of four children, num- 
bering three sons and a daughter. The two 
brothers of our subject, however, died in infancy. 
The .sister, Frances, is now the wife of James Og- 
den, a prosperous farmer residing in Hancock 
County. The parents, Laurenz and Wilhelmina 
(Punzmann) Ris.se, were both natives of Ger- 
many. The father was born in Dorsten, and be- 
came a shoe- maker by trade. In 1844, he cros.sed 
the Atlantic to America in company with his 
family, and located at Galena, 111., where he re- 
mained until 1847. In that year he removed to 
Nauvoo, where he embarked in business as a 
.shoe-dealer. He continued in that business until 
his death and met with a fair degree of success in 
his undertakings. In 1870, he was called to the 
home beyond, having reached the allotted age of 
three-score and ten years. His wife, who was in 
Cologne, survived him for a number of years and 



departed this life in 1887, at the advanced age of 
eighty -seven years. 

The Judge .spent the first eight years of his life 
in the land of his birth, and then accompanied his 
parents on their emigration to America. The 
days of his youth were spent in his father's 
home. In the public schools of the neighbor- 
hood he acquired a good English education. He 
began reading in a law office in Nauvoo, and af- 
ter thorough and diligent preparation passed an 
examination and was admitted to the Bar in 
1856. Mr. Risse at once began practice in 
Nauvoo, and there remained until December, 
1869, when he was elected County Judge of Han- 
cock County, and removed to Carthage. For 
seventeen years he continued to fill that position 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his 
constituents. At length, on his retirement from 
public life, he opened a law office, and has since 
devoted his energies to private practice. 

On the 1 6th of April, 1861, Judge Risse was 
united in marriage with Miss Ursula Reimbold, 
who was born in Cologne, Germany, a most es- 
timable lady, who has been to her husband a 
faithful companion and helpmate. They have be- 
come the parents of six children, four sons and 
two daughters. The eldest, William B., is now 
an attorne3'-at-law, as.sociated with his father; 
Minnie is the wife of John J. Rheinberger, a wine 
grower of Nauvoo; Chri.stina is the wife of Au- 
gust J. Beger, who is engaged in the drug busi- 
ness in Nauvoo; Henry C. is engaged in merchan- 
di.sing in Parsons, Kan. ; and the two 30Unge.st 
members of the family, Edward J. and Ferdinand 
L., are .still with their parents. The family is 
one of prominence in the community, and its mem- 
bers are widely and favorably known. 

In his political views. Judge Ris.se is a Demo- 
crat, who warmly advocates the principles of 
his party and always supports by his ballot its 
men and measures. He is recognized as one of 
the leaders of Democracy in Hancock County, 
and does all in his power to promote his party's 
interests and insure its success. He and his fam- 
ily are members of the Catholic Church, and con- 
tribute liberally to its support. He is now en- 
joying an extensive law practice and is recognized 



1 62 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



as one of the leading attorneys of this part of the 
State. His record on the bench is one of which 
he maj' well be proud. In his rulings he was 
ever just, unbiased by fear or favor, and the high 
opinion in which he was held by all the voters of 
the county is indicated by his frequent re-election. 
He is a man of deep research, of studious and 
thoughtful habits, and by earnest application he 
has won the prominent place which he now oc- 
cupies. Since his twelfth year Judge Risse has 
resided in Hancock County and has a large cir- 
cle of warm friends. 



-=5. 



"=i 



^+^ 



1:=^ 



r\HILIP DALLAM, editor and publisher of the 
L/^ Bulletin^ of Warsaw, was bom in St. Louis, 
\!i Mo., May 22, 1853, and is a son of Frank A. 
and Anna M. (McKee) Dallam, who were na- 
tives of Kentucky and New York respectively. 
The father was a new.spaperman, and it was thus 
very natural that his son should take up the line 
of work in which he is now engaged. During 
the War of the Rebellion, Frank Dallam wore 
the blue, enlisting as Captain of Companj' E, 
Tenth Illinois Infantry. He afterwards ser\-ed 
on the .staff of Gen. Ross, and continued in the 
army for about two years, when on account of ill 
health he was forced to resign. After being mus- 
tered out, he located in Cahfornia, and thence re- 
moved to Nevada. He served as a member of 
the Constitutional Convention when the State 
was admitted to the Union, and in his business 
relations was connected with the Virginia City 
Enterprise, doing editorial work. His next 
place of residence was in Quinc)-, where he served 
on the staff of the Whig until 1867. In that year 
he came to Warsaw, where his death occurred on 
the 17th of March, 1868. After coming to this 
city, he purchased the Bulletin, which is now 
managed by his son. 

Philip Dallam was the third child in his fa- 
ther's family. His elder brother, Frank, is now 
Receiver of Public Moneys at Waterville, Wash., 
to which position he was appointed by President 
Harrison. Philip spent his boyhood days in 



Quincy and Oquawka, and acquired a fair educa- 
tion in the public schools. He was practically 
brought up in the newspaper ofBce, and to the 
work connected therewith has devoted his entire 
attention throughout his business career. He 
became the publisher of the Bulletin in 1875, and 
has one of the neatest ofiBces in the State, the work 
which he turns out possessing the same charac- 
teristic. 

On the 17th of March, 1880, Mr. Dallam led 
to the marriage altar Miss Eugenie A. Hunt, 
daughter of Milton T. Hunt, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Hancock Count}'. They now have a fam- 
ily of four children and have lost one child. The 
parents are widely and favorablj' known in this 
community, where thej- have manj' warm friends 
and pleasant acquaintances. 

Socially, Mr. Dallam is connected with the 
Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of 
Modern Woodmen. He is a member of the 
Library Board of Warsaw, and gives his support 
and co-operation to all enterprises which are cal- 
culated to elevate the community and promote 
the general welfare. In politics, he is a stanch 
supporter of the Republican part}-, and his pa- 
per advocates its principles. 



-S. 



-^ 



^^t^ 



L=^ 



HON. ORVILLE F. BERRY, "who is now 
representing the Twenty-fourth District of 
Illinois in the State Senate, is one of the 
leading and influential citizens of Carthage, prom- 
inent in its political and business affairs. A na- 
tive of Illinois, he was boni on the i6th of 
February, 1852, in Table Grove, McDonough 
County, and is the eldest in a family of three chil- 
dren whose parents were Jonathan L. and Martha 
(McConnellj Berry. The only daughter of the 
family died in infancy, and the two brothers are 
partners in the practice of law in Carthage. 

The father of this family was born in Teiuiessee, 
and there spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth. When a young man he came to Hancock 
County, 111. , and in 1840 purchased land, whereon 
he remained for several ^ears, successfuUv en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



163 



gaged in its cultivation. He came of a family 
of Scotch origin, but for several generations 
past its members have resided in this country. 
The father, who was a soldier in the Mex- 
ican War, was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Brewer, of Hancock County, who died in 
1847, leaving two children: Charles L., who is 
now a contractor of Wichita, Kan.; and John, who 
was in the naval ser\-ice during the late war, and 
was killed during that struggle. In 1850, Mr. 
Berry was joined in wedlock with Miss McConnell, 
and removed to McDonough County, where he 
puichased a farm, making his home thereon until 
his death, which occurred at the age of forty-eight 
years. He served as Deputy Sheriffof McDonough 
County for two years, and was a highl}- respected 
citizen of the neighborhood in which he made his 
home. A well-educated man, he followed teach- 
ing for a time, and was thus employed both in 
Hancock and McDonough Counties. His brother, 
Harrison Berrj-, was one of the pioneer ministers 
and physicians of the latter county. The mother 
of Senator Berry was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and during her early girlhood came with her par- 
ents to Hancock County, in 1844. Her death 
occurred in McDonough County when she was 
about forty years of age. Her father was one of 
the honored pioneers of Hancock Count)-, and 
on his arrival here purchased a farm in Foun- 
tain Green Township, on which he resided 
until his death, which occurred at the very ad- 
vanced age of eighty-four years. He was of Scotch 
and Irish extraction. In the development and 
upbuilding of this county he ever bore his part, 
and was numbered among its leading and valued 
citizens. 

We now take up the personal liiston,- of Orville 
F. Berry, who was onh' five year.s of age when 
his father died. Three years later, in i860, his 
mother departed this life, and he was left an orphan 
when a lad of eight summers. He and his brother, 
Melvin P., then went to live with their grand- 
father, Francis McConnell, in Fountain Green 
Township. There they worked at farm labor and 
attended the country schools. Mr. Berry of this 
sketch thus spent his time until sixteen years of 
age, when he left his grandfather's home and be- 



gan earning his own livelihood. He was thus 
early thrown upon his own resources, but thereby 
developed a self-reliance and independence of 
character which have proven of incalculable ben- 
efit to him in later 3'ears. He began working as 
a farm hand by the month, and after spending the 
summer in the fields he would enter the district 
schools and pursue his studies through the win- 
ter season. The last three years he attended the 
High School at Fountain Green. 

On starting out in life for himself, Mr. Berry 
secured as a companion and helpmate on the jour- 
ney Miss Anna M. Barr, of Fountain Green 
Township, their marriage being celebrated on the 
5th of March, 1873. Having inherited a small 
amount of monej' from his father's estate, Mr. 
Berry then purchased a farm in Fountain Green 
Township, and continued its cultivation for a year, 
but, as his taste lay in another direction, on the ex- 
piration of that period he came to Carthage, where 
he began reading law in the office of Mack & 
Baird. In January, 1877, he was admitted to the 
Bar, and immediately thereafter formed a partner- 
ship with Judge Thomas C. Sharp, of Carthage. 
This connection has since continued, covering a 
period of seventeen years. In 1879, Melvin P. 
Berrj- was admitted to the firm, and the style was 
changed to Sharp & Berry Brothers. The .senior 
member has now been an invalid for several j'ears, 
and the bu.siness is thus left to the care of his 
partners. Our subject has won prominence in his 
chosen profe.ssion, and is recognized as one of the 
leading members of the Hancock County Bar, a 
reputation which is well merited, as it has been 
won through skill and ability. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Berry were born five children, 
but three of the number died in infancy, and 
one son was drowned at the age of fourteen years. 
Orville F. , the only surviving child, is now a lad 
of ten summers. 

Mr. Berry affiliates with the Republican party, 
and is a most stalwart advocate of its principles. 
On attaining his majority he was elected Assessor, 
and when nineteen years of age he served as a 
delegate to the State Convention. He has always 
taken an active part in everything that tends to 
advance Republican interests. When Carthage 



164 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was changed from a village to a citj', he was 
elected its first Mayor, and was twice re-elected. 
In 1888, he was elected State Senator, and when 
the returns were received in 1892 it was found 
that he was again the people's choice for that 
position. During the first session he sers'ed as 
Chainnan of the Committee on Education and 
Educational Institutions. During that time the 
compulsorj' school law was passed. Mr. Berry 
has ever been a warm friend to the public schools, 
and his labors in the Senate resulted in great good 
to the cause of education. He was strongly op- 
posed to throwing out the English language from 
the public schools, and in 1892 made an open fight 
in behalf of the mother tongue. The friends of ed- 
ucation rallied to his support, and he was re-elected 
bj^ a large majority. Believing that good schools 
are the foundation of a good government, neither 
fear nor favor would cause him to waver in sup- 
port of that view. Mr. Bern- was also a member 
of the Committees on Judician,-, Judiciary Depart- 
ment, Railroad Corporations, Charitable Institu- 
tions, Canals and Rivers, and World's Fair. He 
was also chainnan of the Republican Steering 
Committee. His record in the Senate is one of 
which he may well be proud, for he labors to ad- 
vance the best interests of the people, and has 
their confidence and high commendation. He 
was also appointed as one of five Commissioners 
to revise the statutes, on a committee composed 
of two members from the Senate and three from 
the House. 

Mr. Berry also takes great interest in civic so- 
cieties, is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the 
Modern Woodmen Lodge, the Knights of Pythias, 
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of 
which he was Grand Master of Illinois in 1883 
and 1884. He has been a representative to the 
Supreme Lodge of the United States and Canada 
for ten years, and was twice a delegate to the 
Congress of the Fraternal Societies of the United 
States. He also delivered the oration for Illinois 
on A. O. U. W. Day at the Columbian E.xposi- 
tion in Festival Hall. He was the first Secretary 
of the County Fair A.ssociation , held that position 
for six years, and for three years was General 
Superintendent. In religious belief he is a Pres- 



byterian, and has .ser\-ed as Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school for eight years. He is an 
able attorney, and the large practice which he 
receives attests his skill and ability. He has risen 
to his prominent position by his own efforts; 
with no special advantages, he has steadily 
worked his way upward, until he has become a 
leader in political and professional circles in his 
native State. 



1^H«H^ 



CS" 



(Tames sample, who resides in Carthage, 
I was born in Maytown, Lancaster County, 
(2/ Pa., and is a son of Robert and Jane (Haw- 
thorne) Sample. The days of his boyhood and 
youth were spent upon his father's farm, where he 
remained until twenty-one years of age. He 
then started out in life for himself, and leaving 
the East emigrated to Illinois in 1847. He spent 
three years in traveling and working at his trade 
in New Orleans and other places, and in 1850 
came to Hancock County, settling near Fountain 
Green, where he entered land from the Govern- 
ment. In his early life he had learned the trade 
of a carpenter and joiner, and his brothers, John 
and Frank, also followed the same pursuit until 
the war. The parents both died in 1887, at the 
age of eighty-four. 

After coming to Hancock County, Mr. Sample 
was associated with his brothers in business until 
he entered the service of his countrj- as a defen- 
der of the Union. He was a valiant soldier, al- 
ways found at his post of duty, and was wounded 
in the .ser\'ice. The injuries he sustained were 
.such as to unfit him for further work in the line 
of his trade, and after his return home he em- 
barked in the furniture business, which he suc- 
ces.sfully carried on until the summer of 1893, 
when he retired. He not only built up a good 
trade in this place, but also established branch 
houses at Fountain Green and Ferris. He is a 
man of excellent business and executive abilitj-, 
and his well-directed efforts brought him a hand- 
some competenc}'. 

In 1852, Mr. Sample was united in marriage 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



165 



with Miss Elizabeth Delia Spangler, of Hancock 
County. They have an adopted daughter, Katie, 
now the wife of W. S. Huckins, a traveling sales- 
man, and Mr. and Mrs. Huckins have one son. 
The Sample home is a comfortable and substan- 
tial residence, and in addition to this property our 
subject owns a busines.s block and is interested in 
farm lands. 

Mr. Sample has always been a supporter of the 
Republican party since its organization, and for 
manj^ terms has ser\'ed on the Town Board. He 
has been closely identified with the interests of the 
city, was partly instrumental in securing the es- 
tablishment of the college in this place, and has 
done all in his power toward aiding in those en- 
terprises which are calculated to prove of public 
benefit, and which advance the best interests of 
the community. Socially, he is connected with 
the Masonic fi-atemity of Carthage, and is a char- 
ter member of the Grand Army post. He is one 
of the ruling Elders in the Presbyterian Church, 
and has been active in church and benevolent 
work. His life has been well and worthily spent, 
and he is now enjoying a well-earned rest. 



-=1^+^1= 



Gl LBERT FULLER was born in Sandisfield, 
Ll Mass. , on the 5th of September, 1804, and 
I I died in Warsaw, III., Februar}' 6, 1880, in 
the seventy-sixth year of his age. He was re- 
spected by all who knew him, and his loss was 
deeply mourned. His father, Joseph Fuller, was 
a farmer, but the son was reared to mercantile 
pursuits, and in his native State followed mer- 
chandising for some time. In 1850, he left his 
old home and removed to Vermont, becoming 
proprietor of a paper-mill in Fair Haven. He 
continued its operation for five years, and in 1855 
removed to Granville, N. Y., where he spent one 
year. 

During the succeeding year, Mr. Fuller severed 
all business relations in the East and emigrated 
to Illinois, taking up his residence in Warsaw, 
where he spent his remaining da}'s. He became 
one of the leading stockholders in a foundry, and 



continued in that line of business with excellent 
success for many years. 

On the 8th of September, 1840, Mr. Fuller was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Julia May, a daugh- 
ter of Asa and Adah Judd. She came from an 
old Massachusetts family, which was founded in 
America during early Colonial days. Her father 
was a farmer and also engaged in the manufacture 
of paper. She was born in Otis, Berkshire 
County, Mass., January 21, 181 5, and is now the 
only sur\dving member of her father's family. 
Her brother, Dr. Homer Judd, came to Warsaw in 
1853, and engaged in the practice of medicine and 
dentistry here for a number of years. He became 
one of the most prominent men in the dental pro- 
fession, and was known throughout the country. 
His death occurred in Upper Alton, 111., May 20, 
1890. Another brother, Orson Judd, resided in 
Shalersville, Ohio. Riley was a fruit-grower 01 
Kansas, and a sister was the wife of Dr. J. B. Mer- 
n^nian, a physician now of Dixon, 111. 

Previous to her marriage with our subject, Mrs. 
Fuller was the wife of Charles May. Their wed- 
ding was celebrated on the 21st of June, 1837, ^"^ 
they became the parents of one son, Charles, who 
was bom May 10, 1838. He graduated from a 
medical and al.so a dental college of Cincinnati. 
During the late war he entered the army, and his 
service so impaired his health that his death oc- 
curred on the nth of March, 1867. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were born three chil- 
dren. Dr. A. H. is now engaged in the prac- 
tice of dentistrj' in St. Louis, and holds a fore- 
most place in professional ranks. Dr. Briggs 
Judd, who was born December 8, 1843, became 
a physician, but entered the army as a mem- 
ber of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty- 
seventh Illinois Infantn,-. He was captured by 
Gen. Forest near Memphis, Tenn., July 21, 1864, 
and was incarcerated for a year in Cahaba 
Prison, Ala. His was the regiment that started 
home on the ill-fated "Sultana," but fortunately 
for the Doctor he had taken passage on the 
"Magenta" the day previous. Helen A. is the 
youngest member of the Fuller family, and resides 
in Warsaw. 

Mr. Fuller was possessed of excellent business 



1 66 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ability, was enterprising and industrious, and his 
energA" and perseverance made his business career 
one of success. He took an active interest in the 
upbuilding of Warsaw and was long numbered 
among its leading and progressive citizens. The 
history of his life well deserves a place in this 
volume. 



]^f^ 



p=i 



(Joseph AVERY white, Jr., has during 
I the past six years made his home in Warsaw, 
(2/ where he carries on business as a lumber 
merchant, enjoying a good trade, which he has 
secured through well-directed efforts and straight- 
forw-ard, honorable dealing. The record of his 
life is as follows: A native of Massachu-setts, he 
was born on the 3d of November, 1857, and is a 
.son of J. A. and Jane Elizabeth (Fisher) White, 
who were also natives of the old Bay State. The 
White family is of English extraction, and the 
original American ancestors crossed the Atlantic 
from England to Boston in the year 1630, just 
one decade after the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth 
Rock. J. A. White, Sr. , was an importer of West 
India goods, and followed that business in Boston 
for about thirtj- years. He was a well-known 
merchant of that cit>'. His wife died March 25, 
1868. In their family were four children: Henrv- 
F., who now resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Ed- 
ward Ir\4ng, who is located in Chicago; George 
Allen, who is living at the old home in Mas.sa- 
chu.setts; and J. A. of this sketch. 

In taking up the personal histon,- of Mr. White 
whose name heads this record we note that his 
boyhood days were spent midst play and work in 
his native State, and that his education was ac- 
quired in the city schools of Boston. After com- 
pleting his literarj- course, he was graduated from 
the Comers Business College, of Boston, in 1876. 
He then went to Minnesota, where, in the em- 
ploy of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & North- 
em Railroad Company, he was engaged in sur- 
veying for a period of three years. Later, he re- 
moved to Knox County, Mo., where he was em- 
ployed in a lumber-yard at Knox City for two 



j-ears. The succeeding two years were spent in 
La Belle, and subsequently he made his home for 
a short time in Alexandria, Mo. His next place 
of residence was in Kansas City, where he en- 
gaged in business as a dealer in feed, hay, grain, 
etc. The year 1888 witnessed his arrival in War- 
saw. Here he opened a lumber-yard, and has 
since conducted the same with good success. 

On the 15th of November. 1884, Mr. White 
was united in marriage with Miss Marj- Kennedy. 
Tlie lady is a daughter of John and Sarah ( Mason) 
Kennedy. Her father was a native of Belfast, 
Ireland, and after emigrating to this country mar- 
ried Miss Mason, a native of Georgia. They re- 
sided for some time in Mobile, Ala., and thence 
removed to Kirksville, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. White 
are widely and favorably known in this com- 
munity, where they have many warm friends. 
Mr. White exercises his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the Republican party, but has never sought 
or desired the honors or emoluments of public of- 
fice. He is a man of good business and executive 
ability, and is a loyal and public-spirited citizen, 
who manifests a commendable interest in every- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of the communitj- 
in which he makes his home. 



e^4^i=- 



(Fames E. manifold was for many years 
I a prominent citizen of Hancock Count}', and 
G/ will be remembered by the greater part of 
the citizens of this community. A native of Tenn- 
e.s.see, he was born in Roane County on the 30th 
of July. 1822. His parents were George and 
Mary (Persley) Manifold, and their family num- 
bered eight children, five sons and three daugh- 
ters, who in order of birth were as follows: Sarah, 
deceased, wife of W. Wheeler, a resident of Jeffer- 
son County, Iowa; Nancy, who is now the wife 
of John McCord, a resident of La Harpe Town- 
ship, Hancock County; Elizabeth, now deceased; 
William F.; Joseph N.; James E., of whom we 
write; Benjamin J., who is living in Durham 
Town.ship; and John, who makes his home in La 
Harpe Township. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



167 



No event of special importance occurred during 
the bo3'hood and j-outh of our subject save his 
removal to Illinois. When a lad of fourteen years 
he left his native State and accompanied his par- 
ents on their emigration to Illinois. The family 
located in Hancock County, and the education of 
James Manifold, which was begun in his native 
State, was completed in the district schools of this 
locality. He shared in the trials and hardships 
of life on the frontier, and was familiar with the 
historj- of pioneer life of Hancock County, for he 
saw this region when it was wild and unimproved, 
and was an eye-witness of its development and 
advancement . 

After arriving at 3'ears of maturity, Mr. Mani- 
fold was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth 
Logan, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of 
William and Elizabeth (McCarty) Logan. The 
lady was born on the 28th of November, 1830, 
and was educated in the district schools. She 
has pro\-ed to her husband a faithful companion 
and helpmate, aiding him in his work by her 
thrifty ways, her good management, encourage- 
ment and sympathy. Mr. Manifold always fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming. He first pur- 
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
Durham Township, eight miles west of the Mani- 
fold homestead, and there resided for forty-seven 
years. He placed the entire tract under the plow, 
and transformed the once wild land into rich and 
fertile fields, which yielded to the owner a good 
income. He then purchased an eighty-acre farm 
adjoining his first tract, and afterward bought two 
hundred and forty acres additional. 

Subsequently, he bought his present homestead 
of one hundred and sixty acres, and having made 
upon this farm some valuable improvements, it be- 
came one of the best country homes in Hancock 
County. Altogether he owned seven hundred and 
ninety acres of valuable land, of which all was 
arable, with the exception of a thirty-acre timber 
tract. 

For twenty-six years Mr. Manifold was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Dur- 
ham, and took an active interest in all that per- 
tained to its upbuilding and growth, and gave 
liberally to its support. He was also a friend to 



benevolent and charitable in.stitutions, and the 
needy were never turned from his door empty- 
handed. In his political views, he was a Repub- 
lican, but never sought or desired official distinc- 
tion, preferring to devote his entire time and at- 
tention to business interests. Whatever he un- 
dertook he carried forward to a successful com- 
pletion, undeterred by any obstacles that might 
arise in his path. His death occurred August 
28, 1892. His widow now manages the estate. 



-^3. 



^+^[ 



HOMAS H. BOSCOW, M. D., who is suc- 
cessfully engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine at Kirksville, Mo. , but resides in War- 
saw, is a native of England, his birth having oc- 
curred in Liverpool on the 27th of April, 1819. 
His parents were Nicholas and Alice (Newell) 
Boscow. The father engaged in merchandising 
in his native land until 1842, when with his fam- 
ily he immigrated to America. He took up his 
residence in Hancock County, 111., but his death 
occurred in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1824, while visit- 
ing a daughter in that city. 

The Doctor is one of twelve children. He 
bade adieu to home and friends in 1842, and 
sailed for New Orleans, from whence he made 
his way to Peoria, and thence to Hancock Coun- 
ty, 111. Here he purchased a fann and carried 
on agricultural pursuits for about ten years. Ere 
leaving his native land, he had studied medicine, 
and embarked in his profession on the Isle of 
Man. In 1853, he came to Warsaw and opened 
a store, dealing in drj' goods. He carried on 
operations along that line with fair success until 
1868, when he sold out and resumed the practice 
of medicine. He is a skilled physician, and 
makes a specialty of chronic diseases. He has 
an office in Kirksville, Mo., and for a time also 
had a branch office in Quincy, 111. 

On the 17th of June, 1840, was celebrated the 
marriage of Dr. Boscow and Miss Anna F. 
Bonnyman, a native of the Isle of Man. Her 
mother, Mrs. Jane Maria (Radcliffe) Bonnyman, 
was also born on the Isle of Man, at the old 



i68 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



homestead which had been in possession of the 
Radcliffe family for three hundred years. After 
the death of her husband she managed the affairs 
of the estate. She reached the very ad\-anced 
age of ninety-two years, and up to the ven.- last 
retained her mental and physical faculties to a re- 
markable degree. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Boscow were born nine 
children, of whom four are still living. Hard- 
ing, Alexander and Thomas are all residents of 
California. Maria is living in Warsaw. One son, 
Charles S. , became a physician of California. He 
graduated from the High School of Warsaw 
when only sixteen years of age, the youngest 
pupil who had ever graduated here up to that 
time. He was graduated from the Keokuk 
Medical College in 1884, and in 1886 removed to 
California, where he became an active and promi- 
nent member of the State Medical Society. His 
death occurred on the 21st of January', 1888. A 
daughter, Mrs. Fannie Wolf died in New York, 
July 15, 1864. Sarah was the wife of Dr. Bull, 
ofKahoka, Mo., and died January 29, 1894. 

Dr. Boscow votes with the Republican part.\ 
and keeps well informed on all the issues of the 
day, ' but has never sought or desired political 
preferment. In rehgious belief he is an Episco- 
palian. The greater part of his life has been de- 
voted to the practice of medicine, and he has ever 
been a close student of the profession. He has 
made a specialty of chronic diseases, and in this 
line has won prominence. He receives from the 
pul)lic a liberal patronage, which is well merited 
by his skill and ability. 



"SI 



^■^ 



IS- 



[="^ 



©EYMOUR L. McCRORY, attorney-at-law 
2S and Notary Public of La Harpe, is a native 
Q) of Liberty Township, Adams County, 111. 
He was born on the 9th of March, 1867, and is a 
son of James McCrory, who was born in Wash- 
ington County, Pa., on the ist of Januarj', 1820. 
The latter was the eldest child of Samuel and 
Hannah McCrory. On the 6th of November, 
1843, in his native county, was celebrated the 



marriage of James McCrory and Miss Letitia Job, 
who was the youngest in a family of ten children, 
nine daughters and a son. Her mother died 
when she was only nine days old, and .she is now 
the only sun'ivor of the entire family. Until .she 
was seven years of age her elde.st sister cared for 
her, and from that time until her marriage she 
made her home with a Quaker family by the 
name of Sutherland. On the 6th of November, 
1893, Mr. and Mrs. McCrory celebrated their fif- 
tieth wedding anniversary. For a-half century 
they had traveled life's journey together, .sharing 
with each other its joys and sorrows, its adver- 
sity and prosperity. Their union was blessed with 
a family of eight children, all of whom are yet 
living, namely: Minerva E., wifeof Alvin Harts- 
horn, of Richfield Town.ship, Adams County, 
where he is now .serving as Township Supervisor; 
Zoula Myrtle, wife of N. P. Mclntyre, a resident 
farmer of Carrollton, Mo.; Martin R., a physi- 
cian and surgeon of Pueblo, Colo.; John K., a 
real-estate broker of Trinidad, Colo.; Charlotte 
L., wife of J. E. Worrell, Jr., who carries on 
farming in Bowen, Hancock County; George B.. 
a blacksmith residing on the old farm in Liberty, 
111.; H. Geneva, at home; and Seymour L., our 
subject. The father of this family emigrated to 
Adams County, 111., in 1850, and for some time 
followed the plasterer's trade, which he had 
learned in early life. He is now living retired 
on the old farm which he purchased in 1 85 1 . 

We now take up the personal history of Mr. 
McCrory whose name heads this sketch. He 
attended the district schools near his old home 
until he was seventeen years of age, and then en- 
tered Chaddock College, of Quiucy, 111., where 
he remained for a year. After leaving that insti- 
tution at the age of eighteen, he taught for four 
years in the district schools of Adams County, 
and at the expiration of that period he again en- 
tered Chaddock College as a teacher of stenog- 
raphy. At the same time he entered upon a lit- 
erary course of study, which he continued for 
three years. During the second year of that 
course he al.so entered the law department ot 
Chaddock College, where he continued his studies 
for a time. Later he became a student in the law 



i 




Hon. C. \'. Chamjlhk 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



171 



office of Shannon & Lenimon, of Quinc)', 111., 
and under tlieir direction completed his course. 
Pa.ssiiig the State examination, he was admitted 
to the Bar on tlie 9th of March, 189,^, and since 
that time has been .successfully engaged in prac- 
tice. On the i.st of !Ma\ following, he came to 
ha Harpe and opened an office, and on the 8th 
of the same month he was commi-ssioned Notarv' 
Public. 

On the 20tli of .September, 1893, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. McCrory and Miss Fainiie 
B. Gillies, only daughter of Rev. John and Fan- 
nie (Bartholow) Gillies, of Kirksville, Mo. The 
young couple are both members of the Methodist 
Protestant Church and take an active part in its 
work and upbuilding. Their home is a hospita- 
ble one, and the\- are favorabh' known through- 
out this community. In politics, Mr. McCrory is 
a Democrat, and his first Presidential vote was 
cast for Grover Cleveland in 1888. He is still a 
young man, but has given evidence of ability in 
his profession that will rapidl>- win him a fore- 
most place at the Bar. 

Mr McCrory, who has a bright future before 
him, is making marked progress in his profession. 
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, belonging to Gem City Lodge No. 357, 
of (juincy. 111. 



e^+^ 



EHARLES VILASCO CHANDLER has for 
many years been prominently identified with 
all that pertains to the upbuilding of Ma- 
comb, with its leading enterprises, with its 
industries, and with those interests which are 
calculated to promote the general welfare. In 
manner, he is ])lain and unassuming, yet ])rob- 
ably no man is better known in McDonough 
County. The family of which he is a mem- 
ber traces its ancestry back thnjugh .several 
generations to William Chandler and his wife 
Annis, who came from England U) America, and 
located in Roxbury, Mass., in 1637. They be- 
k)nged to the nobility of Ivigland, and the coat of 
8 



arms bore the family motto, ". I c/ .I/or/em Fide/is." 
The crest borne on the clo.sed helmet above the 
coat of arms is that of a pelican in her ne.st wound- 
ing her breast in order to feed her young with her 
own blood — an emblem of parental affection. The 
mantle, cut and jagged, hanging from the hel- 
met indicates the faithful service of the warrior; 
the gauntlet, his prowess; and across the check- 
ered ba.se of blue and red is a belt ornamented by 
three lions passant. 

To William and Annis Chandler were born five 
children, one of whom, Capt. Thomas Chandler, 
was seven yearsof age when his parents emigrated 
to America. He became one of the jiroprietors 
and early pioneers in the .settlement of Ando\-er, 
and was a Representative to the General Court 
in 1678 and 1679. He died in 1703. A tradition 
tells of the existence of iron works owned liyone 
of his sons, and the story is .supported by a record 
of a bill of sale of a half-interest in the same in 
1 7 18. The works were located where Marland 
Village now stands. Henry, the .sixth child born 
to Thomas and Hannah ( Brewer ) Chandler, was 
born May 28, 1667, and was married November 
26, 1 69 1, to Lydia Ai)bott. He was a man of 
prominence, who took a leading part in public 
affairs. Having purchased seventeen hundred 
acres of land, .situated on the lianks of the Con- 
necticut River, for X70O' l^s^ removed thither in 
1723, and there spent his remaining days, his 
death occurring August 27, 1737. He had thir- 
teen children and ninety-nine grandchildren. The 
fifth child, Nehemiah Chandler, was l)orn in 1703, 
and in Augu.st, 1733, he wedded Man,- Burroughs, 
who died at the advanced age of ninet\-five years, 
five months and nine days. His death occurred 
September 9, 1756. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler were 
the parents of ten children. Their son Samuel 
was born October i i, 1737, and married Margaret 
Thomp.son, of Alstead, N. H. He was a Lieu- 
tenant of the first company of militia, formed in 
1773, in Alstead. James Chandler, who was the 
sixth in order of birtli in their family of eight 
children, was born Ajjril 23, 1771, and on the 
29tli of September, 1795. was joined in wedlock 
with Abigail Vilas. This worthy- c<mple were 
the grandparents of our stiliject. Mr. Chandler 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ser\'ed as Justice of the Peace, and died Novem- 
ber i8, 1857, at the age of eighty-seven years. 

The father of our subject, Charles Chandler, 
was the .sixth in a family of nine children, and 
was born May 28, 1809. Having arrived at years 
of maturity, he was married December 15, 1836, 
to vSarah K. Cheatham, who was born October 15, 
1819, and was a daughter of Samuel G. Cheatham, 
of Macomb. Her death occurred in this city Sep- 
tember 29, 1855. Charles Chandler held the office 
of School Commissioner of the count\-, was Justice 
of the Peace and Notary Public. He also .serA-ed 
as Colonel in the Illinois State Militia. In March, 
1858, he establi.shed a private bank, which, on the 
8th of February, 1865, was merged in the First 
National Bank of Macomb. He embarked in this 
line of business during the hard times that fol- 
lowed the financial panic of 1857, but the people 
reposed the utmost confidence in him, and knew 
that he would make good all promises. Never a 
dollar was deposited with him that was not re- 
turntd when called for. In 1865 he organized 
the Finst National Bank, with a capital .stock of 
$50,000. Among its stockholders were Joseph 
Anderson, Joseph Burton, J. W. Mcintosh, C. V. 
Chandler, A. E. Hoskinson, S. F. Lancey, Henr>- 
C.Twyman, J. H. Cummings and J. B. Cummings. 
Its fir.st officers were Charles Chandler, President; 
J. H. Cummings, Ca.shier: C. \'. Chandler, Teller: 
and Joseph Burton, Joseph Anderson, S. F. Lan-- 
cey, A. E. Hoskin.son and Charles Chandler as Di- 
rectors. The last-named gentleman continued his 
connection witli the business interests of the city 
until his death in 1878. 

C. \'. Chandler was born in the Fir.st Ward of 
Macomb, January 25, 1843, and still resides in 
his native city. After attending its public schools, 
he pursued his studies for a time in Danbury, 
Conn., and later was a student in Lake Forest 
Academy, (jf Illinois. It was his intention to en- 
ter Williams College in 1862, but Invc of country 
shaped his cour.se otherwise, and with an earnest 
desire to aid in the defen.se of llic Union, he 
joined the boys in blue of Company I, Seventy- 
eighth Illinois Infantr\'. After nine months, he 
was promoted to the rank of vSecond Lieutenant. 
At the- baltk- (if Chirkaniau;.;a, .Sc-pli-niber 2u, 1863, 



he was wounded by a rifle-ball, which passed 
through both thighs, and again by a ball which 
passed through one thigh. Ju.st before the injury, 
he had taken hold of a small hickory tree, and re- 
marked to the First Lieutenant, "I guess we will 
pull through all right." Almo.st inunediately 
the ball struck him, and he added, "I guess we 
will not." Mr. Chandler now has in his posses- 
sion a cane made from the tree to which he was 
holding at the time. Obtaining a furlough, he 
returned home, but after recovering his health and 
strength he rejoined his regiment March i, 1864. 
In the mean time he had been made Adjutant, but 
he soon found that he would have to resign his 
commission and return home, for the injuries he 
had sustained unfitted him for active service. 

The business career of Mr. Chandler has been 
an honorable, straightfoi^ward one, which has 
gained for him the confidence and good-will of all 
with whom he has been brought in contact. On 
his return from the war, he became Teller in the 
Fir.st National Bank, and continued to fill that 
position until the death of his father, December 
26, 1878, at which time he became President of 
the institution. He then continued at the head 
for a number of years, but afterward .sold out to 
the firm of Hungate, Ward & Co., who changed 
the name to the Bank of Macomb. In 1893, how- 
ever, Mr. Chandler re-purchased it, and is now 
its President. His bu.siness interests have been 
extensive. He erected and is still owner of the 
Opera Hou.se Block, and in connection with this 
he has a number of other fine brick business 
blocks in the cit.\-. 

On the 28th of August, 1866, Mr. Chandler 
was united in marriage with Miss Clara A. Baker, 
daughter of Judge J. H. I5aker, a well-known citi- 
zen of Macomb. Their union has been blessed 
with six children: Charles J., who diedin iufanc\-: 
Clara, wife of F. II. Mapes: Mary, Ralph, George 
and Isabella, who are _\et at home. The Chandler 
household is the abode of hospitality, and the 
members of the famil_\- rank high in social circles. 

Mr. Chajuller is connected with several civic 
societies. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a 
Royal Arch Mason and » Knight Templar. He 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



173 



is also a member of the Odd Fellows and of Mc 
Donough Post No. 183. G. A. R., having served 
as Comniaiuler of the latter order. He votes 
ill support of the Republican part\-. and is a 
stalwart advocate of its principles. In the year 
1870 he was appointed City Treasurer, and held 
the office for si.xteen years. He has also repre- 
.sented his di.strict in the Twent\-se\eiith General 
A.s,seiiibly, and is now .serving as a nieinber of the 
City Council. By his connection with business 
interests, he has aided materialh' in the pro.sperity 
of his native city. His hearty support and co- 
operation are given to all worthy public enter- 
prises and charities, and in no .small degree is 
Macomb indebted to him for its advanceineiit and 
progress. He is free from all ostentation and dis- 
play, and does not take credit to himself yet his 
fellow-townsmen recognize that he has been a 
mo.st important factor in everything pertaining to 
the good of McDonough County. 



_=) 



^+^ 



(^ 



30HN H. HUNGATE is a banker of La 
Harpe, and is recognized as one of the most 
prominent and progressive business men of 
this place. He has also taken a leading part in 
politics, and has been an important factor in the 
U]ibuilding of this jslace. A native of Hancock 
Couiitx', lie was born June 2, iS.^.S, and is a son of 
Adonijah Hungate, who was born in Wa.shington 
County, Ky., September 15, 1 Soy, and died in La 
Harpe, August 14, 1891, at the age of eighth- 
three years and eleven months. When he was 
but eight years old he lo.st his father, Col. John 
Hungate, who was an officer in the War of 18 12, 
and died shorth- before the declaration of peace. 
Adonijah Hungate, deprived of the means of 
modern education, and in a ^par.->ely settled region, 
grew to manhood among the jiioneers of his native 
.State, receiving but limited privileges. He was 
married August 27, 1829, to Ivlizabeth Ward, 
daughter of Capt. Nathan Ward. 

In 1833, with his wife and two children, Mr. 
Hungate removed to the new and sparsel\- settled 
State of Illinois, locating near what is now I'ouii- 



tain Green. He is therefore numbered among the 
pioneers of this county. In 1S3S, however, here- 
moved to McDonough Count\', where he s])ent 
the greater part of his life on a farm. Uniting 
with the Baptist Church at New Hope, he re- 
mained ever after a faithful worker in the cau.se 
of Chri.st. At a time antedating the church and 
.schoolhou.se, his hunilile home was frequentl\' 
opened for public worship, and thus it became a 
rendezvous for the itinerate evangelist, and the 
people who there gathered for service became tlie 
nucleus for the organization of a new church. It 
was at his hou.se, February 20, 1849, that the 
HilLsboro Baptist Church was organized, he and 
his devoted wife becoming charter members. A 
short time after, largely through his liljerality and 
eiforts, a house of worship was erected near liis 
home and a Sunday-school formed. In 1873, he 
retired from active life and removed to La Harpe, 
where he resided until his death. He was ever 
found faithful in the discharge of his duties, 
whether public or private. He endeavored to fol- 
low closely in the footsteps of the Master, and his 
philanthropic and patriotic virtues well deserve 
emulation. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hungate were born .sixteen 
children: Charles G., of Blandinsville; William 
J., who died at the age of two \ears; Natlian 
Ward, who, with his wife and two children, was 
murdered by the Indians in 1864, eighteen miles 
from Den\-er, Colo., at the' l)eginning of the Indian 
War which resulted in the extenninaticMi of that 
band of red men at Saiid\- Creek by Gen. .Schiving- 
ton; Harrison H., a verv extensive farmer of Walla 
Walla, Wash., e.x-inembeidf llie Legislature from 
his di.strict, and the present Treasurer of Walla 
W'alla County; John IL, of this sketch; Mar\- .S., 
widow of Samuel RuVierts, of McDonough County; 
Martha A., deceased, wife of Peter Calder, of Cal- 
ifornia; Cynthia J., wife of Isaac N. Reed, of Den- 
ver, Colo.; James A., a miller and fanner of Pull- 
man, Wash., .'ind a nieinber of tlie Constitutional 
Convention of th.'il .State; Laura J,, who died in 
187 I, while visiting in California; .Samuel C, who 
was graduated from Abingdon College, and died 
in Macomb in 1873; Nancy Iv, wife of Campbell 
Robinson, of Wa.shington; Cabin A., wlio died 



174 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



leaving a wife and four children in Washington; 
Levi L., who died in Hancock County, in 1882; 
Lucy W., who died in infancy; andLillieB., wife 
of C. H. Ingram, of La Harpe. 

We now take up tlie personal historj- of John 
H. Hungate, uho in the public schools of Mc- 
Donough County acquired his early education, 
which was supplemented by study in the Burling- 
ton l^niversity, of Burlington, Iowa. After teach- 
ing for a year and a-half, he entered the law de- 
partment of the University of Chicago, and was 
graduated therefrom in 1S61. He immediately 
embarked in the practice of his profession, form- 
ing a partnership with Judge Bailey, of Macomb, 
which was contiiuied until 1864, when Mr. Hun- 
gate was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court for 
four \ears. During his term of office he framed 
the law providing for the indexing of all the Cir- 
cuit Court Records throughout the State of Illi- 
nois. The bill was drawn originally to apply only 
to McDonough County, but was taken up by the 
Judiciar,\- Committee of the Legislature and ap- 
plied to the .State at large. 

At the expiration of his tenn of office, Mr. Hun- 
gate removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he was en- 
gaged in legal practice for five years. He then 
took a trip through the West, and on his return 
bought out the bank in La Harpe formerl\- owned 
by the firm of C. F. Gill & Co. This was in 1874, 
^nd since that time he has l)een successfully en- 
gaged in the banking bu.siness in this place. Un- 
til quite recently he was also connected with the 
Bank of Macomb. In 1876, he was nominated for 
Congress l)y the Democratic |)arty, but as the dis- 
trict had a Republican majority of two thousand, 
he was defeated by Benjamin F. Marsh, who, 
howe\er, won the election by only .seven hundred, 
a fact which indicated the popularity of Mr. Hun- 
gate. In 1868, he was a candidate for the Senate 
from the district com])rising McDonough, Mercer, 
Warren and Henderson Counties, but could not 
overcome the strong opposition of the other ])arty. 
He was a member of the convention that nomina- 
ted Gro\er Cleveland for the Presi(lenc>- in Chi- 
cago in 1884, and during tliat \ear made some 
.speeches in support of his party. 

In 1877, Mr. Hungate made a Irij) to Kurope, 



visiting various points of intere.st in England, Ire- 
land and France. After his return he was mar- 
ried, on the 8th of May, 1878, to Miss Florence E. 
Matthews, of Moimiouth, 111., daughter of James 
H. and Nancy (Steward) Matthews. Her grand- 
father was a Presbyterian minister, and organized 
the fir.st church in Macomb. Her father was a 
graduate of Hanover College, and for a time was 
President of McDonough College. A brilliant and 
scholarly man, his many excellencies of character 
made him greatly beloved. Five children have 
graced the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hungate: 
QuintinWard, Edith Clare, John M., Jeane (who 
died in infancy) , and Harold G. The family is one 
ofprominence in the community, and Mr. and Mrs. 
Hungate are held in high esteem by all who know 
them. He is a member of La Harpe Lodge No. 
195, A. F. tS: A. M. His life has been well and 
worthily .spent, and his bu.sine.ss career has been 
one of success. 



1^+^^ 



-S) 



ffl MITH F, BRYAN, who for years has followed 
/\ farming, now lives retired in La Harpe, 
C*y enjoying the rest which he has .so truly earned 
and richly deserves. His energy and enterprise 
in former years brought to him a competency, 
which supplies him with all the comforts and 
many of the luxuries of life, and his declining 
years will be plea.santl\- pa.ssed among his old 
friends and acquaintances in this communit>-. 

A nativeof Mercer County, Pa., Mr. Bryan was 
born No\ember 17, 18-^2, and is a son of Jacob 
Bryan, who was also born in the same county and 
was of Iri.sh e.Ktraction. The familv re.sided in 
New Jerse\- jirior to 1819. The father received 
but limited .school privileges, but through read- 
ing, experience and ol)servation. he became a well- 
informed man. t)n the 14th of May, 1S24, he 
was joined in marriage with Mary Bagley, daugh- 
ter of Daniel and F'li/.abeth (Showerman) Bagley, 
the ceremony being performed in Crawford Coun- 
ty, Pa. Seven children were born to them, four 
sons and three daughters, but the eldest daughter 
died in infancv. Rice B. is also deceased. Han- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



175 



nah was killed by a runaway in La Harpe Town- 
ship in I S50. Cowden M. , a jeweler of La Harpe, 
died December 9, i<S.S4. Smith F. is the next 
younger. John F., a soldier of the late war, died 
of exposure at Port Hudson, La., March 9, 1S64. 
Elizabeth B., decea.sed, was the wife of J. W. Cas- 
.singhani, a re.sident farmer of La Harpe Town- 
ship. 

Smith F. Bryan was reared on the old home- 
stead in Mercer County Pa., and upon the farm 
in Hancock County, whither he came with his 
parents May 15, 1840. The trip westward was 
made bj- boat from Beaver down the Ohio River 
to Cairo, and up the Mi.s,sis,sippi toWar.saw. On 
landing at that place they loaded their household 
effects on wagons, and in this way completed their 
trip to what is known as the James Gittings 
farm, three miles north of La Harpe. The father 
purchased four hundred acres of land on section 
p,. La Harpe Township, one hundred and si.xty 
acres in Henderson County, and one hundred and 
twenty acres of timber-land. The son. Smith ¥., 
was educated in the subscription schools of La 
Harpe Town.ship, but he too is mostly self-educa- 
ted, for altogether his attendance at the common 
.schools would pnibabh- not cover a period of more 
than fifteen months. He became familiar with 
all the duties of farm life, however, and aided in 
the cultivation of the old homestead until about 
twenty-seven years of age. 

On the 28th of Januar\-, 1859, Mr. Bryan was 
united in marriage with Miss Delina Painter, 
daughter of Joseph T. and Phoebe (Rea) Painter, 
a native of La Harpe Township, born November 
'3i '83^- Her family had located in that town- 
ship on the 4th of May previous. Our subject 
and his wife became the parents of nine children, 
namely: Emma Y., wife of James Brown, of La 
Harpe; Ida May, who died October 25, 1S65; Jo- 
.seph P., who died August 10, 1S91; John F., a 
farmer of La Harpe Township; William E. and 
James R., who both carry on agricultural pursuits 
in that township; Mary A., wife of Elmer M. 
Spiker; Charles C, at home; and one son who 
died in infancy. 

In i860 Mr. Bryan purchased two hundred acres 
of land on section 9, La Harpe Township, and still 



owns this farm. He continued its cultivation un- 
til the 14th of August, 1862, when he enlisted in 
Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illi- 
nois Infantr}-, under Capt. Jo.seph Shaw. He 
faithfully .served for three years, and was then 
mustered out in Davenport, Iowa, June 5, 1865. 
His first battle was with Sherman in the three- 
days fight at Yazoo River. He al.so participated 
in the engagement at Arkansas Po.st, and the 
battle of Thompson's Hill, and was under fire at 
Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of 
Yicksburg, and the battle of Jackson. For 
three months he was confined in the hospital at 
Keokuk, Iowa. 

Mr. Bryan is now a member of Geddes Post 
No. 142, G. A. R., and takes an active interest in 
the organization, which perpetuates the fraternal 
feeling which existed among the bojs in blue. He 
cast his finst Presidential vote for John C. Fre- 
mont in 1856, and lias since been a .stalwart sup- 
porter of the Republican part)- and its principles. 
He has served as Township Assessor, and for 
twenty consecutive 5'ears was School Director. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Chris- 
tian Church, and their well-,spent lives entitle 
them to the high regard in which they are held, 
and make them well worthy a place in this vol- 
ume, among the best and most prominent citizens 
of Hancock County. 



b'<'~T> fa~^^ 



(Tames E. MARKLAND, who is engaged in 
I the livery business in Blandinsville, claims 
Q) Indiana as his native State. He was born in 
Decatur County, on the ist of January, 1844, 
and is the .seventh in order of birth in a family of 
twelve children, whose parents were Zadock and 
Delilah (Williams) Markland. Six of their chil- 
dren died in infancy, and those still living be.side 
our subject are, Richard J., a farmer and stock- 
rai.ser of Clay County, 111.; William, who fol- 
lows the same pursuit in Wabash County, Ind.: 
Elizabeth, wife of John Duvall, a farmer and 
stock-rai.ser of Cumberland County, 111.: Oliver, 
who carries on agricultural pursuits in Jasper 



1/6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



County, 111.: and vSurrilda, wife of John Courson, 
a farmer of Jasper County, 111. 

When a lad of six summers, James E. Mark- 
land accompanied his parents on their emigration 
to Jasper County, 111. The father purchased a 
farm, and our subject was thereon reared, remain- 
ing under the parental roof until nineteen years 
of age, when he left home and began farming in 
his own interest. He worked as a farm hand 
for two years, and thus made a start in life. He 
acquired a good English education in the district 
schools, and is now a well-informed man. 

When he had attained his majority, Mr. Mark- 
land was united in marriage with Miss Lucy A. 
Bonham, daughter of Levi and Mar>- (Hunt) 
Bonham, the wedding being celebrated on the 
1 6th of July, 1S63. They have become the par- 
ents of four children, namely: Frances I., wife of 
George N. Fife, a teamster of Blandinsville; Will- 
iam L., w'ho is now attending .school in Chicago; 
Cora E., wife of James B. Mann, who is en- 
gaged in teaming in Blandinsville; and Roy, at 
home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Markland began their domestic 
life upon a rented farm in Jasper County, 111., 
which our subject contiiuied to cultivate until the 
spring of 1865, when he left the State and came 
with his family to Blandinsville. Here he made 
his home until the spring of 1866, when he em- 
barked in farming in Sciota Township, there car- 
rving on agricultural pursuits for two years. In 
1868 we find him engaged in farming in Logan 
County, 111.; and in the spring of 1870 he re- 
moved to Henderson County, where he continued 
agricultural pursuits until 1874. In that year he 
returned to Blandinsville and began trading in 
stock, a pursuit which he followed until i88o, 
when he removed to a farm in Blandins- 
ville Township. In 1885 he again took up 
his residence in town, where he engaged in 
the butchering business for two \ears, and 
during the following four years he engaged 
in teaming in Blandinsville. In 1889 he em- 
barked in the livery bu.sine.ss, and in 1890 built 
his present stables. 

Mr. Markland, who exercises his right of fran- 
chise in support of the Democracy, has twice .served 



as Constable, and has been a member of the Town 
Board for two years. Socially, he is a member 
of Hardin Lodge No. 25, A. O. U. W. : New- 
Hope Lodge No. 263, I. O. O. F. ; and Aten 
Lodge No. 22, L- H. He also belongs to the 
Christian Church, and is a valued and enterpris- 
ing citizen, who manifests a commendable interest 
in everything pertaining to the welfare of the 
community. He is a man of sterling worth and 
strict integrity, and is both widely and favorably 
known in this communitv. 



t=i 



^-^ 



r^ 



■"S3 



Gl DDISON F. HELMS is now .ser\ing as Sher- 
LA iff of Hancock County, and makes his home 
I I in Carthage. The record of his life is as 
follows: A native of \'irginia, he was born in 
Floyd County on the ist of November, 1844, and 
is a son of Hamilton and Aurena (Slusher) Helms, 
who were also natives of Virginia. The father 
was a farmer, and in 1859 he left his native State, 
emigrating westward to Hancock County, 111., 
for he believed he might better his financial con- 
dition by removing to the broad prairies of the 
We.st. Taking up his residence in Carthage Town- 
ship, he there resided for .seven years, after which 
he returned to Virginia, where his death occurred 
at the age of .seventy-two. His wife pas.sed away 
at the age of .seventy-three. They had two sons 
and one daughter, who are yet living in Han- 
cock County. 

Our subject returned to the Old Dominion with 
his parents in the autumn of 1866, but the follow- 
ing spring again came to Illinois, where he began 
farming upon rented land. He contiiuied to carry 
on agricultural pursuits until 188 1, when became 
to Carthage, and was appointed Deputy Sheriff, 
holding the office under William Dam.son. He 
al.so served in the .same capacity under James H. 
Wetzel, and when the latter's term had expired, 
in 1886, he became a candidate on the Demo- 
cratic ticket for the office. The election returns, 
however, showed that M. V. Riley, his opponent, 
was the .succe.ssful candidate, and during the four 
succeeding years Mr. Helms served as Constable 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



177 



of Carthage Township. In iScjn it was again 
time to elect a .sheriff, and in that \ear he ran 
against Z. T. Starkey. This time he received a 
good majority, and in December entered upon 
his duties as County Sheriff, with Charles Weis- 
mann as Deputy. He has done considerable pri- 
vate detective work, and possesses a keen eye and 
retentive memory, which well fit him for that 
service. 

In Hancock County, in July, 1867, was cele- 
brated the marriage of Mr. Helms and Miss Au- 
relia Printy, step-daughter of John \\'. Cox, of St. 
Mary's, and a native of this county. Their union 
has been blessed with three children, two sons 
and a daughter, namely: Emma, wife of John 
Moore, formerly of Carthage, but now of Quinc}-; 
Jay H. and Clay Vaughn. The family is well 
known in the community, where its members have 
many warm friends. 

Mr. Helms is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, belonging to Hancock Lodge No. 20, A. F. 
& A. M. He has made his home within the 
borders of this county since fifteen years of age, 
and has therefore witnessed much of its growth 
and development. He has led a bu.sy life, and is 
now acceptably and creditabl>- filling the respon- 
sible position to which he has been called liv his 
fellow-citizens. 



-l^H^P-- 



(lAMES C. COULvSON, the popular and suc- 
I ce.ssful editor of the La Harper, which is pub- 
O lished in La Harpe, Hancock County, is a 
well-known resident of this community. He is 
living in his native town, his birth having here 
occurred on the 24th of September, 1846. His 
father, George Coul.son, was born in \'irginia in 
1800. With a view to bettering his financial 
condition, he emigrated w'estward in 1835. and 
ca.st his lot among the early settlers of La Harpe. 
He was the first physician of this place, and was 
wideh- and favorably known throughout this sec- 
tion of the State. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Nancy A. Cos.sitt. She was boni in 
Hartford, Conn., December 27, 1802, and was a 



daughter of vSilas Cossitt. They became the par- 
ents of nine children, five .sons and four daugh- 
ters, namely: vSarah F., wife of E. M. Sanford, a 
resident of La Harpe; Henry C, who died in Vic- 
toria, Tex., in 1864; Mar>- E., wife of H. H. 
Barnes, of La Harpe; Nancy J., wife of J. R. R. 
Morford, who is living in this place; Epaphroditus 
C, who died in La Harpe in 1867; Caroline A., 
wife of D. D. Smalle}', who is located in Raritan, 
111.; Thomas, who died in 1854; George, a hard- 
ware merchant of La Harpe; and our subject. 

James C. Coul.son, the youngest member of the 
family, acquired his education in the public 
schools of his native city, and ,started out for him- 
self as a clerk in the general merchandise store of 
William Tharp, of Raritan. There he continued 
for two years, after which he accepted a position 
as .salesman with C. H. Stansbury, of Raritan, 
with whom he remained for fourteen j-ears, a 
tru.sted and faithful employe. 

During this time, Mr. Coulson was united in 
marriage with Miss Anna B., daughter of C. H. 
and Sidney- E. (Humes) Stansbury. Their wed- 
ding was celebrated on the 25th of June, 1868, 
and was bles.sed with two children, Efiie M. and 
Charles S., both of whom are at home. The 
mother died April 8, 1883, and her lo.ss was 
motirned by many. On the 28th of October, 1885, 
Mr. Coulson was again married, his second union 
being with Mrs. Alice M. Corzatt, of Blandins- 
ville. 111. Three children have been born unto 
them, a son and two daughters: Margie C, 
George and Edna. 

Mr. Coulson entered upon his newspaper ca- 
reer in Raritan in 1876, as editor of the Raritan 
Ihilltiin, of which the firm of Barnes & Butler 
were publishers. In 1878, he removed to La 
Harpe, and began the publication of the then de- 
funct Lallarpcr. He has since been at its head 
and has made it one of the leading papers of the 
county. Although his office and its contents 
were destroyed by fire on the 15th of October, 
1893, he did not miss an issue of the paper, but 
with characteristic energy he made arrangements 
to continue the work without interruption. The 
paper is devoted to the interests of the communit\- 
and to the publication of local and general news. 



178 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Coulson is much interested in civic socie- 
ties and holds membership with various organiza- 
tions, including Bristol Lodge No. 656, I. O. O.F. ; 
Hardin Lodge No 28, A. O. U. W.; LaHarpe 
Camp No. 42S, M. W. A.; and the Independent 
Order of Mutual Aid. He has for eight terms 
served as repre.sentative to the Grand Lodge of the 
Odd Fellows' fraternity, and three terms to that 
of the Woodmen. In politics, he is a Democrat, 
but his paper is publi.shed independently. He 
ser\ed as Po.stmaster of La Harpe for four years, 
under President Cleveland, and as Assessor of 
LaHarpe Township in 1890 and 1891. His life 
has been well and worthily passed, and he has the 
high regard of all. 



"lias M. BRANDON, who .since August, 
'e) 1886, has occupied the position of telegraph 
operator and .station agent at Blandinsville, 
claims Illinois as the State of his nativity, his 
Vjirth having occurred in Fountain Green Town- 
.ship, Hancock County, March 7, 1851. His fa- 
ther, Richard Brandon, was born in Peini.sylvania, 
in 1809, and was a farmer by occupation. Dur- 
ing his early childhood he accompanied his par- 
ents to Ohio, and was reared to manhood on a 
farm in the Buckeye State. Having arrived at 
years of maturity, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary M. Favorite, who was born in Mc- 
Connelsburg, Ohio, June 3, 18 14. The wedding 
was celebrated January 6, 1836, and their union 
was blessed with eleven children, .seven .sons and 
four daughters: Teresine C, deceased, wife of 
David Cratsenberg; James F., a canvas.ser resid- 
ing in I'ountain Green; Galbraith L., a retired 
farmer residing in Bloomington. Ind. ; George M., 
an agriculturist of Fountain Green Township, 
Hancock County; lilizabeth M., wife of Robert 
Geddes, also a farmer of Hancock County; Elias 
M., of this sketch; Julia A., wife of John Miller, 
who carries on farming in Fountain Green Town- 
ship; Edward B., who is proprietor of the Phoe- 
nix Hotel, of Hampton, Iowa; Edward A., who 
died in infanc>-; Richard B., who was a soldier 



in the late war and died in the .ser\'ice of his 
coiuitry, from exposure; and Mary, who died in 
infancy in Iowa City, Iowa. 

Richard B. Brandon emigrated westward in 
1838 and located near Macomb, McDonough 
County, where for ten years he engaged in farm- 
ing. In 1S48, he removedto a farm in Fountain 
Green Township, Hancock County, purchasing 
one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land 
on section 13. In an unpretentious frame house 
on this farm our subject was born. His father 
died of cholera in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1854, and 
thus at the age of three years our subject was left 
dependent upon his mother for support. He was 
reared on the old homestead, and in the winter 
.season conned his lessons in the district .schools of 
the neighborhood, while in the summer months 
he followed the plow and aided in the other labors 
of the farm. His early educational privileges 
were .supplemented by one year's attendance at 
Monmouth College, which he entered in the au- 
tumn of 187 1. In 1870, he taught one term of 
school in his home township, and in 1S72 he was 
employed as teacher of the Eagle School, anil 
again in 1873. Until 1880 his time was alternately 
pas.sed in teaching and farming, but in October of 
that j'ear he entered the store of J. M. Springer, 
of La Cros.se, where he was employed as a clerk 
for two years, leaving that position in January, 
1882. During this time he also .studied telegra- 
phy, and in 1882 was made agent on the Toledo, 
Peoria & Warsaw Railroad at La Cros.se. There 
he continued until August, 1886, when he came 
to Blandin.sville. 

The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. 
Brandon was in her maidenhood Su.san C. Hay, 
daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (King) Hay, 
of La Crosse. The marriage of our subject and 
his wife was celebrated October 5, 1876, and their 
union has been blessed with .seven children, but 
Gertie, William, Charles and Freddie died in in- 
fancy. Bes.sie, Bertha and Nellie are .still at 
home. 

vSince casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. 
Grant in 1872 Mr. Brandon has been a warm ex- 
ponent of the principles of the Republican party, 
and in 1881 he was appointed Postmaster of La 




\Vl I.I.I AM H. TWAUDLE 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i8i 



Crosse, whicli position he afterwards resigned. 
He is now sen^ing as vSchool nirector. and is an 
efficient and capablenieniberof the Town Council. 
Socially, he is a member of P>lan(lins\ille Lodge 
No. 233, A. F. & A. ^L and of Cam]) No. 396, 
M. \V. A. One of the leading and prominent 
members of the Christian Church, he is now serv- 
ing as one of its Elders, and for fi\'e years he has 
been Superintendent of the vSunda\-school, He 
is an untiring worker in the interests of the same, 
and does all in his power for the promotion and 
advancement of the cause. His life has been 
well and worthily pa.s.sed, and his honorable, 
ujiright career has gained him universal confi- 
dence and esteem. He is a popular, genial gen- 
tleman, and in the communitj- where he lives he 
has made man>- friends. 

|ILLL\M HOOTON TWADDLE, who .since 
1876 has been successfully engaged in the 
practice of law in Macomb, and is num- 
bered among the leading attorneys of McDonough 
County, claims Ohio as the State of his nativity. 
He was born in Jefferson Count\-, June 2, 1833, 
and is a son of Capt. William and Hannah (Hoot- 
on) Twaddle. The father was also born in the 
Buckeye State, and was one of a family of fifteen 
children. He commanded a company of Ohio 
militia, made farming liis life occupation, and in 
1844 came to McDonough County, where he car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits until his death. A 
year after coming here he was elected Justice of 
the Peace, and continued to fill that position until 
called to the home beyond, in 1879. He also 
served as Town Treasurer, Supervisor, and vSchool 
Treasurer. His life was an honorable, upright 
one, and made him a highly respected citizen of 
the community. His wife pa.ssed away in Au- 
gust, 1864, and was laid to rest in Scott Cemetery. 
Three brothers of the Twaddle family are yd li\- 
ing: John W., a resident of Tennessee Township; 
Marcena, who resides in Bethel Townshi]); and 
William H. A .sister, Minerva E., is the wife of 
William Lawyer, of Tennessee Township. One 



brother, George W., died September 18, 1889, 
leaving a widow and foiu" children, two sons and 
two daughters. He was a jirominent farmer and 
owned some \alual)le land. He also .ser\X'd as 
Justice of the Peace and .Supervisor of Bethel 
Township. 

William Twaddle and his family made the 
journey to Illinois from Steubenville down the 
Ohio River, and then up the Mississippi and Illi- 
nois Rivers to Frederick, where they landed April 
6, 1S44. They at once came to McDonough 
County and settled on a quarter-section of land in 
Bethel Township, which had been purchased by 
the maternal grandfather, William Hooton. The 
early history of the Twaddle family in America is 
not known, but the name is of Scotch derivation, 
and is a contraction of the name of the place where 
their ancestors lived, Tweed Dale. 

William H. Twaddle of this .sketch has spent 
almost his entire life in McDonough County, hav- 
ing accompanied his parents on their emigration 
thither when eleven years old. He is almost 
wholly self-educated, as the connnon .schools of 
the neighborhood during his youth afforded but 
meagre advantages. In early life he became fa- 
miliar with the arduous task of developing new 
land, for he aided in opening up several farms. 
He continued to engage in agricultural jnirsuits 
until about forty years of age, and when incapac- 
ited by ill health for further manual labor, he 
turned his attention to law. After considerable 
private study, he entered the office of William H. 
Neece, of Macomb, and afterwards was with Jacob 
H. Folts. In 1X76 he was admitted to the Bar in 
Springfield, and has since devoted the greater 
part of his time and attention to the management 
of estates and to the interests of minor heirs. He 
has done a good business along this line, for the 
people have the utmost confidence in him, and 
therefore give him a liberal patronage. 

Since ca.sting his first Presidential \ote for 
Franklin Pierce, Mr. Twaddle has been a sup- 
porter of the Democracy, and warmly advocates 
its principles. He is a generous, benevolent and 
kind-hearted man, and as the result of his friendl\' 
dispo.sition, he has done much work without com- 
pensation, especially aiding those who were una- 



1 82 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ble to hire counsel. He now owns a good farm 
in Bethel Township, besides being agent for other 
landed interests, which he carefully guards. He 
has taken quite an active interest in political af- 
fairs, and has served l)oth as A.s.se.s.sor and Col- 
lector. A well-spent life has won him high re- 
gard, and it is with pleasure that we present to 
our readers this record of his life. 



l^+^[ 



r^RESTON HUSTON, a retired farmer re.sid- 
L/ ing in Blandinsville, well deser\-es mention 
f^ among the honored pioneers of McDonough 
County, for here his entire life has been pa.ssed. 
He was born in Blandinsville Town.ship Septem- 
ber 14, 1S37, and is a son of John Huston, who 
was one of the very earliest settlers of this locaHty , 
and aided in opening it up to civihzation. The 
father was born in White County, Tenn., May 17, 
1808, and on attaining his majority he emigrat- 
ed to Morgan County, 111,, in 1829. Eighteen 
months later he came to this county and took up 
his residence on .section 19, Blandinsville Town- 
ship. The first land which he here owned was a 
one hundred and sixty acre tract, which he entered 
from the Government. To this he added from 
time to time, until at his death he was one of the 
nio.st extensive land-owners of the county. He 
made the journey from Tenne.ssee to Illinois with 
an ox-team, and on his arrival his po.sses.sions 
were fifty cents in money and a blind mare. The 
half-dollar was .spent for salt soon after his arrival. 
His uncle, who had accompanied him on thejour- 
ney, loaned him a yoke of oxen, and with these he 
plowed fortv acres of land, which he planted in 
corn. During the first winter he split the rails nec- 
es.sar\- to fence this tract, and also built a log cabin, 
in which the family lived for eighteen months. 
The nearest mill was at Jacksonville, and it re- 
quired eight days to make the trip to and from 
that place. In 1S32 Mr. Huston removed to a 
larger log cabin, which he had built about a half 
mile from his first home, and making additions to 
this he soon afterwards had what at that time was 
considered a very pretentious log residence. 



In White County, Tenn., on the 2d of October, 
1828, John Hu.ston married Miss Ann, daughter 
of William and Mary (Duncan) Melvin, and to 
them were born the following children: William 
M., a practicing physician of Blandinsville: Wal- 
ter, Rigdon and Crockett, all decea.sed : Preston, of 
this sketch: Thomas, a farmer and .stock-raiser of 
Columbus, Kan.; Mary, wife of Strather Givens, 
a retired fanner of Abingdon, 111. : and John, who 
carries on farming and .stock-raising in Blandins- 
ville Township. The father of this family was 
called to his final rest July 8, 1854, and the 
mother, who long sur\Mved him, passed away 
January 22, 1892. 

Upon his father's farm, Preston Huston spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth, and during 
the winter season he attended the subscription 
.schools of the neighborhood, to which he walked 
a distance of three miles. He is largely a self- 
educated man, for his advantages in youth were 
rather meagre. He remained at home until he 
had attained his majority, when he started out in 
life for him.self, beginning the cultivation and im- 
provement of a one hundred and sixty acre farm 
on section 23, Blandinsville Township, which he 
had inherited from his father. As his financial 
resources were increased, he made additional pur- 
chases, and at one time was the owner of eight 
hundred acres of valuable land, which yielded to 
him an excellent income, and made him one of 
the prosperous citizens of the community. He 
continued to successfully engage in agricultural 
pursuits until 1890, when he laid aside all busi- 
ness cares and came to Blandinsville, where he 
has since made his home. He has remodeled his 
residence and now has a comfortable and ta.sty 
dwelling, in which he will probably spend his re- 
maining da\s. 

On September 12, 1861, Mr. Hu.ston married 
Miss Elmira Berry, daughter of Col. William and 
Patsy (Givens) Berry. Five children were born 
of their union: John, who died in infancy: Ma- 
rion W., who has also pas.sed away: Robert, a 
clothier of Havana, 111.: George B., who went 
west for his health, and is now living in Delta, 
Colo. : and Donna Martha, deceased. The mother 
of this family died December 29,'i87i, and on the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



183 



15th of May, 1874, Mr. Hu.stoii married Martha 
M. Berry, whcse maiden name was Martha M. 
Campbell, daughter of Eli and .Martha 1 Wren- 
.shaw) I'aniphell. By thi.s marriage wa.s horn a 
daughter, who died in infancv . Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Huston are faithful members of the Chri.stian 
Church, in which he is now serxiug as Elder, and 
take an active interest in church and benevolent 
work . 

By his first Presidential ballot, cast in 1864, our 
subject supported George B. McClellau, and has 
since been an advocate of the Democracy. Public 
office, however, has had no attraction for him. 
Socially, he is a member of Blandinsville Lodge 
No. 233, A. F. d' A. M., and is an enterprising 
and progressive citizen, who contributes liberally 
to the support of all worthy public enterprises. 
The hi.story of McDonough County is familiar to 
him from its earliest day. He has borne all the 
hardships and experiences of frontier life, and has 
aided in the upbuilding and development of the 
community, taking a commendable interest in 
everything pertaining to its progress and advance- 
ment. 



C- 



1^+^ 



(^ 



*]rSAAC LATHROP, who is now .serving as 
I Police Magistrate of La Harpe, is one of the 
X honored citizens of Hancock County, one of 
its pioneers, and one of its oldest native sons. 
He was born in Fountain Green Township, on the 
22d of Augu.st, 1833, and is a representative of 
one of the first families in this locality. His 
father, John Lathrop. was a native of London, 
England, and was a farmer by occupation. Hav- 
ing emigrated to this country-, he lived for a time 
in Leavenworth, Mo., and thence came to Illinois, 
locating in Hancock Couiity in 1831. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Coffman, and they became the 
parents of nine children, four sons and five daugh- 
ters, namely: Adaline, who was born and died in 
Mi.s.souri; William, who was born in 1830, and is 
now living in Nebraska; Julia Ann, deceased; 
Isaac, whose name heads this record; George, 
who enlisted as a soldier duriilg the late war and 
died in Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, as the result 



of exposure; Marian T.. who died in Knox 
County, 111., in 186;,; .Mary Ellen, who died in 
Blandinsville, III., in 1858; Mary, widow of Zall- 
den Baldwin, and a resident of Nevada, Mo.; and 
Phcebe E.. wife of Edward Ta\lor, of Topeka, 
Kan. 

In the county of his nativity Lsaac Lathrop 
spent the greater part of his life. At an earh- 
age he began work upon his father's farm, and 
became inured to all the hardships of pioneer life. 
The di,strict .schools of the community afforded 
him his educational privileges, but his training in 
that direction was much more meagre than in 
farm labor. During the late war he was found 
among the defenders of his country, for in Au- 
gust, 1862, he entered the I'uion .service as a 
member of Company A, One Hundred and Eigh- 
teenth Illinois Infantry. For one year he served, 
and then re-enli.sted in the same company, in 
1865. On the ist of October following he re- 
ceived his discharge at Baton Rouge, La. He 
was a loyal .soldier, ever found at his post of dutv, 
and participated in a number of important en- 
gagements. During his first term he was con- 
fined in the ho.spital by sickness for some time as 
the result of exposure. 

On the 27th of December, 1860, Mr. Lathrop 
was united in marriage with Miss Mildred E. 
Me.secher, and to them have been born five chil- 
dren, two sons and three daughters, namely; 
Alice, wife of R. P. Martin, of Birch Tree, Slian- 
non County, Mo.; Stephen H., who carries on 
farming in Henderson County; Viola, who died 
in infancy; Martha J.; and Daniel, who is still 
living in La Harpe. The mother of this famiK- 
was called to her final re.st on the 6th of February, 
1891, and her loss was deeply mourned through- 
out the community, for she had a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances who esteemed her 
highly for her many excellencies of character. 
She was a very zealous and efficient worker in 
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, as 
well as in the Christian Church, of which her Hi- 
ther was a minister. 

In his political views, Mr. Lathrop is a Prohi- 
bitionist. He has held a luimber of local offices, 
the duties of which he has ever discharged with 



1 84 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



promptness and fidelity. While residing in Hen- 
derson Count>- he ser\-ed as Justice of the Peace 
and as Constable, and held several school offices. 
He is now serv'ing as Police Magistrate of La 
Harpe, and is a capable and efficient officer. 
Socially, he is a member of Geddes Post No. 142, 
G. A. R., and is a member of the Christian 
Church. His life has l>een well and worthily 
passed, and in the community where he has so 
long resided he has won and retained the high 
regard and confidence of all with whom he has 
l)een brought in contact. He has witne.s,sed the 
growth and development of the county, and has 
ever borne his part in its upbuilding and advance- 
ment. 



'JJl'lORGE \V. SOULE, who is carr\ing on a 
_ good restaurant in La Harpe, was born in 
^ the city which is still his home, on the 15th 
of February, 1844, and is a worthy representative 
of one of the honored pioneers of the county, his 
father, Isaac Soule, having here located in 1837. 
He was born in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, 
.September 13. 1820, and was by occupation a 
tanner. He was married on the i.st of Febman,-. 
1843, to Mi.ss Eunice P. Ricker, daughter of 
Timothy and Mary Ann i Hill ) Ricker. who 
were natives of the Pine Tree State. 

George W. Soule is the elde.st of a family of 
eight children. No event of special importance 
occurred during his bo\hood and youth, which 
were pas.sed midst pla>- and work and in attend- 
ance at the public schools, where he acquired a 
good education. He remained with his father 
until he had attained his majority, and then 
started out in life for himself to make his own 
way in the world. In 1863, he embarked in the 
harness business in La Harpe, and for nine \ears 
was in the employ of Mr. Claycomb. In 1S72. 
however, he left his old employer and began busi- 
ness in his own interest, in connection with N. W. 
Montgomery, who .sold his interest to Edward 
Ro.ss. He in turn sold to George Coulson. and he 
again to William Kirkpatrick. They opened a 
grocer}-, and Mr. Soule continued his connection 



therewith for .si.K years, when, in 187S, he liegan 
farming in La Harpe Township, about two miles 
southwest of the city. For fifteen years he car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits with good success 
on a well-cultivated and highly improved farm. 

Mr. Soule was married on the 29th of Novem- 
ber, 1 868, to Miss Harriet C. Bainter, who is 
now deceased. They had one daughter, Hattie 
E., but her death occurred at the age of six 
years. Mr. Soule was again married, on the 27th 
of May, 1877, his second luiion being with Laura 
E. Sperry. Two children graced this union: 
Clara Bess, at home; and Minnie, who died in 
infancy. In 1S80, Mr. Soule was again called 
upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who pa.ssed 
away, leaving many friands to mouni her death. 

In his political views, our subject is a Repub- 
lican, andca.sthis first Presidential vote for Abra- 
ham Lincoln in 1864. He takes considerable in- 
terest in the Masonic fraternity, and is a member 
of La Harpe Lodge No. 195, A. F. & A. M.; La 
Harpe Chapter No. 134, R. A. M.; and the Order 
of the Ea.stern Star. He holds membership with 
the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he is 
one of the Trustees, and in the work of the .same 
is deeply interested. The cause of education also 
finds in him a wann friend, and for one term he 
served on the School Board. Lea\'ing his farm 
in 1893, f" the ist of August of that year he 
formed a partnership with W. H. Strong, and 
opened the Bon Ton Restaurant, of La Harpe. 
The members of the finn are men of good busi- 
ness and executive ability, and their enter|>rise, 
industry and perseverance have brought to them 
a lilieral patronage. 

(ILLIAM E. GRIGSBV. M. I)., one of the 
enterprising young physicians of McDon- 
ough County, »vho is now .successfully en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine in Blandin.sville. 
is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred 
on the i6th of February, 1862, in Wa.shington 
Comity, where his father, Redman Grigsby, was 
also born. The paternal grandfather, WiUiam 



4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



185 



Grig.sby, was a native of Virginia, and came of an 
old faniil\- of that State. The Doctor's father was 
a farmer by occupation, and carried on agricultural 
jnirsuits throughout the greater part of his life. 
On the 27th of September, i860, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Susan M., daughter of 
William A. Seay, a native of \'irginia. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Grig.sby were born six children, three 
sons and three daughters, namelx': William IC. 
of this sketch: Francis M., a ph\sician and sur- 
geon of Mautl, Ky.: Annie R., who died on the 
old homestead in Kentuckx ; Walter C, a jeweler 
and watchmaker of Stronghurst, 111.: Lena E., 
who died in infancy; and Martha Z., wife of 
William Moore, a planter of Washington County, 
Ky. 

Dr (irig.sby was reared as a farmer's lad, and 
his earl\- educational advantages were tho.se af- 
forded Ijy the di.strict schools of the neighborhood, 
w iiich he attended through the winter season un- 
til nineteen years of age. He then entered Pleasant 
Gro\'e Academs', where he pursued his studies 
for a year, after which he -engaged in teaching for 
a year in his nati\e county. In 1S84 he changed 
his work, securing a position as salesman with 
the firm of A. H. McCord & Co., of Springfield, 
Ky., continuing clerking for a year. 

On the expiration of that period. Dr. Grigsby 
came to McDonough County, 111., and in 1S85 
began farming, which pursuit he followed during 
the succeeding five years. He then took up the 
study of medicine, in 1S90, under Dr. T. J. Crum, 
of Rlandinsville. under whose direction he con- 
tinued his reading for six months. During the 
winter of iSgo-91 he was a student in the Keokuk 
Medical College, of Iowa, and in the winter of 
1891-92 he attended the Louisville Medical Col- 
lege, of Louisville. K\'., from which institution 
he was graduated in the following spring. In 
1892-9;, he again attended the Keokuk Medical 
College, and was graduated from that .school in 
the latter year. Immediately afterward he oi)ened 
an office in Hlan<linsville, where he has since suc- 
cessfully engagetl in practice. 

On the 2dof Jul\-, 1887, Dr. Grigsby was unittil 
in marriage with Mrs. Mary L. Hnshnell, daughter 
of William 11. and Elizabeth (Seybold) Grig.sbw 



They have a pleasant home in this place, and are 
highly esteemed people of the comminhty. Both 
the Doctor and his wife hold meml)ership with 
the Baptist Church, and he is a memlierof Bland- 
insville Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M.: Chap- 
ter No. 208, R. A. M.; Blandinsville Chapter 
No. 108, O. E. vS.; and Hardin Lodge No. 25, 
A. O. U. W. In politics, he is a supporter of the 
Democracy. A close student of his profession, 
he has already secured a good practice, and will 
un(loul)tedl\- win success in his chosen vocation. 



~DW.\RD A. MESECHER carries on agri- 
^ cultural pursuits on section 34, La Harpe 
__ Township, Hancock County. He is num- 
bered among the native sons of this county, his 
birth having occurred in Pilot Grove Tow'nship 
on the 13th of June, 1867. He is also a repre- 
sentative of one of the pioneer families of the 
community. His father, Elkanah Mesecher, is 
likewise a native of Hancock County, and he too 
is a farmer by occupation. .\ sketch of his life 
is given elsewhere in this work. The mother of 
our .subject liore the maiden name of Rebecca M. 
Butler, and is a daughter of .Sanuiel Baxter and 
Lucinda (Younger) Butler. 

Edward A. Mesecher is the eldest in a family 
of four children. The educational privileges 
he received were those afforded )i>- the common 
.schools. He early became familiar witli all the 
duties of farm life, and to his father he gave the 
benefit of his .services, and aided in the labors of 
the farm, until his marriage. On the 6lh of I'eb- 
ruary, 1889, he was joined in marriage with Miss 
Amanda James, daughter of William Iv aiul Su- 
san (Wright) James. Tlieir union has Ijeen 
blessed with three daughters, Pearl lulna. Lena 
Esther and Bertha lunilv. 

The parents liaxe manv warm friends in this 
connnunit\- and 1i(j1<1 an enx'iable jiosition in so- 
cial circles. Their home is also noted for its hos- 
pitality. Mr. Me.sec-her is a memlier of the Chris- 
tian Church of La Harpe, and his wife holds mem- 
bership with the Methodist Ivpiscopal Church of 



i86 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Libertj-, McDonough Countj'. In politics, he is a 
stalwart advocate of the Republican party and its 
principles, and his first Presidential vote was cast 
for Benjamin Harrison in 1S88. He has never 
sought or desired the honors or emoluments of 
public office, but has .ser\-ed as School Director. 
He is a wide-awake and progressive citizen, and 
one who takes an active interest in all that per- 
tains to the welfare of the connnunity and its up- 
building. Throughout his life he has followed 
agricultural pursuits, and his industry- and good 
management have brought him success in his 
chosen vocation. He is a worthy representative 
of an honored pioneer family, and it is with pleas- 
ure that we present to our readers this record of 
his life. 



1-^HiH^ 



[S_ 



1^^ 



jILLIAM N. BVLHR is a worthy represen- 
tative of the agricultural interests of Han- 
cock County, and now carries on general 
fanning in Durham Townsliip. He was born in 
this county on the 4th of August, 1862, and has 
known no other home, l-'rom an early age he 
has been familiar with all the duties of farm life, 
for as .soon as old enough to liandle the plow he 
began work in the fields, and soon became fa- 
miliar with everything connected with his chosen 
vocation. His early educational advantages, 
wliich were those afforded by the connnon schools, 
were supplemented by study in Oittings Semi- 
narw In 1880, he entered the seminar_\-, and af- 
ter pursuing a lliree-\ear course was given a de- 
gree b\- that institution. 

On leaving school, Mr, I{\ Icr eml)arked in 
farming in his (i\\ n interest, renting land from 
his father, wliich he operated for se\en years. 
With the capital he had acquired iluring this 
period as the result of his enterprise and industr\', 
he purchased in the aulunni of 1889 sevenly-.six 
acres of land in Durham Town.ship. Here he has 
since made liis honic, and now has a well-devel- 
oped farm, which in its thrifty api)earance indi- 
cates to the passer-by the enterpri.se which is 
among the chief characteristics of the owner. 



On the nth of February, 1886, in Hancock 
County, was celebrated the marriage of William 
N. Byler and Miss Clara B. Layton, daughter 
of James B. and Margaret (Rose) Layton, who 
were natives of Delaware and Maryland, respec- 
tively. The union of the young couple has been 
blessed with two children, a son and daughter: 
Bessie L. and Charles L. 

Mr. Byler is an honored and respected citizen 
of his native county. In i8gi, he was elected 
Ju.stice of the Peace to fill a vacancy, and .so well 
did he discharge the duties of the position, that 
in 1893 he was re-elected for a term of four 
years, and is now filling that office with credit to 
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He 
is connected with the Masonic fraternity, having 
been made a Mason on the 24th of June, 1886, in 
Dallas City Lodge No. 235, A. F. & A. M. In 
1887, he was elected Junior Warden of the lodge, 
and in the .succeeding year was chosen Senior 
Warden. In 1889, he was elected Master, and 
four years later was re-elected to that office. He 
has been kept continually in office since joining 
the lodge, and it will thus be seen that he is one 
of its valued and leading members. In politics, 
he is a Democrat, and his first Presidential vote 
was cast for Gro\er Cleveland in 1884. Mr. By- 
ler is a member of the Baptist Church. 



1^+^ 



e_ 



(S~ 



III.LIAM A. TOWLER is one of the enter- 
])rising and successful business men of La 
Harpe. He now deals in groceries, queens- 
ware and agricidtural implements, and is enjoying 
a fine trade, which is due to his fair and honest 
dealing, his cuinteous treatment of liis customers, 
and his earnest desire to please his patrons. His 
well directed efforts bring to him a success of 
which he is entirely worthy. 

On the ifith of August, 1844, Mr. Towler was 
born in Oreenu}) County, Ky. His father, Will- 
iam Towler, .Sr., was a nati\e of Virginia, and 
was a farmer by occupation. In an early day he 
removed to Kentuckw and in 1855 came with his 
famiK to Hancock Count\ . The mother of our 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



187 



subject bore the maiden name of Frances Barker. 
By the union of this wortliy couiile were born 
eight children, two sons and six daughters, as 
follows: Susan, who died in infancy; I'"rances, de- 
ceased, wife of John Xelst)n: Amanda, wife of 
Samuel Fortne>', of Kirksville, Mo.; Arematliv , 
wife of Roswell Cooley, of Nemaha Countx', Kan. ; 
William A,; Adelaide, wife of Aaron Fogel, a 
farmer of La Harpe Township; Jose])h, who died 
in infancy; and a daughter who also died in in- 
fancy. 

Mr. Towler of this sketch when a lad of eleven 
summers accompanied his parents on their emi- 
gration to Illinois. His father died during the 
year of their arrival, and he was thus thrown upon 
his own resources. He not only provided for his 
own maintenance, but also aided in the support of 
the family. His education was acquired in the 
connnon schools of the countw but his pri\ileges 
in that direction were limited, as he had to spend 
his time in farm work. 

After arriving at years of maturit\', Mr. Towler 
was united in marriage with Miss Martha Sautter. 
Her adopted fiither, William Alton, gave them a 
farm of one hundred and six acres in La Harpe 
Townshii). Two years later the>' removed to that 
farm, which was mostly unimproved; but with 
characteristic energy Mr. Towler began its devel- 
opment, and in course of time the once wild land 
was made to yield to him a golden tribute in re- 
turn for the care and labor he bestowed u])on it. 
He made it one nf the be.st farms of the neighbor- 
hood, and its neat and thrift)' ajipearance indica- 
ted to the pa.sser- by the careful supervision of the 
owner. Nine children came to bless the home: 
William B., who is now in partnership with his 
father; .Sarali iM'ances, wife of Charles White, of 
La Har])e Township; Elmer, wIhj is living in La 
Harpe; Lillian and Edward, both at home; Eva, 
who died in infancy; Mary and Henry, at home; 
and one son who died in infancw 

Mr. Towler continued agricultural pursuits until 
October, 1890, when he removed to La Har])e, and 
with his son ])urchased the store of Gill, Ginna- 
ven & Co. With the superior judgment and ex- 
perience of the elder partner are combined the en- 
terjjn.sc and jjrogressive spirit ol' the voungcr, and 



the firm therefore po.s,sesses the re<iuisites of suc- 
cess. In politics, Mr. Towler has always voted 
with the Republican party since casting his first 
Pre.sidential ballot for Gen. U. S. Grant. During 
the war, a man who had been drafted having run 
away, Mr. Towler was chosen in his place, Inil 
ere he was .sent to the front, the escaped man re- 
turned. Our subject, his wife and three children 
are members of the Christian Church. The fam- 
ily is one of prominence in the community, and 
its members hold an enviable position in social 
•circles. 



EEORGE W. BRADSHAW, who carries on 
general farming and stock-raising on section 
25, Durham Township, has the honor of be- 
ing a native of Hancock County, his birth having 
occurred in La Harpe Town.ship on the ist of 
January, 1841. He is a worthy repre.sentative of 
an honored pioneer famil}-, his parents being Joel 
and Catherine (Dixon ) Bradshaw, natives of Tenn- 
essee. They emigrated to Illinois in 1819, and a 
sketch of their lives is given elsewhere in this 
volume. The di.strict .schools of the neighborhood 
afforded our .subject his educational privileges in 
early life, but later his studies were supplemented 
by one term's attendance at the La Harpe Acad- 
em\- . 

Mr. Bradshaw early became familiar with all 
the duties of farm life, for as soon as old enough 
he began to handle the plow, and to agricultural 
pursuits he has de\-oted his energies throughout 
his bu.siness career. At length he took charge of 
the old home farm, which he continued looperate 
until thirty-nine \ears of age. Under his super- 
\ision it was alwaxs highly cultivated and im- 
proved, and the rich and fertile fiekls were made 
to yield him a good income. 

On the tst of January, 1880, was celebrated the 
marriage which united the destinies of Mr. Brad- 
shaw and Miss Mar_\- D. Manifold, daughter of 
Jasper and Pernielia ( Hutton 1 Manifold, of Dur- 
ham Township. Their union has been blessed 
with three children, a .son and tw(j tlaughters, 



i88 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mar>' Ellen, Cornelia Catherine and George 
Cleveland, all of whom are still with their parents. 
The family is one of prominence in the commnni- 
ty, its members being widely and favorably 
known. 

The farm of Mr. Bradshaw comprises two hun- 
dred and forty acres of valuable land, and with 
the exception of thirty acres the entire amount is 
in Durham Township. It is neat and thrifty in 
appearance, and the well-tilled fields and man\- 
improvements upon the place tdl that the owner 
is a man of progres.sive and enterprising views. 
He also makes a specialty of raising and feeding 
fine cattle, and .ships quite extensively to Chicago. 
In politics, he has been a Democrat since casting 
his first Presidential vote for Gen. George B. Mc- 
Clellan, and has served as School Director for 
about twelve years. He has always lived within 
a mile of his present home, and therefore has a 
wide acquaintance throughout the county. Tliat 
liis stanchest friends are tho.se who have known 
him from Ijoyhood is a tact that bespeaks a well- 
spent life. 



-=). 



"=) 



^^r^ 



(=^ 



IILLIAM M. Hl^vSTON, M. I)., who f.ir al- 
mo.st a quarter of a century has been engaged 
in the practice of medicine in Blandin.sville, 
was born in Jacksonville, Morgan County, 111., 
on the 6th of August, 1S29, and is one of a family 
of eight children, whose jxirents were John and 
Annie (Mel\-in) Huston. The father and mother 
were l»olli natives of White Count\-, Tenn., and 
their marriage was there celebrated. The lady 
was a dan.nhler of William antl Mar\- (Duncan) 
Melvin. In iS;,o John Huston renun ed with his 
family to Mel )onough County, 111., and, locating 
upon a farm, was for man\- \ears here engaged in 
agricultural jiursuils. Of the children, William 
M. of this sketch is the elde.st; Walter L. died at 
the age of twenty-two years; Rigdon, a farmer 
and stock-rai.ser of McDonongh Count\-, is now 
deceased: Preston is a retired farmer living in 
Blandinsxille; Thomas B. is living a retired life 
in Columbus, Kan.: Marv ]',. is the wife of S. 



Givens, who formerlj' followed agricultural pur- 
suits, but is now living retired in Abingdon, 111.: 
John carries on general farming and stock-raising 
in Blandinsville Township: and Crockett, de- 
ceased, was a farmer and stock-raiser of McDon- 
ongh County. 

We now take up the personal hi.story of Dr. 
Huston whose name heads this record. He was 
reared to manhood under the parental roof, .spend- 
ing his boyhood days on his father's farm in this 
county, whither the family came when he was 
less than a year old. His father entered one 
hundred and .sixty acres of laud from the Govern- 
ment in Blandinsville Town.ship, and added to 
that from time to time until he had an extensive 
farm. Dr. Huston began his literar\- education 
in the subscription schools of the neighborhood, 
which he attended through the winter .season, a 
time when the work upon the farm was not press- 
ing. During the summer months he aided in the 
labors of the fields, plowing, planting and har- 
ve.sting. To his father he gave the benefit of his 
services until twenty-two years of age, when he 
left home to begin life for himself During the 
years 1848 and 1849 he attended Kno.x College, 
of Gale.sburg, 111., and on leaving that institution 
he began reading medicine with Drs. McMurphy 
^c Parkins, of Rushville, 111., under whose direc- 
tion he continued his studies for eighteen months. 
In 1852 he entered the Cincinnati Eclectic Medi- 
cal Ct)llege, which he attended for two terms, and 
in December, 1853, he opened an office and began 
])ractice in Monmouth, 111., where he remained 
for three years. 

During that time Dr. Huston was married. On 
the i9tli of June, 1855, he wedded Sarah Cole- 
man, daughter of James and Lucy O. (Hawkins) 
C(jleman, of Hopkinsville, Ky. Three children 
were born of their union: Lucy A., wife of lilder 
M. .Stevenson, of Canton, 111.; Arman Lee, wife 
of L> nian I. Henry, an attorney-at-law of Ouray, 
Colo.; and Hardin C, of Blandins\ille, who died 
of fever in I'lorida, Ma\- 4, 18X7. 

On leaving ^^>nlnoulh. 111., Dr. Huston re- 
mpxed to Mexico, Mo., where lie spent two years, 
and then returned to Rushville, where he engaged 
in practice until 1S62. In tliat year he look up 




I'm IIP Iv. Ivi.TiNc. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



191 



his residence upon a farm in Henderson Cotinty, 
but still continued in practice, and in 187 1 he 
came to Blandinsville, where he has since made 
his home. The liberal patronage he recei\es at- 
tests his .skill and ability and the confidence re- 
posed in him. He has steadily worked his way 
upward, and now occupies a prominent place 
among his professional brethren of the county. 
In politics, he is a Democrat, and .socially is a 
member of Blandinsville Lodge No. 233, A. F. 
& A. M. 



-=] 



^+^ 



r=> 



r\HUAV K. ELTING, arising young attorney 
W^ of Macomb, 111., has the honor of being a 
^5 native uf McDonough County, having been 
born on January 2,^. 1862, in Enimet Township. 
His grandfather, John Elting, was a native of 
Holland, the Elting family ha\ing emigrated to 
America about the time of the Revolution, in 
which war the elder brothers took part. When 
John grew to manhood he engaged in the mercan- 
tile business in the city of New York, the old 
homestead lieing in Dutchess County, N. V. 

In 1S40 he emigrated westward, locating in 
Quincy, 111., and afterwards removed to Peoria, 
111., where he engaged extensively in the real- 
estate business. By diligence and industrj- he 
became one of the wealthiest men in the West. 
His death occurred March 21, 1861. His wife, 
who was a native of France, died wliile on a visit 
to New York. 

The father of the subject ol'lliis sketch, Philip 
H. Elting, was born in the Empire State, Febru- 
ary M, 1814. After acquiring a collegiate educa- 
tion, he took a position as Injok-keeper in his 
father's store. His father, appreciating his pecu- 
liar fitne.ss for positions of tru.st and confidence, 
.sent him West in 1834, to look after his e.\tensi\e 
landed interests in McDonough and surrounding 
counties, 

Philip II. lilting was a farmer, and was fairl_\ 
successful in the avocation of his choice. He was 
married January 24, 1834, to Margaret, daughter 
of Francis McSperitt, who came to McDonough 

9 



County in 1837, They were the parents of twelve 
children, of whom eight are now living, all being- 
residents of this count\ . Mr. Pelting died July 
22, 1876. His widow, who is a native of Ireland, 
.still survi\es him, and resides on the old home- 
stead on .section 12, in Emmet Township. 

We now take up the personal hi.stor>- of Phili]) 
p;. Pelting, who is widely and favorabl\ known in 
his native count)-. He acquired his early educa- 
tion in the common schools, and by careful appli- 
cation laid a good foundation for the superstruc- 
ture of a u.seful life. 

Later, he was graduated fnmi the Macoml) Nor- 
mal and Commercial College, in the Cla.ss of '84. 
Returning to the farm, he gave careful attention 
to farming until 1889, when, wishing to follow 
.some other profession, he began reading law in 
the oflfice of Sherman & Tunnicliff, attorneys of 
Macomb, with whom he studied one year. He 
then entered the law department of the North- 
western University at Chicago. After pursuing 
a thorough course of study, he was graduated with 
the Class of '92, as Bachelor of Laws. After leaving 
school he returned to Macomb, where he opened 
an office and has since been successfully engaged 
in practice. He pos.sesses a worthy ambition, is 
enterprising and progressi\'c, and strictly profes- 
sional in his practice, and has a bright future be- 
fore him. 

In earh- life .Mr. Elting became identified with 
the political interests of his native township. He 
is an uncompromising Republican and has the 
courage of his convictions. For >'ears the pre- 
cinct had been strongly Democratic, when, in 1SS4, 
he accepted the nomination for Township Clerk 
on the Republican ticket, and he was the onI\- one 
elected on that ticket, receiving a majoritv of two 
votes. The party of his choice ap]>reciated his 
efforts to make a faithful officer, and gave him a 
unanimous call for a ,second race. After an un- 
usualh s]jirited fight, he was again successful, 
though the nuijorit\' of the ])revious year was re- 
duced fifty i)er cent., and now numbered one. 
His faithfulness in the discharge of his duties, and 
the \igorous campaigns that he made, brought 
about a change in the political sentiment of the 
township, and lie was twice again elected his own 



192 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



successor, with a majority of twenty-three votes in 
each instance, and the Democratic supremacy of 
the precinct has never been regained. 

Mr. Elting is connected with the Kniglits of 
Pythias Lodge at ^L'lcomb, and in religions belief 
is a Methodist. At the Bar he has already won a 
reinitation which might well be envied by many 
an older attorney. 



i) <" T ■ V G 



3 AMES H. GRIGSBY is a prominent repre- 
sentative of the bu.siness interests of Blandins- 
ville, where he is now engaged in banking. 
He embarked in this enterprise in 1S82, and has 
since contiiuied it as a member of the firm of 
Grigsby Brothers & Co. Theirs is one of the solid 
financial institutions of the county, and the .safe 
and conservative policy of the bank has won the 
confidence of the people throughout the commun- 
ity. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record is 
a native of Blandin.sville, his birth having here 
occurred on the 5th of January, 1S51, and he is a 
representative of one of the honored pioneer fami- 
lies of the count)-. His parents, William H. and 
Elizabeth ( vSeybold j Grig.sby, were both natives 
of Kentucky, and on leaving that State in 1830 
they emigrated northward to Illinois, and cast in 
their lot with the early settlers of McDonough 
County. This localitx- then was an almost un- 
broken wilderness, the count> .seat contained but 
few inhabitants, and many of the now thriving 
towns and villages had not then .sprung into exist- 
ence. The Grig.sby family numbered six chil- 
dren, of whom four are yet living, namely: Nancy 
J., wife of Newton Gordon, a resident of Bland- 
insville; John E. , who also makes his home in 
this place: James H., of this sketch: and Mary L., 
wife of Dr. W. E. Grig.sby. Those decea.sed are 
Charles and Alice. 

Our subject was reared in his nati\e town, and 
acquired his early education in the jniblic schools, 
but he afterward continued his studies for five 
\ears under the instruction of a private tutor, 
William l'"<iresl. He remained luuler the parental 



roof until twenty-fi^x years of age, and for four- 
teen years he was employed to a greater or less 
extent in hi.s father's mill, becoming familiar with 
all tlie details of the business. In 1882, he em- 
barked in the banking business, as before stated, 
and has .since devoted his time and attention to 
the same. 

On the 2d of October, 1875, Mr. Grigsby led to 
the marriage altar Miss Lillian C. Mason, daugh- 
ter of Horatio N. and Loui.sa (Gruberi Ma.son. 
Three children have been born of their union: 
William Ehnnan, Harr\- M. and Roy, all of whom 
are still under the parental roof The parents 
and the eldest son hold membership with the Bap- 
tist Church of Blandin.sville. 

Mr. Grigsb)- takes an active interest in civic 
societies and is an honored member of various or- 
ganizations. He belongs to Blandinsville Lodge 
No. 233, A. F. & A. M.: Blandinsville Chapter 
No. 108, O. E. vS.: New Hope Lodge No. 263, 
I. O. O. F.: Hardin Lodge No. 25, A. O. I'. W.: 
and the Modern Woodmen of America. He cast 
his first Presidential v.ote for Horace Greeley, and 
since that time has been a .supporter of the Dem- 
ocratic part)-. He has been elected to a number 
of local offices, including that of Alderman, Town- 
ship Treasurer and Village Trea.surer. He dis- 
charges his pulilic duties with a promptness and 
fidelity that have won him the commendation of 
all concerned. He is true to every public and 
private trust, and is a man of sterling worth and 
.strict integrity, who is held in high regard by all 
who know him. 



i^^-^l=- 



^EOkc;i-; M. ()AK^L\N is one of the wide- 
l_ awake and enterprising citizens of Blandins- 
^_>| \ille, who is ufiw editing the Blandin.sxMlle 
daicUc. Almost his entire life has been passed 
in McDonough County and he is numbered among 
its native .sons. He was born in Hire Townshij), 
on the 17th of April, 1862, and is a son of Isaac 
A. and Elizalieth M. Oakman, His father, a na- 
tive of Himtingdon County, Pa., came to Mc- 
Donough County in 1852. For many \ears he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



193 



followed fannino:, hut at length retired from that 
jiur.siiit and renio\e(l to Maconih. At this writing 
he is serving as Treasurer of the count\-. The 
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of 
Elizabeth M. Campbell, and was a daughter of 
James and Eliza (McCollough) Campbell, who 
were natives of Franklin Count>-, Pa. 

The Oakman fomily numbered nine children, 
.six .sons and three daughters; James F., a farmer 
and stock-rai.ser residing in Bardolph, 111.: Mar\- 
E., wife of X. Swigart, a farmer and stock-rai.ser 
residing in Macomb; John Orr, who is engaged in 
the grocery business in Rlandinsville; Robert W., 
a furniture dealer of Macomb; George M., whose 
name heads this record; Isaac N., who is living 
in Fountain Green, Hancock County, where he 
follows farming and stock-rai.sing; Margaret B., 
at home; Bert, who is local editor of the Macomb 
Eag/c; and a daughter who died in infancy. 

Mr. Oakman who.se name heads this record 
spent the dass of his boyhood and youth on his 
father's farm, aiding in the labors of the fields 
through the summer months, while in the winter 
.season he attended the district .schools of the home 
township. Thus his time was passed initil sixteen 
years of age, when he entered the public schools 
of La Harpe, there pursuing his .studies for two 
\ears. On the expiration of that period he began 
teaching in Durham Township, Hancock County, 
and followed that profession for ten years, being 
emplox ed in Henderson. Hancock, McDonough 
and Morgan Counties. During this time he was 
I)rincipal of the schools in Terre Haute, Colches- 
ter and Meredosia, remaining m the la.st-named 
place for four years. He was successful as a 
teacher, his work along that line always proving 
very satisfactory. 

On Christmas Day, 1883, Mr. Oakman led to 
the marriage altar Miss Adelia St. Clair, of Dur- 
ham Township, Hancock County, daughter of 
Joel and Nancy P. (^Barr) St. Clair. One child 
graces their union, Edna Pearl, born January 31, 
1888. Socially, Mr. Oakman is connected with 
Good Will Lodge No. 91, K. P., of Colchester; 
Blandin.svile Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M.; 
Blandinsville Chapter No. 108, O. E. S. ; Mere- 
dosia Chapter No. 11, R. A. M.; Hardin Lodge 



No. 25, A. O. U. W.; Aten Lodge No. 22, D. 
H.; Meredosia Camp No. 705. M. \V. A.: and 

the N. B. of J. 

Mr. Oakman cast his first Presidential vote for 
Groxer Clexeland. and is an advocate of the Dem- 
ocratic party and its ])rinciples. Its men and 
measures he supports throughout the columns of 
his paper. On the 17th of Januarv', 1S90, he 
]nircha.sed the Blandinsville Cranilc. which he has 
since continued to publish. He did not remove 
to this place, however, mitil May of that year. 
The (iaiftlt- has a good circulation, and is well 
worthy of a liberal patronage. 



-=]. 



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c=_ 



JOSEPH FRY. Jk.. one of the leading farmers 
I i)f La Haqie Town.ship, Hancock County, 
G/ residing on section 19, was born on the 6th 
of Augu.st, 1S60, in Missouri, and is the second 
son of Joseph FVn-. The father was a native of 
Bourbon County, Ky., born on the 16th of Oc- 
tober, 1806. His education was acquired in the 
district schools of his native State, and when a 
young man he learned the trade of a bricklayer 
and stone-mason, which pursuits he followed for 
a number of years. In 1865 he emigrated with 
his family to Illinois, and located in Hancock 
County. 

Our subject was at that time a child of only five 
years. The di.strict schools of La Harpe Town- 
ship provided him his earlier educational jirix i- 
leges, but later he attended the ]niblic .schools of 
La Harpe. Throughout his life he has followed 
fanning. As soon as old enough to handle the 
plough, he began work in the fields, and has since 
devoted his time and attention, to the tilling of 
the soil. His farm is well stocked with a good 
grade of horses, cattle and hogs. Here he has 
lived since 1890. Previous to this time he spent 
two years in Blandinsville Township, McDonough 
County, where he worked in a brickyard. 

Mr. Fry has been twice married. On the i8th 
of January, 1883, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary M. Harris, of La Harjie Township, 
Hancock County, and a daughter of Isaac and 



194 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mary ( Atwater) Harris. One child was born to 
them, Leoniie. The mother was called to the home 
beyond on the ist of June, 1892, and Mr. Fry was 
again married, on the ist of February, 1893, Miss 
Freddie B. Duncan, daughter of John and Marga- 
ret A. (Chapin) Duncan, becoming his wife. Botli 
Mr. and Mrs. Fry hold membership with the 
Christian Church of East Durham, and take an 
active part in its upbuilding. In politics, he has 
been a Democrat since attaining his majority. 
His first Presidential vote was ca.st for Grover 
Cleveland in 1884. He is a public-.spirited and 
progressive citizen, and the best interests of the 
community find in him a warm friend. He may 
truly be called a self-made man, for his success in 
life is all due to his own efforts, as he started out 
in life empty-handed, and by his own industr\ has 
.steadily worked his way upward. 

|ILLIAM K. TOWLER, dealer in groceries, 
i;lassware. queensware, farm implements 
and general fanners' supplies, is a well- 
known resident of EaHarpe, who is recognized 
as one of its leading and influential citizens. He 
was born in HireTownshiji, McDonough County. 
111., on the 27tli of September, 1865, and mention 
of his family is made in the sketch of \V. A. Tow-" 
ler on another page of this work. During his 
first year, our subject Tcmoved with liis parents 
to a farm in La Harpe Township, Hancock County, 
two and a-quarter miles from this place, and there 
he was reared to manhood, spending the days of 
his boN'hood and \outh in the usual manner of 
farmer lads. His educational pri\ileges were 
those afforded by the district schools of the neigh- 
borhood. He conned his le.s.sons through the 
winter .season, and in the summer nu)nths aided 
in the labors of the farm. However, he entered 
Gittings .Seminary in 1885, and there pursued 
his studies for two years. 

On leaving school, Mr. Towler returned to the 
farm, where he coutiiuied for one sunnner, and in 
the autunui of i88,s la- removed to La Harpe, 
where he eiul)arked in ihe i;rocer\ business in 



connection with R. B. Hetrick. This partnership 
existed only about one year and nine months, 
after which Mr. Towler bought out his partner's 
interest and conducted the business alone until the 
loth of October, 1890, when his store and con- 
tents were de.stroyed by fire. Immediately after 
this disaster, he formed a partnership with \V. A. 
Towler and bought out the store of Gill, Ginna- 
van & Co. They carried on this business success- 
fully for about three years and a-half but are now 
rapidlv disposing of their goods, preparatory to 
closing out their trade. 

On the 27th of September, 1892, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Towler and Miss Fannie J. 
Brizendine. daughter of John Bvizendine, a well- 
known citizen of La Harpe. Their union has 
been blessed with one child, William C. The 
parents are widelx' known in this community, 
where the\' have many warm friends and agree- 
able acquaintances, who esteem them highly. 
Their home is a hospitable one, and a warm greet- 
ing is alwax s extended to their guests. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Towler are members of the 
Christian Church, and take an active interest in 
its work and upliuilding. He is now serving as 
Deacon of the church, which position he has held 
for about six years. In politics, he advocates 
Republican principles, and his first Presidential 
vote was ca.st for Gen. Benjamin Harri.son. He 
has never been an aspirant for public office, but 
in the spring of 1892 he was elected Township 
Clerk for a term of two years. He is a young 
man of good bu.sine.ss ability, and his enterpri.se 
and industrii- have won for him succe.ss thus far in 
his undertakings. 



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(T.VMICS M. BRADSHAW, one of the enter 
I prising, progressive and represt.iitati\e citi- 
G/ zens of La IIari>e, was born in the townshij) 
of the same name on the ioth of December, 1855, 
and is a .st)n of Joel Bradshaw, a native of White 
County, Tenn., born September 15, 1812. The 
familx numbered ten children, four sons and .six 
daughters, but three of the hitter died in infancy. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



195 



William Di.xou is now a fanner on section 31.1, La 
Harpe Township: Mary Jane became the wife of 
PVank Hine, of Jacksonville. 111., and died in 
p-ebrnary. iSSt; George W. is living on section 
23, Dnrham Townshij). Hancock Count>-; .Sarah 
Loui.sa, deceased, was the wife of William C. 
Hainter; Emma E. is the widow of James W. P. 
Davis: and Joel D. is deceased. 

Our subject is the youngest child of the family. 
He acquired his early education in the district 
.schools of La Harpe Township, but afterwards 
.supplemented it by stud>- in the Jacksonville Bus- 
ine.ss College, which he entered in the fall of 1875. 
On completing his course he was graduated there- 
from in March. 1876. He entered a class in arith- 
metic of seventy-five pupils, which was reduced 
in number to fifteen on account of their deficiency. 
Mr. Brad.shaw, however, remained with the class. 
After leaving college, he became a stock-dealer, 
and in coiuiection with that business, which he 
has carried on extensively, he has also been largely 
engaged in farming. He now owns a farm of four 
hundred and fifty acres, of which two hundred and 
thirty acres are hjcated on section 30, La Harpe 
Town.ship. while the remainder is acrcss the line 
in Durham Township. His farm is one of the 
best in the neighborhood, and its well-tilled fields 
and excellent improvements indicate the careful 
super\'i.sion of the owner and his thrifty and pro- 
gre.ssive s])irit. 

On the 13th of February, 1878, Mr. Bradshaw 
was united in marriage with Miss Tillie E. Mani- 
fold, daughter of Benjamin J. and Cornelia ( Hut 
ton) Manifold. Their union has been ble.s.sed 
with three children, two sons and a daughter, but 
Lillian E. died at the age of four weeks. The 
others. James F. and Quinton M., are still with 
their parents. 

Mr. Bradshaw exerci.ses his right of franchise 
in support of the Democracy, and his first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for W. vS. Hancock in 1876. 
He has served as .School Director for several years, 
and was also Road Overseer for several terms, but 
has nex'er sought or desired public office, prefer- 
ring to give his entire time and attention to his 
business interests. He has been a Director of the 
La Harpe District Fair since its organization, and 



was Auditor for the first three years. The fol- 
lowing year he was Superintendent of Booths, 
and during the fifth year was elected Director, 
and .Superintendent of the Beef Cattle De])artnient. 
which position he has held for four years. He 
was aLso one of the Building Connnittee.. He takes 
an active interest in worthy public enterprises, 
and is recognized throughout the community as 
one of its leading citizens. 



"^ 



^H^[ 



REV. CONRAD KUHL, pastor of Zion's 
Lutheran Church, of Carthage, is one of the 
able ministers of the denomination. He was 
born in Bindsachsen, in the grand duchy of Darm- 
stadt, Germany, October 21, 182 1. His father. 
Christian Kuhl, was an inn-keeper and baker 
of that country, and married Elizabeth Gantz. 
In 1 834 he came with his family to the United 
States, locating in Zane.sville, Ohio. In the spring 
of 1836 he removed to Beardstown. 111., making 
the journey in the old-style moving wagon, known 
as a "prairie schooner. " In Beard-stown the par- 
ents spent their remaining days, both pa.ssing the 
eightieth milestone on life's joiu'ney. In this 
country the father followed the occupation of 
farming. Their family numbered .six children, 
who reached mature years and reared families of 
their own. but all are now decea.sed with the ex- 
ception of Conrad. The eldest brother, George, 
died recently at his home in Beardstown, at the 
age of eighty-six. One brother, Philip, was a 
Methodist Episcopal preacher, and died in Bur- 
lington, Iowa: and other members of the family 
were merchants and teachers. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who at a very early age began to earn 
his own livelihood by working as an errand boy. 
He was thus employed in Zane.sville, and in 
Beardstown. Later for three years he entered the 
drug -Store of Dr. Hoffman, who was the origi- 
nator of the method of making glucose. There 
he became acipiainted with the .science of chemi.s- 
try, but at the age of twenty he left the mercan- 
tile business, having decided to enter the ministry. 



tg6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



He stiuuevi iwo ,i:u; a-iuill' years at a private 
schcol at Springfield, and afterwards entered 
Pennsylvania College, of Gett>sburg. Pa., and 
was graduated from its theological seminary in 
1S4S. He was now fitted for his chosen profes- 
sion, and was soon placed in charge of a church 
in Quincy. 111. His ordination as a minister oc- 
curred in 1850. in Oregon. Ogle Count>-. 111., by 
the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Illinois. In 
the fall of I S 50 he entered the western missionary- 
work, and was employed in western Illinois and 
eastern Iowa for a year, supphing pulpits and 
establishing new churches. In 1851 and iS53he 
was pastor of a church in Springfield, 111. 

On the J 2th of September. 1S49. our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss E\-aline M. 
Sell, of Gettysburg. Pa. To them have been 
bom three children, who are yet li\nng: Clemen- 
tine E.. wife of C. M. Banks, of Boardman. 
Fla.: Manha S.. \\4te of J. W. Hunter, of Cali- 
fornia, Mo. , who is a member of the Legislature 
of tliat State: and Abby A., a college graduate. 
whc> is now teaching in the public schools. 

On lea\-ing Springfield, 111.. Rev. Mr Kuhl 
went to Mt. Canuel. where he remained tor three 
vears. He then spent a year and a-half as agent 
in Pennsylvania for the Illinois Uni\-ersity at 
Springfield, atter which he returned to Quinc>- to 
take charge of a new church, of which he was 
pastor three years. The three succeeding years 
were spent in Liberty. 111., and later he was in 
Perr>-. Pike Count>-. and in Pittsfield for six years. 
It was in t868 that he came to Carthage to take 
charge of a small church, then paying a salary of 
only about $250. The condition of his coming 
was that the church should build a parsonage. 
He las since remained as a Lutheran minister in 
Carthage, and has done a gcuxl work in this place. 

During the latter part of 1S69, at a synod held 
in Hillsboro. a \nsiting member urged that steps 
be taken to found a Lutheran cv^llege somewhere 
in Illinois, Mr. Kuhl. who was President of the 
synod, was favorably impressed with the idea, and 
was made Chairman of the committee to consider 
the same, and take steps toward its fulfillment. 
Later a convention met in Dixon, in 1S69. to con- 
sider this subject. It ad\4sed the appointment of 



a Board of Commisssioners of twelve, rejjresenting 
the four synods. These couvened at Carthage, 
deliberated u{x>u several overtures, and accepted 
one made by Carthage, which amounted to a fine 
building site and $20,000 toward the erection of 
the present building. In prosecuting this work, 
Mr. H. Draper acted a§ financial agent and attor- 
ney for the citizens. Carthage College was char- 
tered and organized by the citizens, and a Board 
of Trustees was chosen to conduct afiairs. P'rom 
the beginning. Mr. Kuhl has taken a prominent 
part in this enterprise, and has always ser\-ed on 
the Board of Trustees until lately. He has also 
been prominent and active in Sunday-school work, 
and was an agent of the American Bible Society. 
For several years he served as President of the 
s>-nod. and has frequently been a delegate to the 
General Synod. The greater part of his time and 
attention has been devoteti to church work, and 
his efforts have not been unavailing, but have re- 
sulted in much good. 



ROBERT TARMAN. who died January 17. 
1894. was a well-known agriculturist of 
Hancock County, residing on section 28, 
La Harpe Towniship. He was a native of Rappa- 
hannock Count>-. Va.. bom May 19, 1S27. Hisfe- 
ther, George Tarman. was bom in Mar>-land. but 
in early life remove«.l to Virginia, from whence he 
enlisted in the War of 1812. While residing in 
the Old Dominion, he served as overseer or slave- 
driver for Samuel Chancellor, but he did not like 
this occupation, and in consequence removed to 
Ohio, in 1S36. accompanies! by his family. All 
the protUice raised on the one thousand acre plan- 
tation was hauled to Falmotith, and Mr. Tarman 
handled all the money for the same. He was 
married in February. 1817, to Mar>- Spicer, 
daughter of William Spicer. of Rappahannock 
County, \'a.. and unto them were bom nine chil- 
dren in all. He took his wife and eight children 
in a one-horse cart to their new home in Ohio. 
Their joumey. which lasted four weeks, was 
made iu December. 1S36, the weather being 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'97 



bitterly cold. When llie\' reaclietl .Muskiii^iiin 
Couiit\- lliev jnit what household eflfect.s they had 
into a rented cabin, and the father worked at 
whatever he could find to do. The mother .spun 
and wove all the wearing apparel for the faniilx , 
and in those early days lhe\- suffered many trials 
and hardships. Their children were as follows; 
Martha Ann, deceased, wife of Philip Barnes, a 
fanner of Muskingum County, Ohio; Mar>- Kliz- 
abeth, widow of Phili]) Parker, a farmer of P'a)- 
ette County, 111.: William, who was a farmer of 
Muskinj.jum County, but is now deceased; Al- 
fred, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Mus- 
kingum County; Robert, of this sketch; Mahala 
Jane, deceased, wife of Michael Dolan, who was 
captain of a boat on the Ohio Canal and subse- 
quently became a physician in Allen County, 
Ind., where he died; Sarah, decea.sed, wife of Ma- 
thias Farman, of Hancock County; Samuel, who 
died in this county; and Archibald, of La Cro.sse, 
111. 

Robert Tarman accompanied his parents to 
Ohio, and received the rudiments of an educati<jn 
in the district schools of Muskingum County, but 
his privileges were very meagre. He worked on 
various farms for his father luitil he had attained 
his niajotity, when he began working in his own 
interest as a farm hand. His first indeiJendent 
effort in life brought liim the nuniificent sum f)f 
twenty-five cents per day. He had man\- obsta- 
^ cles to overcome, but by industry and persever- 
ance he worked his wa\ u])ward to success. 

On the 1st of May, 1851, Mr. Tarman was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Ph(fbe Cassingham, 
daughter of Richard and Margaret ( Morri.son ) 
Cassingliam. vSix children were born unto them, 
a son and five daughters, namely; Minerva, wife 
of I'eter Peck, a farmer of Page County, Iowa; 
Maltie, at home; Laura, wife of Judson Fannan, 
an agriculturist of McLean Count\ , 111.; Celia, 
deceased; Ollie, at home; and Lullier, who has 
also passe<l away. 

-Mr. Tarman came from Ohio to Hancock 
County in i8s,^, and purcha.sed fifty acres ol land 
in La Harpe Township, upon which he at once 
located. To this he added, however, from time 
to time, luitil at his death his farm comprised one 



hundred and twenty acres of good land, which 
yielded to him a golden tribute in return for the 
care and labor he bestowed upon it. He was a 
man of good business ability, and his well-directed 
efforts brought him a comfortable competence, 
which his family now possesses. 

In politics, Mr. Tarman was a Republican. In 
earlv life he supported the Whig party, but on 
the organization of the Republican party he 
joined its ranks, and afterward fought under its 
banner. He .served as School Director for about 
.sixteen years, and during his term the cause of 
education found in him a stalwart supporter, ever 
read\- to promote its interests. He held meniber- 
shij) with the Methodist Protestant Church of La 
Harpe. During the past four years he had been 
in poor health, and in 1892 he made a trip to the 
We.st, hoping to be benefited therel)y. For 
twenty -eight years, Mr. Tarman cared for his par- 
ents and made their declining days happy. His 
mother passed away April 9, 1892, at the very 
advanced age of ninety-five years. Mr. Tarman 
was a man of upright principles, and one always 
honorable and .straightforivard in his dealings, and 
his well-spent life gained him the confidence and 
high regard of his fellow-townsmen. 

Mr. Tarman died January 17, 1894, on his 
farm, and sliortly afterwards the famil)- removed 
to La Harpe, where they now reside. Of him 
the /.a Ilarfxi said upon the occasion of his 
death : 

"For a long time he was seriously afflicted, 
but during all his afflictions he was patient and 
hopeful. His e.x])res.sed desire to live was from 
intense love for his family. But though desirous 
to live, he became fully reconciled to the Divine 
Providence that called him away. His faith and 
hope rested uf>on the Rock of Ages. It is blessed 
to die the death of the righteous. Though con- 
scious that he had not lived up to the privileges 
afforded him — conscious of failure to live a jjerfect 
Christian life — yet such was his faith in the mercy 
and love of God, so clearly manifested in the gift 
of His Son to redeem a lost world, that he calinl>- 
rested at the foot of the Cross, and for many days 
before his death, as he thought of that hymn en- 
titled, Take Me as I Am,' requested that it be 



198 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



suug at his funeral. It was a great comfort to 
the bereaved that Mr. Tannan was conscious and 
able to converse with them to within a few min- 
utes of his death. In the death of Mr. Tannan 
the community has lost an excellent citizen, the 
church a devoted member, and the family a loving 
husband and father." 



"S) 



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C= 



0SCAR W. HUSTON is one of the prominent 
and highly respected citizens of Blandins- 
ville. He was formerly connected with the 
business interests of this place, but is now living 
a retired life. He has the honor of being a na- 
tive of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Hen- 
derson County on the i8th of May, 1858. His 
parents were Walter and Mary Ann (John.son) 
Huston. His father was born in White County, 
Tenn., in 1823, and in 1830 became a resident of 
Illinois, locating in Henderson County. His 
wife was a native of Ohio. In their family were 
.seven children: Nancy J., wife of Hugh Hodgins, 
a contractor and builder residing in Omaha, Neb. : 
Matthew, who carries on farming in Henderson 
County; Margaret, who is also living in Omaha, 
Neb.; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Leinbach, an ag- 
riculturist of Henderson Comity; Joel B., fore- 
man of an importing firm of Georgetown, Tex,; 
and Mary E. , who is now decea.sed. 

Oscar W. Huston whose name heads this record 
is the voungest child of the faniil\-. No event of 
special importance occurred during his boyhood 
and youth, which were quietly passed upon his 
mother's farm. Through the winter season he 
attended the di.strict schools of the neighborhood, 
and thus acquired a good Engli.sh education. In 
the sunnner months he aided in the labors of the 
field, and early in life became familiar with all 
kinds of farm work. Remaining upon the home 
farm, he gave his mother the benefit of hisservices 
until he had reached the age of thirty years. In 
Februaiy, 1892, he came to Blandinsville and 
opened a .shoe-store, which he successfully con- 
ducted for a year and a-half, doing a good busi- 
ness in that line, but on the i6th of November, 



1893, he .sold out, and is now awaiting develop- 
ments in .some business line. 

On the 5th of February, 1880, Mr. Huston was 
united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. Green, 
daughter of Edward and Eliza J. (Howard) 
Green, and a native of Iowa. Three children 
have come to bless their union: El.sie L., who was 
born November 16, i88o; Ola E., June 22, 1883; 
and Edna B., March 20, 1888. 

Mr. Huston is a supporter of the Prohibition 
party. He was formerly a Democrat, but on ac- 
count of his strong temperance principles he joined 
the political party which embodied his views on 
that subject. He has never sought or desired 
public office, but served as School Director, and 
the cause of education has found in him a warm 
and faithful friend. Sociallv, he is a member of 
Blandinsville Lodge No, 233, A. F. &A. M.; 
Blandinsville Chapter No. 208, R. A. M.; and 
the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his 
wife are both members of the Order of the Eastern 
Star, and both are leading members of the Chris- 
tian Church. They are prominent people of this 
conmiunity, who occupy an envialile position in 
social circles and have many warm friends, who 
esteem them highly. 



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yyiRS. MARY B. URBAN is the youngest^ 
Y daughter of Daviil and Elizabeth ( Thomp- 
(3 son I Byler, who are numbered among the 
honored pioneer settlers of Hancock County. Lo- 
cating here in an earl\- day, the\- not only wit- 
nes.sed the growth and de\'elopment of this locality, 
but were ijrominently identified with its ujjbuild- 
ing, and were actively interested in its progress. 
F'urther mention of the parents is made on another 
page of this work. 

Mrs. Urban was born in Hancock Comity on 
the 3d of October, 1869, and acquired her early 
education in the district .schools near her home. 
.She thus became familiar with all the rudimentary 
branches. In the winter of 1891-92 she pursued 
a more advanced course in the Gittings Seminary 
of La Harpe. Her maidenhood days were quietly 




ROI.ANI) N[. l'AKKi:k 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



20I 



passed in tlie usual manner of gfirls of this period, 

and May 24, 1893, she was united in marriage 
with Albert I'rlian, an enterprising and wide- 
awake young farmer, who is now operating the old 
Byler home.stead on section 9. Durham Township. 
He too is a native of Hancock County, born Feb- 
ruary 7, 1S72, and the district .schools afforded 
him his educational privileges. In his political 
views, he is a Republican. Although a young 
man. he displays in the management of the farm 
good business and executive ability, and will un- 
doubtedly win .succe.ssin life. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Urban are well-known people of Hancock Count\-, 
where their entire lives have been passed, and 
throughout this community they have many warm 
friends. 



6~ 



-^^H^l-= 



ROLAND M. PARKER, M. D., is a medical 
practitioner of recognized ability in War.saw. 
and receives from the public a liberal patron- 
age, which is well merited. He was born in Madi- 
son County, N. V.. March 21, 181S. and is a son 
of Leonard C. and Betsy T. ( Bennett ) Parker, 
the former a native of Massachusetts, and the lat- 
ter of Coiniecticut. Tradition says that the Par- 
kers are descendants of .Sir Peter Parker. The 
father of our subject carried on merchandising and 
farming for man\ years. Removing to the Em- 
pire State in an earl\ day, he there spent the re- 
mainder of his life, reaching the ripe old age of 
eighty-two years. 

In taking up the history of the Doctor, we learn 
that he was educated, in the connnon schools of 
his native county. His first \X'nture in bu.siness 
life was as a hotel clerk in theemplox' of his uncle. 
Subse(iuently he became superintendent of the 
hotel, and in 1.S4;, he embarked in the lumber 
business, which he carried on for a time. He wa^ 
also engaged in the study of medicine, A\d after 
having acquired a certain i>roficiency he engaged 
in its practice as a member of the allopathic school. 
Later, he took up the study of homeopathy and 
embarked in the exclusive practice of medicine in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1846. There 



he was employed luitil 1863, when he went to St. 
Louis, spending four \ears in that city. In 1867 
he came to Hancock County, and purchased a 
very fine farm in Nauvoo. Subsequently he be- 
came the possessor of the old Brigham Young 
property, and continued its improvement and the 
cultivation of his land until his removal to War- 
.saw in 18S.S. .Since that time he has resided in 
this city. 

Dr. Parker was married in i.S(')3, the lady of his 
choice being Mi.ss Jennie .Swan. She died in 
1878, leaving two children, a son and daughter. 
James W. graduated both from the .scientific and 
medical departments of the State Universitj' of 
Iowa, and is now engaged in medical practice 
with his father. On the iithofjuly, 1888, he 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Donna M. T. 
Bennett, who is also a graduate of the Iowa Uni- 
versity, and is engaged in practice with her 
husband. B&ssie G., the daughter of the Parker 
family, is a highly educated \-oung lady, who was 
also graduated from the .State Uni\-ersity of Iowa. 

Dr. R. M. Parker is a member of the Ma.sonic 
fraternity, and in politics is an inflexilile adherent 
of the principles of Republicanism. He does all 
in his power to promote the growth and insure 
the success of his party, and was a delegate to the 
National Convention in 1884. His residence of 
more than a quarter of a century in Hancock 
County has brought him a wide acquaintance, 
and by all who know him he is held in high re- 
gard. The firm of Parker & Son is a well known 
one. and deser\-es mention on the pages of this 
history . 



3ACOB REISELT. who carries on general 
farming on section 23, Durham Township, is 
a native of Germanx . born March i, 1829. 
In that counlrx he spent the first fourteen years 
of Ins life, and in accordance with the laws of the 
land attended tli« public schools. In 1843, how- 
ever, he bade adieu to friends and country, and 
sailed for America in compan\ with his parents, 
Jacob and Vieima (Spoon) Reiselt. His father 



202 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAT, RECORD. 



owned a farm in Germany, but in the year above 
mentioned he disposed of his propert\- and crossed 
the briny deep to tlie New World. Making his 
way to Ohio, he purchased a farm in FrankHn 
County, and there spent his remaining days. He 
carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, 
which occurred at the ripe old age of eighty-four 
years. 

Not long after coming to the United States, Mr. 
Rfciselt .started out in life to make his own way in 
the world. In 1845-46 be worked as a farm hand 
for Jeremiah Clark, of Franklin County, Ohio, 
receiving onlv Si i per month for his services. 
After two years, however, his wages were in- 
crea.sed to Si 5 per month. He has driven cattle 
to Philadelphia and New York at a time when it 
required three months to make the trip, and has 
al.so borne other hardships of frontier life. 

It was in 1866 that Mr. Rei.selt came to Illi- 
nois and located upon the farm which is now his 
home. He first bought one hundred and twent\- 
acres of land on the .southea.st quarter of section 
23, Durham Township, and later he added to 
this an additional tract of forty acres. He has 
made substantial improvements upon the place, 
and has good buildings and fences and all the 
other accessories of a model farm. The tields are 
well tilled and the place is neat and thrifty in ap- 
pearance. To some e.xtent he deals in stock, sell- 
ing generally to local buyers. 

On the 18th of December, 1851, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Reiselt and Miss Elizabeth 
Weatherington, a native of Franklin County, 
Ohio. They have become the parents of five 
children, namely: Henry, who is now li\-ing in 
Nebra.ska; William, a resident i)f this couiitv; 
Effie. at home; Mrs. Mary Kradfield, of Han- 
cock Count>-: and Rettie, who is still at liome. 

Since casting his first Presidential vote for 
Franklin Pierce in 1852, Mr. Rei.selt has been a 
supporter of the Democracy. He has held some 
local offices, having served as Town.ship Trustee 
for lourteen years and as Comiiiis.sioner for six 
years. His frequent re-election to these offices 
well indicates his fidelity to duty. At the age of 
fourteen years he joined the Lutheran Church, 
and has since been one of its active and faithful 



members, working earnestly for its upbuilding 
and advancement. His business career has been 
a prosperous one. He carries forward to a suc- 
cessful completion whatever he undertakes, un- 
deterred by the difficulties and obstacles in his 
])atli. Enterprise and industry are numbered 
among his chief characteristics, and as the result 
he has become the posses.sor of a neat home and 
comfortable propert\-. 



^^H|H^P-= 



(TOSEPH T. PAINTER, deceased, was born 
I on the 25th of March, 1800, in Philadelphia. 
Q) Pa., and came of a family of German origin. 
His father, William Painter, was also a native of 
the Keystone State, and was one of the heroes of 
the Revolution. He married Martha Torton, in 
1785, and the lady was also a native of Pennsyl- 
vania. They became the parents of nine chil- 
dren; Charles; Sarah, who became the wife of 
Henry Reynolds, and emigrated to Hancock 
County in 1836; William, who came to this county 
two years later; Philip, who became one of the 
early settlers of Missouri, of 1816; John; Mary 
Ann, wife of John Bryan, who came to Hancock 
County in 1839; Joseph; Martha, wife of John 
Reynolds; and Lydia, wife of Lsaac Pier.son, who 
came to this county in 1850. None of the family 
are now living. 

Joseph T. Painter, an honored pioneer of this 
locality, act|uired his education in New Ca.stle, 
Mercer County, Pa. His school privileges, how- 
ever, were limited to ninety days' attendance at 
the sulxscription .schools. When a young man of 
nineteen years he left home, with the intention of 
trying his fortune in the West, and went on a flat- 
boat to Mi.ssouri, taking with him a carding-ma- 
chiiie. He made the return trip on liorsei)ack in 
1823, reaching his destination after twenty -eight 
da\s oflravel. He then purcha.sed a farm of one 
hundred acres in Mercer County, Pa., and, turn- 
ing his attention to its cultivation, continued to 
engage in agricultural pursuits for about thirteen 
years, when, in 1836, he again left the East. It 
was in thai year that he cast his lot among the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



203 



pioneer settlers of Illinois. On the 4th of June 
he reached what was then called Spillnian's Land- 
ing, now Pontoosuc. and made his way hither. 
Here he purchased the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion V' I<^ Harpe Township, and began the de- 
velopment of a farm. 

Ere his removal West, Mr. Painter was mar- 
ried. On the 3d of January, 1828, he wasiuiited 
in marriage with Jane Graham, and to them were 
born three children, Angeline, Charles and 
Thompson, but all are now deceased. The 
mother of this family died August 13, 1833, and 
Mr. Painter was married October 18, 1834, to 
Phoebe Rea, daughter of John and Ann (White) 
Rea. They also became the parents of three chil- 
dren: Plemon, deceased; Delina, wife of vS. F. 
Bryan, of La Harpe: and Arion, who was killed 
at the battle of Pitt.sburg Landing, while aiding 
in the defense of the I'nion during the late war. 
He was a member of Coni]5an\ I), Twent\-eighth 
Illinois Infantry. Charles was also in the service, 
being one of the boys in blue of Company G, One 
Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantrw He 
served for three years, and was nuistered out in 
the fall of 1865. He was First Lieutenant of his 
company. 

In 183S Mr. Painter went to Pennsyh'ania, 
where he purchased material for a gristmill, which 
was put up by Henry Reynolds on the southwest 
quarter of section 9. La Harpe, also for a saw- 
mill, which he erected himself on section 10, La 
Harpe, and which he operated about two \ears, 
although he owned it ten or tvveh'c years, when 
it pa.s.sed out of his hands. The.se were among 
the pioneer mills of this section of country. 

Mr. Painter continued to engage in agricultural 
pursuits until 1S60, when he retired from active 
life, and went to live witli his daughter, Mrs. S. 
F. Bryan, with whom he remained until his death, 
which occurred on the 9th of Se])tend)er, 1875. 
In politics, he was originally a Whig, and on tJie 
organization of the Republican party joined its 
ranks. He .ser\-ed as Constable for se\eral \ears, 
and was A.sse.ssor and Collector for fourteen years. 
For the long period of thirt\ \ ears he served as 
School Director, and the cause of education ever 
found in him a warm friend. He was a faithful 



member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
was a charitable and benevolent man, who aided 
in the upbuilding of all enterpri.ses calculated to 
promote the best interests of the community. He 
was a valued and prominent citizen of Hancock 
County for almost fort\- \ears, and this history 
would be incomplete without the record of his 
life. 



}^^^ 



QACOB BRYAN, deceased, was one of the 
I early settlers of Hancock County, and one 
KZ) who was widely and favorabh- known in this 
localit}'. A native of Hunterdon, N, J,, he was 
born on the 15th of August, 1794, and was a son 
of William and Mary (Suphen) Bryan. His 
father was born in New Jersey, F"ebruar\- 12, 
1 761. Of their children, Mary became the wife 
of .Samuel 'Hutton, of La Harpe T<nvnship, and 
both she and her husband are deceased. Rachel 
married Rol^ert Simonton, of Pennsylvania, and 
they are now deceased; Eleanor became the wife of 
James Burns, and both died in Peinis>lvania: 
Hannah married Thomas Painter, and both pas.sed 
away in the Key.stone State: Jane, Eliza, John, Ja- 
cob, Isaac and William are also decea.sed. 

Jacob Br\-an of this sketch was reared on his 
father's farm in New Jersey, and during his youth 
attended the .subscription schools of his nati\e 
State. In 1819, he removed to Mercer County, 
Pa., and, purchasing a farm of one hundred acres, 
there began life as a farmer. He followed agri- 
cultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, 
and met with good success in liis undertakings. 
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey 
he cho.se Mary Bagley, daughter of Daniel and 
Elizabeth (Showerman ) Bagley. Their marriage 
was celebrated in Crawford County, Pa., on the 
14th of Ma>-, 1824, and unto them were born 
.seven children, one of wliom died in infancy. 

The \ear 1S40 witnessed the remo\al of Mr. 
Bryan and his family to Hancock Counlx . He 
took up his residence in La Harpe Township, and 
purcha.sed one hundred and sixty acres ofland on 
section 3, La Harpe Townshij), where he began 
the development of a farm. B\- additional pur- 



204 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



chase he added to this from time to time until he 
became the owner of six hundred acres of vahiable 
land, which yielded to him a golden tribute in re- 
turn for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. 
He successfully carried on farming until the 2d of 
November, 1857, when he retired from active life 
and removed with his wife and two children to 
La Harpe. He died on the 28th of March, 1880. 
His wife, who still snr\-ives him, is now in her 
eighty-ninth year. 

In his political views, Mr. Bnan was originally 



December 1, 1729, aged sixt\-three years; his 
wife died March 14, 1740, aged .seventy three 
>ears. Zachariah. son of Benjamin, born March 
21, i'i94, was married June g, 1720, to Mary 
Eaton. Zachariah died May ;,, 1751, aged fiftv- 
seven vears. Ephraim. his son, born May 11, 
1729, was married Februar\- 10, 1757, to Rebecca 
Whitmarsh, daughter of Richard W'hitmarsh, and 
died January- 24, 1817, aged eighty-seven yeai^s; 
his wife died September 5, 1805, aged seventy- 
five years. Daniel Soule, his son, born Novem- 



a Whig, but when the Republican party was ber 16, 1757, was married May i, 1783, to Sarah 

formed he joined its ranks, and was e\-er afterward Cu.shman, seventh daughter of Josiah Cushman, 

one of its stalwart supporters. He never aspired of Plymouth, a lineal descendant of the fourth 

to public office, nor would he accept political pre- generation from Elder Thomas Cushman, one of 



the " Mayflower " Pilgrims. Daniel died in 1836, 
aged eighty-one years. 

Josiah, the father of our subject, born January 
13, 1794, married Sally Young, ofWarehani, 
Mass., and died March 9, 1872. The .sons of 
Josiah Soule were Josiah, Lsaac, George, Plymp- 
ton, James, Harri.son and Warren. The daugh- 
ters were Julia, Clari.ssa, Eniil\- and Clara. All 
are dead but Lsaac and Julia. Julia, who li\es at 
Warren, Ohio, attended the golden wedding of 
her brother in 1893. 

At the age of seventeen years Isaac Soule left 
his boyhood home to find one in the then far 

^VSAAC SOULE, one of the honored pioneers of West, and in 1837 came to La Harpe. Here lie 
I Hancock County, who through a long period secured employment with a Mr. .McFarland, a 

X has witnessed the growth and development of tanuL-r, to whom lie engaged for n seven-year 

this region, and has aided in its progress and ad- apinenticeship. 



ferment. He was originally a member of the 
Methodist Church, but afterward, when the Meth- 
odist Protestant Church was organized, he joined 
the same and was one of its consistent and faithful 
members until his death. He was always found 
on the .side of right, a supporter of all that would 
benefit and elevate humanit>-. His career was 
ever honorable, and his example is one well worthy 
of emulation. 



-S). 



"=) 



^^ 



r^ 



vancement, was born in Warren, Trumbull Coun- 
ty, Ohio, September 13, 1820, and is the second 
son of Josiah and Sarah Soule. The .Soule fam- 
ily trace back their ancestry to the lime the " Ma\ - 
flower" made its way across the Atlantic, in 1620. 
Among the passengers on that vessel was George 
Soule. He ca.st in his lot with the Pilgrim Fa- 
thers, and lived to an advanced age, d>ing in 
1679. To him was born John Soule. who li\ed 
in Duxbury, Mass. His wife's given name was 
Man,-. The settlement of his estate was dated 
March i, 1707 or 1708, so that it is probable he 
died in 1707. Renjamin_ Soule, his son, married 
Sarah Standish, daughter of Alexander Standish, 
a son of Capt. Miles Standish. Benjamin died 



On the 1st of February, 1843, Mr. Soule was 
uniU-d in marriage with Mi.ss Eunice Richer, tht- 
ceremoiiN' being performed by John Hicok. a 
Justice of tlie Peace. The lady was born near 
Fortland. Me., Januar\- 19, 1S26, and was the 
eldest child of Timothy and Mary A. Richer. 
About 1S3S her parents left the rnck-iibbed land 
of Maine and started westward. Tlicy traveled 
b\- rail from Dover to Boston; by water from Bos- 
ton to New York; again by rail from New York 
to Pittsburgh, and then on a boat went down the 
Ohio and up the Mis.si.ssippi River to vSpillman's 
Landing, now called Pontoosuc. There they 
hired a team, and after three weeks' travel reached 
La Harpe on the 2d of June, 1838. Mr. Richer 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



205 



at once began the erection of a home, which is 
stili known as the Ricker house, but his death 
occurred before it.s completion. His famih' wa.s 
thus left in a new country, with few ac(|uaintances, 
to battle with the world, and overcome as best 
they could the difficulties b\- which tliey were 
surrounded. 

Mr. and Mrs. Soule l)egan their domestic life in 
a small frame house on the north end of the lot 
on which their residence now stands. It contin- 
ued to be their home for two years, during 
wliich time their first son, George W., was born, 
February 15, 1844. In 1S45 the family located 
on a farm two miles east of La Harpe. The other 
children are Charles \\ . , who was born May 5, 
1.S46, and died Augu.st 7, 1S47; Charles \V., born 
March 31, 1S48: James J., born October 17, 1850; 
luigene N., born January 8, 1861; Ernest C 
who was born July 25, 1866, and died .September 
25, i,s6.S: Elbert I., who was born .September 3, 
1868; and Mary E., who was born November i, 
iX-u. and died on the 14th of April following. 

After two \ears spent ui)on the farm, Mr. .Soule 
returned to La Harpe, and in 1850 he purchased 
his present home. In compan>' with John and 
Luther Warren, he crossed the jilains in 1852 
with ox-teams, Ijound for the gold fields of Cali- 
fornia. The\- were four months u])on the way, 
and during a part of the time thev passed in Cali- 
fornia they .suffered greatlx' for the necessaries of 
life, es])eciall\- for bread. At one time a great snow- 
storm pre\'ailed, snow being fifteen feet deep on 
the mountains. They were thirty-four days with- 
out bread. The first flour to get into the settle- 
ment brought $1.25 a ])ound. Two years were 
passed by Mr. Soule on the Pacific .Slope, after 
which he returned home b\- wa\' of the Isthmus 
of Panama and New York. He was rich in ex- 
perience if not in gohl, and has niau\ interesting 
.stories to relate of that trip. For a number of 
\ears tliereafter he was employed in the store of 
J. & H. Warren. 

On the isl of February, 1893, Mr. and Mrs, 
.Soule celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniver- 
sary. During the fifty \ears in whic li thex' have 
traveled life's journey together the\- ha\e uil- 
nc.s.sed man>' important changes, both in the com- 



munity in which they live and the lives of those 
around them. Sorrow has come into their own 
home, but the greater jiart of their lives has been 
ble-ssed with happiness, which we tru.st may be 
theirs for nianv years to come. 



i^-^m^ 



s 



JOHN N. HURDLE, decea.sed, was born Feb- 
ruar>- 15, 1831, in Muskingum Countx, Ohio. 
His education was confined to the district 
schools of his native countv. and was obtained 
during his attendance through the winter .season 
for a few years. At the age of eighteen he began 
business for him.self by planting crops on rented 
tracts of land, wlien liis services were not required 
f)n his father's farm. He did this work on 
shares, and in this way accumulated about $600 
at the time he was twenty-three \ears of age. 

On the 15th of I)eceml)er, 1853, Mr. Hurdle 
wedded Mi.ss Mary Wolf and immediately there- 
after removed to Illinois, making the journey with 
a two-horse team. After twenty-six days of tra\el 
he reached Henderson County, and ]nirchased a 
quarter-section of land for $1,900. He had to go 
in debt $1,500 for the same, but he paid off his 
indebtedness in three years, on selling the farm 
for $4,600. In F^ebruary, 1857, in connection 
with his father, he bought a half-section of laiul 
in La Harpe Township, Hancock Countx-, for 
$7,875. In 1861 he purchased his father's inter- 
est, giving a mortgage on the same for nearl\- 
$4,000. Hard times came on as the result of the 
financial crash in 1857, and he offered to sell .six 
thousand bushels of corn for ten cenlsa bushel, in 
order to pay the interest on the mortgage, but 
tliis was not accepted. The mortgagee sued for 
his interest, l)Ut finallx- comiiromiscd. :nul .Mr. 
Hurdle was to pa\- the following June. In the 
mean time the price of corn was rai.sed to seventy 
cents ])er busliel, and he casil\- ji.iid off his in- 
debtedness. 

In i<S6o our subject was called upon to mourn 
the lo.ss of his wife, who died on the 9lh of A])ril, 
leax'ing two children: IvdgarF., a farmer of F'aton, 
ColfJ. ; and Ennna F'., wife of Jolni A. Goodan, a 



2o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lumber dealer of the same place. They also lost 
one child. Laura J., vvlio died in infancy. Mr. 
Hurdle was again married. May 28, 1861, his 
second union being with Elmira A. Barr, a na- 
tive of Breckenridge County, Ky., and a daugh- 
ter of Elias and Sallie A. (Beauchamp) Barr. 
])oth of whom were nati\-es of that State. Her 
grandfather, Adam Barr. who was a native of 
Man-land, .served in the Revolution under Wash- 
ington, and died in Kentuck\-. 

After coming to Hancock County, Mr. Hurdle 
added to his possessions, until at his death he 
owned nine hundred and five acres of valuable 
land in the home farm. His large residence, one 
of the finest country dwellings in the county, was 
erected in 1872. The barns and outbuildings on 
the place are models of convenience, and there is 
an air of thrift and prosperity about the whole 
])lace. Eight children came to bless the home, 
born of the .second marriage, namel\-: Lula B., 
wife of Dr. T. W. Bath, of Ohio, 111. ; Sarah Olive, 
wife of L. S. James, a fanner of La Harpe Town- 
ship; Maggie C, wife of C. 1). Rice,, a farmer of 
Durham Tow-n.ship: Carrie A., deceased; William 
E., Dora K., Henry A. and John F. 

In 1873 and 1S74, Mr. Hurdle lost about $40,- 
000 by indorsing notes for others. He was one 
of the mast .substantial and enterprising citizens 
of the county, and with time and means aided in 
eveni- work calculated for the upbuilding and the 
permanent good of tlie connnunity. He was a 
conscientious Christian gentleman, and was identi- 
fied with the Methodi.st Protestant Church from 
the age of eighteen. At the age of .seven he be- 
came a menilier of the W'ashingtonian Temper- 
ance vSociet\- and c\er adhered to tht- stricte.st 
temperance ])rinciples. His honestx was above 
(|uesli()n, and his word was as good as his bond. 
In early life he was a Whig, but on the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party joined its ranks. 

Mr. Hiudle's ancestors were of Scotch lineage. 
The first of whom we ha\c any authentic account is 
John Hurdle, who was born near Baltimore, Md., 
and there lived many years. He afterward re- 
nu)ved to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he 
died in 1842. He was an Abolitionist, and voted 
that ticket when there were onlv three others of 



the same political views in his precinct. His son. 
William \'. Hurdle, was born in Virginia, and 
was reared on his father's farm, but on attaining 
manhood he studied medicine, and engaged in 
practice for twent\ years in Ohio. About 1S26 
he wedded Mary Kiiniey, daughter of William 
and Margaret (Mahan) Kinney, of Huntingdon 
County, Pa. In 185.^ William V. Hurdle re- 
moved to Illinois, where, in compau}- with his son 
John, he purcha.sed a farm, to which we have 
previousls- referred. 

Mr. Hurdle of this sketch died October 28, 
1887, and the county thereby lo.st one of its be.st 
citizens, his family a loving hu.sband and father, 
and the connnunity a wi.se counsellor, who.se ex- 
ample may be copied by coming generations with 
profit. 

to ^ c=J < T >^L:3 §) 

r~RANCIS L. FULLMER, dealer in hard and 
j^ soft coal, lime and cement, is one of the 
I wide-awake and progressive business men of 
Hamilton. He is a Canadian bj- birth, a native 
of Lincoln County, in the province of Ontario. 
Canada, born September 16, 1840. The family, 
however, is of- German origin, and his parents, 
Jacob and Jane (Merrill) Fullmer, were natives 
of Peuu.sylvania and New York, respectivel)-. 
Thtir family numbered eight children, as follows; 
Merrill, now an attorney-at-law and preacher of 
Wiscon.sin; Leander, a traveling .salesman of Cal- 
ifornia; Francis L., of this .sketch; Mary, deceased, 
wife of Rev. George Reynolds; Reuben, a lawyer 
of South Dakota; Alvira-, wife of Joseph vSawyer, 
who resides in Beaver Dam, Wis.; Almira, de- 
ceased, twin sister of x\lvira; and one child who 
died in infancy. The father of this family in an 
earl\ <la\ removed to Canada and located on a 
larm in the province of Ontario. In 1845, he 
tiii)k liis family to Dodge County, Wis., where he 
secured land and made a homestead. 

Mr. F'ullnier whose name heads this record was 
only five \ears of age at the time of the removal. 
His education was acquired in the district schools 
of Dodge County, and he also attended a sul)- 
scription .school for three terms. When attend- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



207 



ing school at that early period, it was a frequent 
occurrence for liim to pass three or tour Indian 
wig"\vanis, when going to and fro from school. 
The red men were very numerous, and white set- 
tlers rather scarce. On one ix:casion, when his 
mother was at home with lier children, a squaw 
made an attempt to steal one of her twins, and 
succeeded in getting the child rolled uj) in her 
blanket, and on her hack. When Mrs. Fullmer 
saw what she was doing, a li\'el\- skirmish en- 
sued between the two women, and the mother 
succeeded in recovering her child. During his 
boyhood he worked on his father's farm and early 
became inured to the hard labors of the field, but 
at length he determined to give his time and at- 
tention to other pursuits, and on attaining his ma- 
jorit.\ , in 1861, he was engaged as an employe of 
the insane as\lum at Jacksonville, 111., where he 
remained for two years. In 1863, he returned to 
Dodge Countx-, and continued farming for a few 
years, ibr his health had failed and he belie\-ed 
that outdoor exercise would greatly re.store hiin. 

During this time, Mr. I'ullmer was married. 
On the 24th of November, 1S64, he was joined in 
marriage with Mi.ss Mary Bayless, of Jack.son- 
ville. l^nto them have been born two children: 
Lee, an empkne of the Wabash Railroad, resid- 
ing in Springfield, 111.: and Maud, at home. In 
1866, Mr. Fullmer came with his family to Han- 
cock County, locating at West Point, and engaged 
in farming for about eight years. On the expi- 
ration of that period he renio\-ed to Keokuk, Iowa, 
where he .secured a position as a toll-collector o;i 
a bridge. In 1876, he was elected Sui)erinten- 
dent of the Hancock County Poor Farm, at 
Carthage, and held that position for a \ear. In 
1877, he returned to the farm in St. Albans 
Township, and for .seven years devoted his time 
and attention to the cultivation and improve- 
ment of his land, making the well-tilled fields 
\iuld to him a good income. In 1886, he came 
to Hamilton, and has since been engaged in the 
business which now occupies his attention. He 
has a good trade and is meeting with well-de- 
.served success. 

Mr. Fullmer holds membership with the Melli 
odist ICpi.scopal Church, and exerci.ses his right 



of franchise in support of the Republican party. 
He has served as School Director, but has never 
aspired to public office. He also belongs to Rapid 
City Lodge No. 2S6, K. P., and to Montebello 
Lodge No. 697, I. O. O. F. ; and also to the Mod- 
ern \\'oodmen of America. He has led a busy 
and u.seful life, and his .success is due to his own 
efforts. 



2 



ATRICK JOSEPH HESSIOX, .M. D.,oneof 
llie leading young physicians of Hancock 
Count\', now successfully engaged in prac- 
tice in Hamilton, is a native of vSt. Louis, Mo., 
born May 26, 1863. His fatlier, Thomas Hession, 
was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and traced 
his ancestry to Usham the Great. Crossing the 
Atlantic to America in the .steamer "Constella- 
tion," in 1849, belauded at Ca.stle Garden, and 
thence went to Greene County, Pa. He became 
a contractor on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, 
and worked along that line to Memphis, Tenn. 
He was a member of the One Hundred and Fiftx- 
fourth Regiment of vState Militia, and was C(^n- 
nected with the United States .standing army 
which aided in the protection of the city of Mem- 
phis. In 1862 he removed to St. Louis, Mo., 
where he wedded Mi.ss Mary B. Laffe_\-. Thev 
were the parents of six children: Mary, now- 
deceased; the Doctor; John P., of Hamilton; 
Catherine, at home; Thomas S., also a practicing 
])hysician of Hamilton: and Mar>- B., wlio died in 
infancy. 

When our subject was an infant his parents left 
St. Louis and removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and in 
that city and in Ilaniiltun lie was reared. His 
education was acquired in tin- pul)lic .schools of 
Hamilton, and his first indL-pcndent effort in life 
was as a bridge car])enter. He tlien worked at 
bridge-building and railroading for two years, 
and in 1884 began the stud>- of medicine under 
the direction of Dr. J. C. Hughes, of Keokuk, 
Iowa, with whom he continued liis studies for 
three years. On the ist of March, 1S87, he was 
graduated from the College of Pln-sicians and 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, and, with the excep- 
tion of seven months spent in Hickory Ridge, has 
since been engaged in practice in Hamilton. In 
1893 he took a position with his alma mater as 
demonstrator of anatomy. The fact that this po- 
sition was offered him by the school of which he 
was once a pupil, is a high testimonial to his skill. 
He at present fills the position of Company Sur- 
geon for the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad 
Company. 

On the 27th of Xcneniber, 1890. Dr. He.ssion 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Ro.sa A. Young, 
daughter of Absalom and Emily (Palmer) Young. 
Their union has been blessed with one son, 
Thomas Joseph. The Doctor and his wife hold 
an enviable position in .social circles, and have the 
warm regard of many friends in the comnuuiity. 
He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of 
America; of Montebello Eodge No. 697, I. O. O. 
F.; and of Puckechetuck Encampment No. 7, of 
Keokuk, Iowa. In religious belief he is a Catho- 
lic, and in political .sentiment he is a Democrat. 
In November, 1892, he was elected Coroner of 
Hancock County, and is now filling that position. 
For four vears he was also Health Officer of 
Hamilton. He is one of the proprietors of the 
Palace Drug Store, and that branch of hislnisine.ss 
al.so yields him a good income. 

Dr. Thomas Stephen Hession, who is also en- 
gaged in practice in Hamilton, has the honor of 
being a native of this city, his birth having here 
occurred on the 26th of April, i ,S7u. ( For .sketch of 
parents see biography of P. J. Hession on another 
page.) In its common and high .schools he ac- 
(|uiretl his education. His hii\lu)od days were 
quietlv passed. He worked on his father's farm 
until he was si.xteen years of age, when he began 
railroading, being emjjloyed with the construction 
crew on the Santa P'e Road. Six months later, in 
the fall of 1887, hel)egan clerking for his brother 
in the drug store, and also took \\\i the slud>- of 
medicine. He was graduated from tJie Keokuk 
College of Physicians and Surgeons on the loth of 
March, 1891, and then, returning to Hamilton, 
joined his brother in practice and in the drug bus- 
iness. He was registered as a pharmacist on the 
4tli of March, 1S94. In politics, he is a supporter 



of the Democratic part\' and its principles, and is 
a member of the Catholic Church. The firm "f 
Hession Brothers has a finely appointed and well- 
kept drug store, complete in everything found in 
that line of trade, and by courteous treatment and 
straightforward dealing they have .secured a lib- 
eral patronage. They are also doing well in the 
practice of medicine. 



1=1 



1-^-f^e 



HOEL BRADSHAW. deceased, was one of 
I Hancock County's honored pioneers, and this 
Qj history would be incomplete without the 
record of his life. He was born near .Sparta, in 
White County, Tenn., on the 15th of Sejnember, 
181 2, and when a lad of seven summers accom- 
panied his parents on their emigration to Illinois, 
the family settling in Madi.son County, where 
they resided for a year. His father was a native 
of Teiuies.see; his mother of Kentucky. To them 
were born ten children, five sons and five daugh- 
ters. In 1820, Mr. Brad.shaw went with his par- 
ents to Morgan County, where his father entered 
seven hundred acres of land from the Government. 
The unsettled condition of the county at that time 
mav be imagined from the fact that what was 
once wild land comprised within the Bradshaw 
homestead is now the .site of tlie city of Jackson- 
ville. 

Joel Hradshaw attended the district .schools of 
Morgan Count\-, and acquired an e.xcellent edu- 
cation. He then embarked in farming, which he 
followed in that count)- until iS.^,7, which >-ear 
witnessed his removal to Hancock County. Soon 
after his arrival he purchased one thou.sand acres 
of land in LaHarpe Town.ship, and for many years 
extensively engaged in farming. He bore all the 
hardships and trials of pioneer life, aiidtuok part 
in the Mormon War, which occurred near Camp 
Point and Nauvoo, and which resulted in driving 
the Mormons from the State. When he came 
here nuich of the land was in pos,session of the 
Government, and the .settlements were widely 
scattered, for the work of ci\ili/ation and progress 
seemed scarcely begun. 




John H. Catlin 



.:*. 






^: 




Joel Cat li n 




Av-i % 






Mrs. JOEL Catlin 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



213 



On the 20th of March, 1834, Mr. Bradshawwas 
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Dickson, 
daughter of Hugh and Margaret (Libe) Dick.son. 
They became the parents of a family of ten chil- 
dren: Jane, who was born on the 14th of March, 
1835, and is now decea.sed; William D., who was 
born March 30, 1837: Mar\- J., who was born 
January- 3. 1839. and has now passed away: 
George W'., born January- i, 1S41 ; vSarah L., who 
was born January 14, 1845, and is now decea.sed: 
Su.sanna S., who was born December 18, 1842, 
and has been called to the home beyond ; Emma 
E., who was born Febniary 8, 1847, 'i"<^l ^^ the 
widow of James W. P. Davis; AlvinaC, who was 
born May 20, 1849, and is now deceased; J. D., 
who was born October 2, 1852, and has departed 
this life; and James M., who was born December 
20, 1855. and is represented elsewhere in this 
work . 

Mr. Bradshaw was an advocate of Democratic 
principles, but never was an office-seeker. The 
hi.story of Hancock Coinit\- was familiar to liiiii 
for more than half a century, and he could relate 
many interesting incidents of frontier life. He 
always bore his part in the work of upbuilding 
and de\-elopment, and was much respected b\- his 
friends and neighbors, who deeply mourned his 
death. He passed away in La Harpe Township, 
November 5, 1890, at the age of .seventy-eight 
\-ears. 



"SI 



[^^ 



(TOHN HAWLEV CATLIX, a farmer now 
I residing in Augu.sta, is one of the honored 
G/ jiioneers of Hancock Counl\ , and this work 
would be incomplete without the record of his 
life. He was born in Augusta, Ga., on the 23d 
of May, 1 82 1, and is a son of Joel and Cali.sta 
( Hawley I Catlin, both of whom were natives of 
Connecticut, .\uthentic records have been se- 
cured of the ancestr\- of both families, and as the 
data will prove of interest to all members of the 
family and their descendants, we gladly give it a 
place in this volume. 

The first of the Catlin famil> in America was 
Thimias, of Hartford, Conn. A deposition of his 
10 



is on record in the office of the Secretary of State 
of Connecticut, dated October 19, 1687, in which 
he is said to have been .seventy-five years of age. 
Consequently, he mu.st have been born about 1612, 
and may have come from England as early as 
1632, but perhaps earlier. Tradition says he 
came over as a cabin-boy on a ship, and then left 
his employment, running away. A record of his 
in 1646 .says he was appointed "viewer of lad- 
ders and chimneys." He was a Con.stable in 
1660, and he and his son John were made free- 
men in 1669. The same record speaks of Mary 
Catlin, then forty-six years old, who was prob- 
ably his wife. He had a daughter Mary bap- 
tised May 6, 1649. The Catlin name seems to 
have been of Norman origin, as appears from its 
form in old records; thus " Rymeis Federa " 
mentions Bevenge de Cateloiger, authorized to 
levy certain moneys for King Edward III., 
A. D. 1335. John de Catelaine also appears 
on record. ,Sir Robert Catlyn is named Lord 
Chief Ju.stice of England in the time of Edward 
\'I., in a case of law recorded in " Decatur Lan- 
castrise. Pais In.seta," Calendar of Pleadings from 
the fourteenth year to the end of the reign of 
Queen Elizabeth. Sir Nevil Catlyn and Sir 
Robert Catlyn were baronets of England. A 
work published by Hon. James .Savage, of Bo.s- 
ton, given our subject in 185 1. mentions the Cat- 
lin family in America. It tells of Thomas Cat- 
lin, who was the first ancestor of the family in 
America, and had John and Mary baptised May 6. 
1649. He died in 1690, leaving onh- John. The 
latter was a writing master of Bartiadoes. He 
died in Cape Cod Harbor in December, 1685, 
leaving a cargo of a vessel to his onl>- .son, Charles. 
John Catlin went to Deerfield, Mass., before 1684. 
with his mother Isabel, a widow. They had re- 
moved from Connecticut to Newark, N. J., and 
thence to Massachusetts. She was afterward 
twice married. Her son John, with his sons, 
Joseph and Jonathan, and his daughter, Ivliza- 
beth, were killed in the Deerfield ma.s.sacre, Vtb- 
ruary 29, 1704. He left a son Jolm, and one of 
Joseph's children, who also bore the name of John. 
I'hilip Catlin was at Hadk\', Mass., A]>ril 7, 1676, 
and served in King I'liilip's War, These four 



214 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



names appear on the old Colonial records, and in- 
dicate that John Catlin of Hartford was a con- 
temporary of John of Barbadoes and John of Deer- 
field, while Philip lived at the same time as 
Thomas of Hartfoid. 

The paternal grandfather of onr subject, Isaac 
Catlin, was born in Harwinton, Conn., in 1757, 
and was there reared. He followed farming, and 
married Ruth Carter, by whom he had nine chil- 
dren. His death occurred in 1S33, at the age of 
seventy-six. His wife, who was born in 1761, 
pas.sed away in 1831. Joel Catlin, tlie father of 
John H., was a watchmaker in early life. He 
removed from Connecticut to Georgia in 1818, 
and subsequently, after visiting the old home, 
made the journe>- to Georgia with a team and 
carriage. He dro\-e one of the same horses from 
Georgia to Illinois in 1831, and made a location 
in Jacksonville the next year. In 1835 he came 
to Hancock County, again driving the .same horse, 
and located on the present site of Augusta, which 
town was named for his previous home in Georgia, 
Here he engaged in farming until 1849, when he 
returned to Jacksonville, and was Station Agent 
for the Jacksonville & Naples Railroad for main- 
years. He died in that city in 1879, at the age 
of eighty-four years and seven months. His wife 
passed away several years previously, in March, 
1874. In early life they were members of the 
Congregational Church, but were afterward mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Catlin 
.served as Elder, both in Augu.sta and in Jack.son- 
ville. In the family were seven children, four 
sons and three daughters, of whom three are now 
living: John H.; William E., of White vSulphur 
Springs, Mont.; and Charles Augustus, of Jack- 
sonville, 111. 

Mrs. Catlin was a daughter of Rufus F. Haw- 
ley, a native of Northington, C<inn. He drove 
across the country three times from Connecticut 
to Illinois before locating here in 1837. From 
that year until 1847 he made his home in Au- 
gusta. He was then called to his final rest. His 
wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsy Rich- 
ards, was also a native of Connecticut. In direct 
descent, the Hawley family comes from Samuel 



Hawle)-, the first known ancestor in America. 
The name of the second is unknown, and Joseph 
Hawley is the third. He was followed by Tim- 
othy Hawley, who married Rachel For^vard ; Rev. 
Rufus Hawley, who wedded Deborah Kent; and 
Rufus Forward Hawley, grandfather of our sub- 
ject. This account was obtained by Rev. Will- 
iam E. Catlin from his uncle. Rev. James A. 
Hawley. Maj. Joseph Hawley, of Northampton, 
Ma.ss., was a cousin of Jonathan Edwards, Presi- 
dent of one of the leading colleges of this country. 
The Richards family is descended from Thomas 
Richards, who emigrated to America between 
1600 and 1605. John Richards was born in 1631, 
and married Lydia Stocking. Thomas Richards 
was born in 1666, and wedded Marj- Parsons. 
Thomas Richards, born in 1694, married Abigail 
Turner. .Samuel Richards, born in 1726, mar- 
ried Lydia Buck; and Betsy Richards became the 
wife of Rufus F. Hawley, of Farmington, Conn. 
They removed to Augusta, 111., in 1837, and her 
death occurred at Payson, in 1853. 

John Hawley Catlin was a youth of eleven years 
when his parents removed from Georgia to Illi- 
nois. He acquired his education in .A.ugusta, 
and in the winter of 1840-41 taught the first 
school ever held in Newton, Adams Comity. He 
was reared on the farm where he now lives, and 
where he has made his home since 1835. The 
town of Augusta has grownup around him, but he 
has never left his old home. 

On the 5th of March, 1S45, Mr. Catlin marriei 
Miss Lydia R. Hawley, daughter of Chauncey 
and Sophia (Austin) Hawley. Three children 
were born to them, namely: Ella .Sophia, who 
became the wife of James W. .Stark, by whom 
.she had four children, three yet living, Cornelia, 
Clifford and luliia; Cornelia Hawley, wife of N. 
N. Tyner; and Nettie Augu.sta, wife of Benjamin 
B. Crane. They also have three children, Jen- 
nie, Charlotte and Alice. Mrs. Catlin died in 
January, 1S60, and Mr.' Catlin was again mar- 
ried, December 25, i860, his second union being 
with Miss Alice E. Adams, daughter of Chaun- 
cey and Mary (Benedict) Adams, of Galesburg, 
111. Her death occurred June 7, 1892. She was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



215 



a member of the Congregational Church of Gales- 
burg, but united with the Presbyterian Church 
of Augusta. 

Mr. Catlin has long been an honored and faith- 
ful member of the Presbyterian Church, and since 
1854 has sen-ed as one of its Elders. In politics, 
he is a Republican. Throughout his life he has 
followed the occupation of farming with excellent 
success, and now owns seven hundred and ninety 
acres of valuable land, a part of which lies within 
the city limits of Augusta. The house in which 
he lives was the first frame dwelling erected in 
Hancock County, and is still in a good state of 
preser\-ation. The old Mormon trail, which was 
made in 1832, when that .sect was going from 
Ohio to the promised land in Missouri, ran through 
his father's farm. Lincoln and Douglas .spoke in 
the grove upon his land in the campaign of 1858, 
and many incidents of interest are connected with 
his home. In September, 1840, when the first 
census of Chicago was taken, he made a trip to 
Chicago with John Baldwin, a Mr. Perry and O. 
K. Hawley, who were on their way back to Con- 
necticut, where they were going for their sweet- 
hearts, whom they had left behind. They started 
in a two-horse Yankee wagon on Monday morn- 
ing, reached Chicago on Saturday afternoon, and 
the following Friday arrived at home. For this 
trip Mr. Catlin received $25. The history of 
pioneer life in Hancock County is familiar to him, 
for few have longer resided within its borders than 
he. He has always been actively interested in its 
welfare, and his name is inseparably connected 
with much of its upbuilding and development. 
He is one of the mo.st valued citizens, and has the 
high regard of young and old, rich and poor. 



E. MANIFOLD, who is interested in the 
banking business in I<a Harpe as a mem- 
ber of the firm of Manifold & Kirkpatrick, 
was born in La Harpe Township, Hancock Coun- 
ty, on the 6tli of February, 1S56. He is a worthy 
representative of an honored pioneer family, 
which located here in the early days in the his- 



tory of the community. His father, John Mani- 
fold, was a native of Tennes.see, born on the 8th 
of April, 1829. When a lad of seven years he ac- 
companied his parents to Illinois, the family set- 
tling in La HarjX' Township, Hancock County, 
where the grandfather of our subject entered land 
from the Government and opened up a form. John 
Manifold was reared to agricultural pursuits and 
has made farming his life work. Since 1836, he has 
lived upon the old homestead, and the place is 
dear to him from the associations of his boyhood 
and from those of his mature years. In 1854, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A. Miller, 
daughter of William and Margaret CDixon) Mil- 
ler. She has been to her husband a faithful com- 
panion and helpmate and is a most estimable 
lady. 

W. E. Manifold, their only child, began his ed- 
ucation in the district schools of La Harpe Town- 
.ship, and in order to further complete his educa- 
tion he entered Abingdon College, where he pur- 
sued a three-year cour.se, finishing the same in 
1873. In the succeeding winter he attended the 
Gem City Busine.ss College of Quincy, 111., tak- 
ing a special course in peinnanship. Returning 
to the farm, he then devoted his time and ener- 
gies to stock-raising for a number of years, and 
met with good success in this undertaking, but at 
length he determined to engage in connnercial 
pursuits. Carrying out this resolution, he rented 
his farm in February, 1890, and established the 
Bank of La Harpe, in connection with R. B. Kirk- 
patrick. Their partnership still continues, and 
has proven mutually pleasant and profitable. 
During the past four years, Mr. Manifold has 
also been extensively engaged in the raising of 
fine horses. 

On the 27th of October, 1874, our subject led 
to the marriage altar Miss Eleanor Ray, who 
died in February, 1890. He was again married, 
on the 22d of October following, his second union 
being with Miss Louella Franks, daughter of Job 
Franks. He and his wife have many friends 
throughout the connnunit>- and hold an enviable 
position in socijfl circles. 

In politics, Mr. Manifold is a supporter of 
Democratic principles. In 1881, he was elected 



2l6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Commissioner of Highwaj-s for La Harpe Town- 
sliip, and held that position for six years, or un- 
til 1887. His prompt and faithful discharge of 
the duties of the office won him re-election and 
gained him the high commendation of all con- 
cerned. In 1888, he was elected Township vSu- 
per\-isor, and has held that office continuous!}- 
since. He is a leading member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and belongs to La Harpe Lodge No. 
195, A. F. & A. M.; Royal Arch Chapter No. 
184, R. A. M.; and Macomlj Coinmanden,' No. 
61, K. T. 



I^HJH^ 



[=- 



to^ 



30HN W. McCORD, who is now living a re- 
tired life in La Harpe, is numbered among 
the honored pioneers of Hancock County, 
having since an early day not only been an eye- 
witne.ss of the growth and development of this 
community, but having also aided in its progress 
and dexelopment. As he is .so widely and favorably 
known throughout the county, we feel assured 
that this record of his life will prove of interest to 
many of our readers. His father, John McCord, 
was a farmer of Overton County, Tenn., whither 
he removed from South Carolina, his nati\e 
State. His father in turn was a Colonial soldier, 
and was killed in the Revolutionary War. John 
McCord acquired his education in the di-strict 
schools of Overton Count.\-, and was married in 
Tennessee to Mary Willard. The\- liecanie the 
parents of nine children. Nancy, the eldest, be- 
came the wife of John Ledgerwood, of McDon- 
(mgh County, but both are now deceased; Will- 
iam, who lived in McDonough County, is also 
deceased; Jane became the wife of Henry Hardin, 
of Keokuk, Iowa, and both have passed awa\-; 
Mary, deceased, was the wife of Moses Foster, 
of McDonough County; John W. is the next 
younger; Thomas is a retired fanner of McDon- 
(jugh County ; Margaret is the widow of James 
Welsh, of Kan.sas; Elizabeth is decea.sed; and 
.Alexander Y. is a farmer of McDiMiough County, 
The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was born in ( )\erton Couiily, Tenn., Jnl\ 1, 



1815, and when a youth of fifteen years accom- 
panied his parents on their emigration to Morgan 
County, 111,, in 1830. After one year spent in 
that place he removed to McDonough County, in 
1831, His education was acquired in the district 
schools of Tennessee and Illinois, but his privi- 
leges in that direction were very meagre. In the 
.school of e-xperience, however, he was an apt pu- 
pil, and acquired a knowledge sufficient to enable 
him to successfully conduct his business interests. 
He was one of the honored pioneers of McDon- 
ough Count>-, and remembers the time when 
within its borders there were innumerable wolves 
and deer. He remembers many incidents of life 
on the frontier, and while talking to the historian 
recalled to mind the loss of a four-year-old boy, 
who one Sunday evening iti 1S32 wandered away 
from his home, about six miles north of Macomb. 
He remained in the woods for four days and four 
nights. A thunder-.storm came on the night be- 
fore he was rescued, and he went into a hollow 
tree for safety. He subsisted on blackberries, 
which at that time were ripe. As soon as his ab- 
sence was discovered parties started out in .search 
of him in all directions, and when he was once 
more restored in safety to the arms of his parents, 
their joy can better be imagined than described. 

Mr. McCord continued to work on his father's 
farm until he had attained his majority, when he 
started out in life for him,self He chose as a 
companion and helpmate on life's journey Mi.ss 
Nancy, daughter of George and Man,- (Persley) 
Manifold, and a native of Temie.ssee. Their mar- 
riage was celebrated March 15. 1838, and they 
became the parents of eight children; William, 
who died in La Harpe Township; Mary Louisa, 
who died in McDonough County ; Fllizabeth, wife 
of Israel Moore, of Osborne, Kan.; George, a farm- 
er of La Harpe Township; Sarah, deceased, wife 
of William Reed, now at Oklahoma: John, a 
farmer of Fountain Green Township, Hancock 
County; Noah, who carries on agricultural \nn- 
suils in La Harpe T(nvnship; and Ida, decea.sed, 
wife of Charles White, of the same townshiii. 

In 1840. John W, McCord came to La Harjjc 
Township, Hancock County, and purchased forty 
acres of land. He afterwards purcha.sed a seven- 




Gen. R. F. Smith 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



219 



ty-acre tract from a Morniou. and later houijht a 
tract of eighty acres, and another of iiiiiely-four 
acres in Fountain Green Township. He was a 
successful farmer, and in cour.se of time the once 
wild land was transformed into rich and fertile 
fields. Mr. McCord took part in the Mormon 
War in 1S44. With about one hundred men he 
went to Golden's Point and thence to Nauvoo, 
where a .skirmish occurred. The effect of this 
was to drive the Mormons out of the State. This 
section of Illinois at that time was one va.st 
prairie and fore.st, almo.st undotted by settlers' 
cabins. Game of all kinds was to be had in 
abundance, and the work of civilization and 
progress seemed .scarcely begun. He has e\-er 
taken a commendable interest in the county and 
the rapid progress it has made. Since casting 
his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren 
in 1836, he has been a stalwart Democrat, but 
has never a.spired to public office. He and his 
e.stimable wife are both members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church, and this worthy couple 
well deserve representation in the history of the 
community in which they have ,so long made 
their home, and where the>- have so many warm 
friends. 



^^+^1=- 



0EN. ROBP:rT F. smith was a native of 
I— I Philadelphia, Pa., born on the 2d of August, 
\^ 1806. His death occurred in Hamilton, Han- 
cock County, April 25, 1892, and his loss was 
deeply mourned by all who knew him. He first 
came to this county in 1833, and was one of the 
mo.st notable pioneers of this part of the vState. 
He was ever prominent in i)u!)lic affairs that 
tended to promote the best interests of the com- 
munity, and, public-spirited and progressive, was 
recognized as a valued citizen. In 1834 he re- 
turned to Philadelphia, where he was married on 
the 19th of June to Mi.ss Amanda Benton. He 
then brought his l)ride to the new home which he 
had prepared in the We.st, and they began their 
domestic life in Hancock Comitv. Fourteen cliil- 



dren were born to them, all of whom are yet 
living. 

Throughout his life Gen. Smith was connected 
with niilitar\- affairs. He was a born soldier, and 
his record during the Civil War was an honorable 
one, of which his famil\' may feel justly proud. 
Ivre leaving Philadelphia, he Ijelonged to a local 
military organization, known as the Cumberland 
Guards, and after his removal hither he became 
Captain of the Carthage Greys, being in charge 
of that company at the time of the killing of Joseph 
and Hyrum Smith by the mob at the Carthage jail, 
June 27, 1844. He took a leading part in the Mor- 
mon War, and was in command of the troops at the 
battle of Nauvoo, in September, 1846. There he 
received a severe wound, a ball passing through 
his throat and just mis.sing a vital part. He was 
taken to the home of Mrs. Susan Stevenson, and 
by her careful nursing and kind attention, his 
long hours of suffering were made more endurable. 

When the di.ssolution of the Union was threat- 
ened in 1 86 1, and the flag he loved so well seemed 
destined to be trampled in the dust by a rebellious 
•South , he raised and was elected Captain of what 
became Company D, Sixteentli Illinois Infantry. 
Afterward going to Quincy, he was then made 
Colonel of the regiment, and later was promoted 
for gallantry on the field of Ijattle to the rank of 
Brigadier-General, and the following letter was 
written recommending his promotion: 

J.\CKSONVILLE, Il,L., July l8, 1865. 

Hon. E;. M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

De.\r Sir: — I recommend that Col. R. F. 
Smith, of the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, be pro- 
moted to the rank of Brigadier-General. He has 
been on duty in the field since 1S61, and during 
almost the whole of the time has lieen in command 
of a brigade. He has been in nearly all the bat- 
tles of the We.st and Southwest, and is a mo,st 
gallant, deserving and competent officer, and I 
sincerely hope he may receive the promotion to 
which he is .so justly entitled. 

\'ery respectfully, 

RiCiiARn Yatks. 

Gen. Smith's regiment was composed of com- 
panies from the counties of Adams, Pike, Schu>-- 
ler, Henderson, Hancock and McDonough, and 
was organized and equipped at Quincy, and sent 
from that ])lace into active service in Missouri on 



220 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the i2th of June, 1861. The regiment was or- 
dered to Hannibal, Mo., and on its arrival the 
following notice was published in the Hannibal 
Daily Evening Ncd's. Its editor, A. C. Apler, 
suddenly left for the South the next morning. 
The article was headed, "Arrival of Re-enforce- 
ments for the Abolition Railroad Battalion," and 
read: "The cowards who compose the most in- 
famous body of men, and particularly the scoun- 
drels who command them, sent this morning to 
Quincy for re-enforcements. In response, the 
military commander at Quincy despatched on the 
'Blackhawk' four hundred or more of the Abolition 
army of Illinois. They were landed at noon to- 
day, and after parading ostentatiously on the 
levee at the foot of Hill Street, marched with 
drums beating and colors flying to South Hanni- 
bal. Two or three companies were well uni- 
formed and officered; the balance were a set of 
dirty, filthy, cowardly-looking fellows, without 
uniforms or competent officers. This evening or 
to-morrow morning we are promised six hundred 
more. What does Missouri want? How long, 
O God of ju.stice and right! how long are these 
things to continue?" 

Notwithstanding the assault of this paper, the 
brave boys of Col. Smith's regiment, undaunted, 
went to the front. They were at length ordered 
to St. Joseph, Mo., thence to Reed's Point, and 
on to New Madrid, where the>- were attached to 
the Army of the Mis.si.ssippi. Going to Tennessee, 
they participated in the siege of Corinth, marched 
on into Alabama, took part in the battle of An- 
derson's Gap, and were then transferred to the 
Fourteenth Arnn- Corps. They went with Sher- 
man on the celel)rated march to the sea, and on 
to Richmond and Washington, participating in 
the Grand Review in the Capitol City. Going 
then to Louisville, Ky., they were mustered out, 
July 8, 1865. 

After returning home at the close of the war. 
Gen. Smith was tendered a connni.ssion as Major 
in the regular anny by Secretary Stanton, but did 
not accept, preferring a peaceful, quiet home 
life to a military career, unless his country's 
safety called him. In 1892, accompanied by his 
daughter. Miss Clara, he attended a brigade re- 



union in Quincy, where he met one hundred and 
seven of his old regiment, some of whom he had 
not seen since the close of the war. In Septem- 
ber, 1892, accompanied by his daughter, Miss 
Nettie, he attended the reunion of the Tenth 
and Sixteenth Illinois Regiments at Jacksonville. 
While there he was taken seriou.sly ill, but after 
a few days recovered sufficiently to return home. 
He told his comrades, however, that this would 
be the last time he would meet with them, and 
his prediction proved true, as his death occurred 
April 25, 1893, his wife having pa.ssed awaj- Jan- 
uary 9, 1892. At the reunion in Bushnell in 
September, 1887, "the boys" of his regiment pre- 
sented him with a beautiful gold-headed cane as a 
slight token of their regard and esteem. In an 
account of the presentation, the Bushnell Record 
said: "Maj. McClaughry presented the cane with 
a neat .speech, and Rev. Richard Haney, who was 
Chaplain of the regiment, responded in behalf of 
the recipient, while the latter wiped the salt tears 
from his venerable cheeks. ' ' 

After .serving throughout the war. Gen. Smith 
took up his residence at his country home, "Maple 
Avenue," near Hamilton, where he continued 
until 1S88, when he removed to the city. In 1861 
the family of father, mother and fourteen chil- 
dren were first separated, and since that time 
they have never all been assembled together. On 
the 19th of June, 1884, Gen. Smith and his mo.st 
estimable wife celebrated their golden wedding. 
For fifty years had they faithfully kept their mar- 
riage vows, striving to make .smooth, each for the 
other, the rough and rugged spots along life's 
pathway. Gen. Smith was a personal friend of 
Gens. Sherman, Rosecrans, Logan, Howard, and 
many others of the leading commanders of the 
Civil War. On the 4th of July, 1875, he enter- 
tained Gen. Sherman and his staff officers at his 
country- home. Socially, Gen. Smith was a char- 
ter member of Black Hawk Lodge No. 238, A. F. 
& A. M., and was also an honored member of 
Ru.ssell Post No. 86, G. A. R. In politics, he 
was a most stalwart Republican, and in religious 
belief was a Presbyterian. He enjoyed the ut- 
most love and respect of his soldiers and superior 
officers. His character and integrity were unim- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



221 



peachable. In his everyday life he fulfilled the 
scriptural injunction, "Be hmnble, that >oii may 
be exalted." In social and business circles he 
was an honorable gentleman, on the field of bat- 
tle a valiant hero, but through all and above all, 
lie was a Christian, who hath "fought the good 
fight." 

We append the following, which gives a fuller 
account than is given previouslj' of Gen. Smith's 
connection with the Civil War: 

THE FIRST FEDER.VL TROOPS. 

When it was certain that Missouri would be 
one of the States wherein the battles of the Civil 
War would be fought, the immense importance 
of preserving and holding the Hannibal & ,St. 
Jcseph Railroad was early realized by the au- 
thorities of the Federal Government. If it were 
kept intact, troops could be moved from one .side 
of the State to the other, supplies and munitions 
of war sent, and all of north Missouri kept under 
Federal or Union dominion. The great thorough- 
fare would also be of incalculable service in keep- 
ing open communication with the first line of of- 
fense adopted by the Union commanders — the 
Missouri River. It was of the utmost importance, 
therefore, that the road should be well guarded 
from the actual and threatening assaults of the 
Seces.sioni.sts, and kept in running order contin- 
ually . 

The authorities of the railroad were all loyal, 
and the Secessionists regarded it as the great 
enemy to the Southern cause, to be assailed when- 
ever practicable, and, when troops were pas.sing 
upon it, to beattacked vigorously and with deadly 
intent. Time and again threats had been made by 
the zealous Seces.sioni.sts of destroying the vSouth 
River bridge on the Hannibal & St. Joseph, and 
the bridges over the Fabius and North Rivers, on 
the Quincy & Palmyra, to prevent Federal troops 
from being sent into the State "to subjugate the 
people;" and President John W. Brooks, of Bos- 
ton, and President Joshua Gentry, of Hannibal 
(the latter the fir.st Sheriff of this county), ap- 
pealed to the military authorities for protection. 
It came in due time. 

On the i8th of June the Sixteenth Illinois In- 



fantry, Col. R. F. vSmith commanding, landed at 
Hannibal, being the first Federal troops to tread 
the .soil of Marion Count\-. In the command 
were eighteen men who had been warned out of 
Hannilial by the Secessionists, and had gone to 
yuincy and enli.sted. One piece of artillery was 
with the regiment. A large crowd met the sol- 
diers on the levee, but there was no hostile 
demonstration made against them, and the greater 
portion of them soon encamped on "Lover's Leap." 
A few days later the vSecond and Third Iowa In- 
fantry came to Hannibal and went West over the 
Hannibal & St. Jo.seph. 

On the 2oth of June two companies of the .Six- 
teenth Illinois came from Hannibal to Palmyra, 
disembarked from the cars, and went into camp 
near and just west of the Hannibal & St. Joseph 
depot, where was then a piece of commons. The 
two companies numbered about seventy-five men. 
On the 22d they marched into town, raised the 
Stars and Stripes over the court house, and sang 
"The Star .Spangled Banner." 

A few days later — sa}- aboutjuh- i — the Col- 
onel of the Sixteenth Illinois, Robert F. Smith, 
came to Palmyra in person with two more com- 
panies of his regiment, the Hancock Guards, 
Capt. Cahill, and the Union Rifles (Adams 
County), Capt. Petrie. The four companies went 
into camp in Sloan's Addition, west of the (juincy 
& Palmyra Railroad. Pickets were put out on 
the principal roads, and one company was sent 
down to the South River bridge. 

In a short time Col. .Smith had arrested a num- 
ber of active .Sece.ssionists about Palm\ra. In 
Hannibal, also, .some persons were arrested. 

On the 3d of July, Col. .Smith issued the follow- 
ing proclamation: 

COI,. smith's I'ROCI-.'VM.VTIGN. 

HiiADQrARTERS CAMP SMITH. ( 

Pai.mvra. July ,% 1S61. I 

To the Citizens of Palmyra and Marion Count>-: 
The head(iuarters of the Sixteenth Regiment 
of Illinois \'()lunteers is in your cit\'. 

We came into your midst with no hostile intent 
toward Union-loving and jieaceful citizens. To 
all such the appearance of United .States .soldiers 
on such a mission as ours should rather be liailed 
with gladness than viewed with suspicion and 
mistrust. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In so large a body of men as constitutes a regi- 
ment, there must of necessity be some less refined 
than we could wish; but it shall be the earnest 
endeavor of the officers of this regiment to curb 
the passions and to punish with the utmost se- 
verity the excesses of any such. 

Your hearthstones shall be held inviolate, your 
families protected from insult and injury, and 
your ladies treated with civility and politeness. 
No one shall be molested unle.ss known to enter- 
tain treasonable sentiments toward the Govern- 
ment, and to be aiding and abetting its enemies. 

It is earnestly desired by the Colonel command- 
ing that the most friendly relations should exi.st 
between those who love the in.stitutions and Gov- 
ernment of our country and the soldiers who have 
volunteered to protect them. 

He would, therefore, respeclfulls invite every- 
one who may have misconstrued our motives to 
return to the peaceful occupation of their hou.ses 
and the resumption of their dail\- business, confi- 
dently believing that a better acquaintance and a 
freer interchange of .sentiment will conduce to the 
welfare of both citizen and soldier. 
R. F. Smith, 

Colonel Commanding vSi.vteenth 

Regiment Illinois \'olunteers. 

The proclamation was well received, and, in- 
deed, fairly ob.ser\-ed by the soldiers, who con- 
ducted themseh'es with as seemly behavior as 
could have been expected. 

On the 4th of Juh- Col. vSmith's command, 
nearly four hundred strong, marched into Pal- 
myra with muskets and bayonets glistening in 
the sun, and drums beating, fifes and bugles 
blowing, and banners waving in the air. There 
was a celebration after a fashion. The troops had 
just been paid off in gold, and were feeling jolly. 
They paraded the principal streets, cheered the 
Stars and Stripes, President Lincoln, Col. Smith, 
and the Union men of Mis.souri. Then they re- 
turned to camp. There was no disturbance. All 
the saloons and many of the business houses were 
closed. 

The previous day the soldiers had hoisted a 
fine flag over the court house in the room of the 
one raised by Capt. Fritz, which had been dam- 
aged by a wind storm. 

THE KIGHT AT MONROK CITY. 

The war clouds hovering over northeast Mis- 



souri grew blacken and blacker, and the rum- 
blings of the battle-thunder louder and louder, and 
at last the storm broke. 

The State Guard companies flocked to Gen. 
Harris in such numbers that by the 5tli of July 
he had probabl\- five hundred men in his camp, 
near Florida. By their .scouts and spies the Fed- 
eral military connnanders were informed of his 
doings, and Col. Chester Harding, at St. Louis, 
under authority from Gen. Lyon, ordered Col. 
Smith, of the Sixteenth Illinois, to march upon 
him and his fellow-.Seces.sionists and break up his 
camp. Col. Smith had himself re-enforced at Pal- 
myra by four companies of the Third Iowa, one 
company of the Hannibal Home Guards, and a 
piece of artillery (a six-pounder), and got ready 
for the work. 

On Monday evening, Juh- .S, Col. Smith 
marched from Palm\ra against Tom Harris. His 
force consisted of Companies A, F, H and K, of 
the Third Iowa Infantry; Companies F and H, of 
the Sixteenth Illinois; Capt. Loomis' company of 
the Hannibal Home Guards, and the six-pounder 
cannon — in all about five hundred men, or not 
more than six hundred. The expedition went by 
rail to Monroe Citv, where it arrived in an hour 
and disembarked. It was intended to make a night 
march on Florida, about tweh'e miles a little 
west of .south of Monroe, and attack Harris' cam]) 
at daylight, but a severe .storm coining up pre- 
vented this plan. 

Tuesday morning Col. vSniith with his entire 
command set out towards Florida to encounter 
Gen. Harris. Passing out of the prairie, through 
the "Swinkey Hills, " the Federal troops reached 
the farm of Robert Hagar, three or four miles 
north of Florida. Here, in the thick timber and 
bru.sh, and on the top of an eminence known 
as Hagar' s Hill, they encountered perhaps fifty 
mounted vSece.ssionists under Capt. Clay Price, 
who had been .sent out by Gen. Harris to recon- 
noitre. These at once, and without warning, 
opened fire from their ambu.sh at close range, .se- 
verely wounding four persons. The fire was re- 
turned, and the Missourians retreated, leaving 
one man mortally wounded, and perhaps half a 
dozen horses. This affair took place at about 4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



223 



o'clock in the afternoon. Not caring to go on, 
and not daring to retreat through certain bodies 
of timber in the night on his \va\- back to Monroe, 
Col. Smith went into cam]) on Hagar's farm, 
near the .scene of the fight. 

During the afternoon and night of the gth Col. 
Smith learned that he had .stirred up a hornets' 
nest, and that the Secessionists were .swarming 
all about him : that the\ had gotten in his rear, 
and were plax'ing havoc at Monroe City, and that 
their numbers were constantlx' increasing. Ivarly 
on Wedne.sda\- morning, the loth, he began his 
retreat to Monroe City. On the "Swinkey Hills" 
his advance guard was attacked, but no serious 
damage done. Emerging from the timl)er north 
of Swinkey, or Elizabethtown, and coming in 
sight of Monroe Cit\-, the Federal discovered the 
station hou.se, outbuildings, six passenger coache.s 
and ten or twelve freight cars in flames. The 
Missourians, Capt. Owen's company, could be 
seen a mile or two away to the left, or west, 
watching the fire and the Federals. Col. vSmith 
opened on them with his cannon, and fired half a 
dozen or more round shot at them, which killed 
several horses. 

The station house and train had been fired by 
about one hundred mounted Secessionists, under 
command of Capt. John L. Owen, of Warren 
Township, this county. The same morning the 
train from Hannibal was fired on a few miles ea.st 
of Monroe City, it is said by some of Capt. Owen's 
men, and by his orders. The engineer was. slightl)- 
wounded b\' a rifle-ball in the arm. 

Reaching the town, and finding himself sur- 
rounded. Col. Smith marched his men into a fine, 
large, two-stor>' brick academy building in the 
place, known as the Seminary, and took full jKis- 
se.ssion of it and the grounds adjoining, around 
wliich he began throwing up breastworks, having 
despatched a messenger to the nearest telegraph 
office to ask for re-enf(jrcements. 

Meantime the greate.st excitement had arisen in 
the surrounding country. The news that five 
or six hundred were "holed up" or "treed" at 
Monroe City spread like wildfire. Hundreds of 
persons living within ten or tweh-e miles of the 
scene, roused bj- the messengers that went gal- 



loping over the country by order of Gen. Harris, 
mounted horses and rode to the battle, some 
actuated b>- mere curiosit_\-. others determined to 
participate in the fight. By noon of \\'ednesdav 
Gen. Harris had collected around him probably 
one thousand effecti\e men. who were rea.sonably 
well armed, and eager to take a pop at the 
"cooped-up" F'ederals. His skirmishers crawled 
up as close to the aca(lem\- building as they dared, 
and fired away at the windows and breastworks 
very briskly, with Init little effect, however. The 
Union troops returned the fire at every good op- 
portunity. The main portion of Harris' forces 
were at a safe distance, watching their enemies, 
and taking pains that they should not escape. 

The night of the loth Gen Harris .sent off for a 
cannon, the nine-pounder which had been cast 
by Cleaver & Mitchell, of Hannibal, for Drescher's 
artillery compan>-, and which was then hidden 
under a haystack on a farm a few miles north of 
Palmyra. The nine-pounder was serviceable, 
and with this Gen. Harris hoped to compel the 
Federals to surrender, or el.se batter down the 
building and tumble the walls about their ears. 
That night a close watch was kept on the be- 
sieged that they might not make either a bold sortie 
or a .stealth\- attempt to escape. Thursday, the 
14th, the cannon came, to the great delight of 
the Secessionists, and the bombardment began 
about I o'clock. There were only a few nine- 
pound balls, however, and these were soon shot 
away. Nothing was then left for use but the 
smaller balls, and artiller\- practice with six-pound 
balls from a nine-pound gun is not certain to be 
accurate. Some amusing in.stances were narrated 
of the cannonading by Capt. Knei.sley's gun. It 
was said the f)uly safe place within its range when 
it was discharged was inimediatelv in front of it. 
One .shot, it is stated, struck in the road thirty 
feet from the muzzle of the gun, and ricocheted 
o\er to the left a-(juarter of a mile, .struck a black- 
smith .shop, and dispersed a crowd of .Sece.ssionists, 
who fled in dismay, declaring that they could not 
stand it to be fired on by their own men and the 
Federals too! The Academy was struck but a 
few times, and no damage done. 

Meanwhile, the number of Missourians gath- 



224 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ered around had increased to twelve or fifteen 
hundred, many of whom were not warriors pro 
1(1)1. , but mere spectators, who had come to see 
"the fun." Even ladies and children had ridden 
up in carriages and wagons, and, seated in their 
conveyances, under the shade of parasols and um- 
brellas, watched the battle, the first, perhaps, 
ever graced by the presence, as spectators, of the 
fair sex, out of deference to whose sensibilities, it 
is to be presumed, the occasion was made as 
bloodless as possible. Not a man was killed or 
badly wounded on either side by an enemy's ball. 

Gen. Harris was a "great speech-maker." He 
could not let this occasion pass without making 
one of his noblest efforts. At noon on Thursday, 
he assembled some of his troops, and addressed 
them. His cannon had not yet arrived, and 
without it, he told his men, he could not take the 
Academy, unless at a sacrifice of many noble 
lives. He further said, that a large re-enforce- 
ment for Col. Smith was hourly expected, and he 
thought the best thing that could be done under 
the circumstances was to retreat. He then di- 
rected his troops to disperse. This, however, 
they refused to do. Then the cannon came up 
amid great cheering, and the fight was resumed, 
without a leader, really, on the part of the Seces- 
sionists — every man fighting "on his own hook." 

Meantime Col. R. F. Smith was not a little dis- 
turbed at the situation. He had unwiseh' allowed 
a greater part of his ammunition to be captured 
or destroyed, and he had but few cannon balls or 
shells, or other artillery ammunition, and so his 
six-pounder was not of much ser\4ce. He saved 
his ammunition, in expectation of an assault, by 
firing boltings, gathered from the ashes of the 
burnt railroad cars Tnie, his enemies were do- 
ing him no damage. Out of twenty-fi\-e or more 
of their cannon .shots, only three had hit the 
building, and the shot-guns and squirrel rifles 
could avail but little against strong breastworks 
and brick walls. Yet he feared that another and 
more efficient piece of artillery might be brought 
up, and Gen. Harris' already large force would 
be made larger before his own re-enforcements 
could come up. 

Gen. Harris failed to tear up the railroad track 



east and west of the town as thoroughty as he 
could have done, and as he had no force in either 
direction, there was nothing to prevent the ar- 
rival of re-enforcements for Col. Smith from either 
Ouincy, Hannibal or Hudson, at all of which 
points it was known that Federal troops were 
stationed. True, Salt River bridge, to the west 
ten miles, had been burned, but a transfer could 
easily be made and the distance soon compassed. 

At last tliej' came. 

At about half-past four a train was seen slowly 
approaching from the East, and as it came well 
into view, it was discovered to be crowded with 
Federal .soldiers, and upon a flatcar a brass can- 
non gleamed ominously in the slanting rays of 
the declining sun. The beleaguered Federals set 
up a loud cheer, the cannon on the car opened 
with grape, and Gen. Harris and his troops, to 
use an expression common in the Ci\il War, 
"skedaddled" in short order, or rather in no or- 
der at all. Eye-witnesses describe the scene as 
highly ludicrous. Many of the would-be soldiers 
hid their guns and sought .safety in the carriages 
of the ladies and children. Others galloped wildly 
away. The prairie was covered with buggies, 
carriages, wagons, horsemen and footmen, all flee- 
ing for dear life, and becoming more terror- 
stricken ever}- rod the}' traversed. The picnic 
was over, and it had ended in a stampede. 

The Federal re-enforcement proved to be Com- 
panies A, B and D, of the Sixteenth Illinois, un- 
der Maj. Hays of that regiment, accompanied by 
a nine-pounder field piece, manned by volunteer 
artillerymen. The whole force numbered about 
two hundred and seventy-five men, and had come 
from Palmyra and Hannibal to relieve their com- 
mander and comrades from their predicament. 

While these events were progressing, the most 
painful and exaggerated nimors were flying 
through the countr}-, reaching not only Palmyra 
and Hannibal, but Quincy, vSpringfield, Chicago, 
and even New York and Washington. One re- 
port was that a desperate battle was taking place 
at Monroe City, and that Col. Smith's regiment 
was surrounded, and had been cut to pieces. The 
Fourteenth Illinois, Col. John M. Palmer, and the 
Twenty-first Illinois, Col. U. S. Grant, and other 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



225 



Illinois troops in camp at Springfield andQuinc}-, 
were ordered to the rescue. Palmer reached 
Monroe City on the morning of the i2tli, and re- 
mained two days, returning to Quincy. Grant 
came up a daj- later and went on to Mexico. By 
Friday morning two thousand troops, infantn,-, 
cavalry and artillery, had reached Palmyra, the 
seat of war. 

One body of re-enforcements for Col. Smith, 
under ex-Gov. Wood, of Illinois, came from 
Quincy down the river, and landed at Marion 
City, and from thence marched to Palmyra, and 
then on to Monroe Citj*. 

About tweh-e hundred troops started down from 
St. Joseph on the nth, and were joined at Macon 
Cit}- by seven hundred more. These were de- 
tained, however, by the burning of Salt River 
bridge, which locality they reached on the 12th. 
The evening of the nth, the greater portion of 
Smith's command, including some of those who 
had been in the Seminary, returned to Palmyra. 

The Federal troops soon scattered out. Grant 
and Palmer went down on the North Mis.souri. The 
Iowa troops from St. Joseph returned, and Col. 
Smith remained in this quarter. Gen. Tom Har- 
ris, with a portion of his command, went south- 
ward, in the direction of Jefferson City. 

The following was Col. Smith's official report 
to Gen. Lyon: 

Headquarters Sixteenth ") 

RE(iiMENT Illinois Volvnteers. 

Monroe Station, MO-, July 14, 1S61. \ 

Sir; — In accordance with your order on the 
8th of this month, I left my headquarters at Pal- 
myra, Mo., with Companies F and H of the Six- 
'teenth Illinois Regiment, and Companies A, F, 
H and K of the Third Iowa Regiment, Company 
A of the Hannibal Home Guards, and one six- 
pounder, and proceeded to this place. A heavy 
rain-storm coming on retarded our further prog- 
ress. Early on the morning of the 9th, I started 
south in search of the rebel force under Harris. 
At 4 o'clock, p. M., when about twelve miles 
south of Monroe, our advance guard was fired 
into by the enemy, concealed in a clump of timber 
and bru.sh, the first volley severely wounding 
Capt. McAllister, of Company G, Sixteenth Illi- 
nois Regiment; al.so Private Prentiss, of Company 
A, same regiment, and slightly wounding a pri- 
vate of the Iowa Regiment. I innnediately or- 
dered a charge, and drove the enem)' from their 



cover. As they were all mounted, it was impossi- 
ble to follow them further to advantage. We 
found one of their men mortally wounded, and 
have reason to belie\'e that several more were shot 
and carried off by their friends, and captured sev- 
eral horses saddled and bridled. We made camp 
near this place for the night. 

On the morning of the loth, having heard ru- 
mors of trouble at Monroe Station, moved my 
command back. On coming in sight of Monroe, 
found the station, outhou.ses, seventeen passen- 
ger and freight cars, and other railroad property, 
in flames, and found the enemy collected to the 
number of three or four hundred to our left. On 
Hearing them, they began to move off, when I 
brought forward the field-piece and sent a few 
round-shot into their ranks, scattering them in 
all directions. The onl}' damage done here, that 
I know of, was one horse killed. 

After coming into Monroe, I took possession of 
a brick building known as "The Seminary," and 
enclosed grounds adjoining, its position answering 
my purpose for defense, if necessary, and the 
apartments good quarters for the men, who were 
without tents. During the day we made several 
advances on the enemy without being able to get 
near enough to do much damage. 

On the morning of the iith the enemy began 
to collect from all quarters, and bj' noon we were 
surrounded by from fifteen hundred to two thou- 
sand men. At i o'clock, p. m., they opened fire 
upon us from one nine-pounder and one six- 
pounder at a distance of about a mile. Their fir- 
ing was very inaccurate, only three shots out of 
the first twent3--seven striking the building, and 
they did very little damage, my men being well 
covered by a breastwork they had thrown up. Af- 
ter throwing their first six shots, they moved their 
cannon some four hundred yards nearer and 
opened fire. I immediately answered with the six- 
pounder, dismounting their smaller gun, which 
made a general scattering, and caused them to 
carry their nine-pounder to a safer distance. 
Their firing from this time had little or no effect. 

Much credit is due Capt. Fritz, of Company F, 
Sixteenth Regiment, for the able maimer in which 
he led his men throughout our expedition. Also 
to Gunner Fishbourn, who planted his shot among 
them every time, but who had to deal sparingly, 
as he was almost out of shot when we were re- 
lieved. I was al.so much pleased with the officers 
and men generally for their coolness and obedi- 
ence to orders throughout. 

At 4:30 o'clock, I'. M., of the i itli, a train was 
seen coming from the Hast with re-enforccments. 
It proved to be Maj. Hays, of my regiment, with 



226 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Companies I), B and A, of the Sixteenth Illinois, 
and one nine-pounder field-piece. The enemy now 
l)egan to move off, and by dark had left the field 
entireh', since which time they Iiad been skulkint;; 
al)ont the c(juntr\- in squads, burning woodpiles, 
small bridges and culverts when ojiiiortunity of- 
fered of doing so without danger. 

On the morning of the 12th, we were again 
re-enforced by Col. Palmer's Fourteenth Regi- 
ment, who returned to Quincy to-day, leaving us 
in a worse position than ever, with the exception 
that we have more amnumition. 

Col. Palmer brought two brass field-pieces with 
him, which he has again taken away. vSome- 
lliing of the kind would be very acceptable here 
just now, as there is a .slight probabilit\- of their 
l)eing u.seful. 

I have the honor to be >our obedient .servant, 

Robert F. Smith. 

To Brig.-Geu. Lyon. 



=^m-^-^^m= 



EHARLES W. BALDWIN, who for many 
years .succe.ssfull.v engaged in farming and 
.stock-raising in Hancock County, but is 
now living a retired life at Hamilton, is a native 
of Orleans County, N. V., his birth having oc- 
curred on the 19th of April, 1827, The family 
is of German lineage, and the parents of our sub- 
ject, Abram and Bridget (Van Waggonner) Bald- 
win, were both natives of New Jersey. The fa- 
ther was a farmer by occupation, and was also a 
hatter by trade, Init during the latter part of his 
life he devoted his time and attention exclusively 
to agricultural pursuits. In the Baldwin family 
were seven children, three sons and four daugh- 
ters: Mary A., who married Otis Malcolm, a 
farmer of Warren County, 111., bnth being de 
ceased; John M., who was a ranchman of Bitter 
Water, San Bernardino Ccmnty, Cal., and died on 
the i.stofMay, 1893; Abram W., deceased, who 
was a fanner of Warren County, 111.: Emeranda, 
who was married and died in Kansas; Charles 
W., of this .sketch; Sarah M., wife of Charles W. 
Mather, a farmer of Le Roy, Kan.; and Myra, wife 
of Jacob Brake, an agriculturist of Jasper County, 

Mo. 

When our subject was a child of four years his 



parents removed to Upper Canada, now called 
Ontario, where thev remained for seven years. 
In the spring of 1838, the family remo\-ed to Or- 
leans County, N. Y., where they remained for a 
year, and in 1839 emigrated to southern Michi- 
gan, where the succeeding three years were 
pa.ssed. The year 1842 witnessed the arrixal of 
Charles W. Baldwin in Illinois. He took up his 
residence in Warren County, where he made his 
home until 1848, when he came to Hancock 
Count}-, settling near the site of Basco. The 
town of that name was laid out b}' him. Mr. 
Baldwin enjoyed only a district-.school education. 
He worked on the farm during the summer 
months, and attended .school through the winter 
season. At the age of twenty-one he began 
farming in his own interest on a one hundred and 
sixty acre tract of land, which he purchased on a 
tax title. This farm was located in Bear Creek 
Town.ship, just east of Basco. 

In his business, Mr. Baldwin won a high de- 
gree of success and was ranked among the lead- 
ing agriculturists of the connnunit\-. His land 
was under a high state of cultivation, and the 
fields were made to yield to him a golden trilnite 
in return (ov the care and cultivation he bestowed 
upon them. He also made a specialty of stock- 
dealing, raising, feeding and shipping .stock quite 
extensively. This also jiroved for him a profita- 
ble .source of income. His untiring and enter- 
])rising labors at length acquired for him a 
comfortable competence, and in the spring of 1889 
he laid aside Inisiness cares and remo\ed to Ham- 
ilton, where he erected an elegant residence and* 
has since made it his home. He still retains the 
ownership of two farms, one in Montebello Town- 
ship, and one in Wythe Tnwnshi]). 

On the 6th of April, 1852, Mr. Baldwin wedded 
Miss Mar\- A., daughter of Isaiali and vSarali Wi- 
ley. They became the parents of six children, 
namely: La\iua, now deceased: Alice, wife of 
M. C. Girard, a grain and stock dealer of Klvas- 
ton; Emma, wife of C. A. Denton, an attorney- 
at-law of Butler, Mo.; Ida, wifeof R. A. Piggott, 
who is engaged in farming near Bruning, Neb.; 
Charles, who carries on agricultural pursuits in 
Wythe Township: and Mattie, wife of J. H. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI. RECORD. 



227 



Guckert, a tailor engaged in busiiitss in Keokuk, 
Iowa. The mother of this l'aniil\- was called to 
her final rest July 16, 1892. 

Politically, Mr. Baldwin is a Democrat, and 
has served as Super\-i.sor, A.sses.sor and Road 
Commissioner of Bear Creek Townshi]i. He has 
never aspired to jiublic office, Init has been called 
to these positions by his fellow-townsmen, who ap- 
preciated his worth and ability and knew that he 
would prove true to his duties and to the tru.st re- 
posed in him. In the spring of 1890. he was 
elected Alderman of Hamilton for a term of two 
vears, and on the expiration of that period he 
was elected for a second term, so that he is now 
filling that office. Socially, he is a member of 
Black Hawk Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. M. 
He manifests a commendable interest in every- 
thing; pertaining to the welfare of the community 
and to the advancement of public enterprises. 
For f(irl\ -five years he has resided in Hancock 
Counlx-, and has therefore witnessed the greater 
part of its growth and development. In the his- 
tory of the connnunit\- he well deserves represen- 
tation as one of the honored pioneers. 



_=]. 



^+^ 



o_ 



BLIVP:R CRAIG, of Hamilton, is a native of 
Ohio, his 1)irth having occurred in Cham- 
paign Countv, August 5, 1S44. The Craig 
family is of Scotch-Irish lineage. The father, 
Vincent Craig, was a native of \'irginia, and a 
farmer by occupation. In an early day he emi- 
grated westward and purchased land near Urbana, 
Champaign Count\-. Ohio. In the Bucke\e State 
he was luiited in marriage with Miss Ann .Sinnns, 
a nati\e of \'irginia, and by their union were born 
fourteen children, seven .sons and seven daughters, 
wlio in order of birth are as follows: Mary, wife 
of Jonas Fay, a trader of IV'xas, Champaign 
County, Ohio; William, wlio is living in the same 
county, and who was a soldier of the late war; 
()li\'er, of lliis sketch; An<hew, who al.so wore the 
blue in defense of his eountr\-, and now carries on 
agricultural pursuits in Cliamjiaign Count\; John, 
whose liistorv is simil.ar to that of his brother An- 



drew; Alfred, deceased; Eliza, deceased, wife of 
Benjamin Cage, of Champaign County; Nancy, 
who has also passed away; Lucy, wife of John 
Rock, the well-known Treasurer of Champaign 
County; Henry, decea.sed; Martha, wife of Lem- 
uel Bayless, an agriculturist residing in Cherokee, 
Logan Countx', Ohio; vSusan, wife of Oliver Chat- 
man, a farmer of Chamjiaign C<nint\'; George, a 
painter of the same county; and La F'axette, a 
trader of that county. 

Oliver Craig was reared on his father's farm in 
the county of his nativity, and acquired his edu- 
cation in the district schools of the neighiiorhood, 
but liis [irivileges in that direction were meagre, 
for his services were reijuired in the fields during 
the' summer months, and during much of the win- 
ter in clearing timber-land. At lengtli he lel'l 
home and began working as a farm hand bj- the 
month in the neighljorhood, being thus emplo\ed 
until after the l)reaking t)ut of the Ci\il War. 

The Craig famih- furnislied a number of repre- 
sentatives to the Ihiiou Arm\', and among the 
number was our subject, who on the 5th of Octo- 
ber, 1861, offered his ser\-ices to tlie Government 
and enrolled his name among the boys in blue of 
Company I, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantr\ . At Port 
Republic, W. Va., he was wounded, on the 9th of 
June, 1862, being hit just below llie shoulder- 
blade by aminie-ball, which came out on the right 
side of the breast. His wound unfitted him for 
furtlier dut\-, and he was di.scharged at Columbus, 
but after several months spent in rest and recup- 
eration he re-enlisted in January, 1S6;;, becoming 
a member of Compan\- K, One Hundred and 
Thirteenth Ohio Infantr\. He tlien remained in 
the .service until after the clo.se of tlie war, wlieu 
he was mustered out, Jul\- 8, 1865, at Louisville, 
Ky. During the sann- month he received his dis- 
charge at Columlnis. As his wound unfitted him 
lor field service, he did si>eeial dut\- :\{ brigade 
head(|narlers. His li>\alt\-, liowe\er, was mani- 
fest by the faithfulness with wliii Ii lie diseliarged 
everv task allotted to him. 

Al'ler liis return home, Mr. Craig was eni])io\ ed 
as a farm hand bv the month until i86,S, when lie 
went to Macon Count\-, Mo., wliere he s])ent five 
ye;us. He pureha.sed a farm of eiglil\- acres, .and 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in connection with agricultural pursuits he bought 
and sold stock. In 1873, he came to Hamilton 
and purchased a farm in Hancock County, on 
which he made his home until 1877. He then 
leased a farm, and on this tract of land lived for 
four years, then leased another farm, remaining on 
it for six years. In 1887, he bought a farm of 
eighty acres in Montebello Township, and contin- 
ued its cultivation and impro\-ement for over two 
years, but in 1892 he sold out and purcha.sed 
property in Hamilton, removing to this city. In 
September, 1893, he embarked in the grocery 
business, but sold out in January, 1894, and is 
now living retired. 

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Craig 
was formerl\- Mrs. Eliza Millage, widow ' of 
George Millage. Their wedding was celebrated 
June 15, 1867, and to them have been born three 
children: Myrta, wife of William Scannell, a 
farmer and stock-raiser of Hamilton; and Frank 
and Fred, who are still with their parents. 

Since casting his first Presidential vote for 
Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, Mr. Craig has been a 
stanch supporter of the Republican party and 
warmly advocates its principles. He has al.so 
been honored with several local oiSces, the duties 
of which he has discharged with promptness and 
fidelity. He ser\'ed as Constable of Montebello 
Town.ship for eight years, has been Deputy Sheriff 
for the .same length of time, and is now filling that 
office. He has also .served as School Director. 
Socially, he is a member of Black Hawk Lodge 
No. 228, A. F. & A. M.; Russell Post No. 86, 
G. A. R. ; and belongs to the Christian Church 
of Hamilton. 



-^-^HjH^e 



ROBERT R. WALLACE, the efficient and 
popular Cashier of the State Bank of Hamil- 
ton, and one of the wide-awake and progress- 
ive young business men of the city, was born in 
Montebello Township, Hancock County, July 2, 
1867. He comes of a family of Scotch-Irish ex- 
traction, and his grandfather, Washington R. , and 
his great-grandfather, Henry Wallace, were both 



natives of Ohio. The father, Francis M. Wallace, 
married Miss Susanna Davis, a native of Keokuk, 
Iowa, and the>- became the parents of seven chil- 
dren, the eldest of whom is Robert R. Nettie is 
now the wife of Lovell J. Foster, Station Agent 
of Clatonia, Neb.; Grace is engaged in teaching; 
Walter is now deceased; William A. is a telegraph 
operator in Clatonia, Neb. ; Kate is living in 
Weaver, Iowa; and Harry is now deceased. 

Mr. Wallace of this sketch left home at the age 
of seven years. He probably never attended 
school more than a year altogether in his life, but 
through his own efforts, bj' reading, study and ob- 
servation, he has become a well-informed man, 
and now holds teacher's certificates. In 1882 he 
began business as a peddler, and was thus em- 
ployed one summer. He then resumed work as 
a farm hand by the month, and continued to de- 
vote his time to agricultural pursuits for five j'ears. 
In 1887 he made an engagement to teach school, 
but before entering upon his term cancelled the 
contract and entered the employ of M. B. Lane 
& Co., of Hamilton, druggists, insurance agents 
and bankers. He took charge of the books of 
this concern, and was with this company until 
1889, when Mr. Lane was taken ill and Mr. Wal- 
lace took charge of the insurance business, and 
al.so became Assistant Cashier in the bank. In 
October, 1889, the State Bank of Hamilton was 
organized, and Mr. Wallace was made its first 
Cashier, a position he has held continuou.sly since, 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his em- 
ployers. 

On the 4th of March, 1890, was celebrated the 
marriage of Robert R. Wallace and Miss Lizzie 
Denton, a daughter of Edmund P. and Jemima 
E. (Whitney) Denton, both of whom were natives 
of Kentucky. The young couple are widely 
and favorably known in this community and hold 
an enviable position in social circles. Their home 
is noted for its hospitality. Mr. Wallace takes 
considerable interest in civic .societies, and holds 
membership with Black Hawk Lodge No. 238, 
A. F. & A. M.; Tecumseh Chapter No. 152, 
R. A. M. ; Montebello Lodge No. 697, I. O. O. F. ; 
Genevieve Lodge, D. R. ; Rapid City Lodge No. 
286, K. P. ; and the Modern Woodmen of America. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



229 



He was also the first Captain of George O. Felt 
Camp No. 183, S. V., and is a member of the 
Sisters Pythias. In politics, he is a .stalwart Re- 
publican, and is now serving as a member of the 
City Council. The best interests of Hamilton 
ever find in him a friend, and one ever ready to 
aid in the promotion of those enterprises calculated 
to prove of public benefit. 



I^h{h^[ 



HENRY K. McLELLAN, who carries on a 
billiard hall in Hamilton, is a native of the 
Pine Tree State, his birth having occurred 
in Lincoln County, Me., on the istof May, 1838. 
His father, Thomas McL,ellan, who was also born 
in the same county, was a .sea captain. In 1S48 
he removed to New Orleans, and after remaining 
in the Crescent City one 3'ear came to Hancock 
County, III., in 1849. He settled in Carthage, 
and gave his attention to the distilling business 
and to farming. In 1850 he returned to Maine, 
and brought our subject back with him to Illi- 
nois. In connection with A. Hamilton, Thomas 
McLellan laid out the present city of Hamilton, 
and was otherwise prominent in the upbuilding 
and development of the connnunity. 

Henrj- K. McLellan whose name heads this 
sketch is the youngest in a family of nine chil- 
dren. Man- A. , the eldest, became the wife of Ben- 
jamin Davis, and died at their home in New York 
City; Lydia C, deceased, was the wife of Crock- 
ett Wil.son, of Carthage; Adeline F. is the wife of 
H. F. Emery, a ranchman residing near Hoxie, 
Kan.; William T. is a railroad conductor on the 
\Vaba.sh Road, and makes his home in Hamilton; 
and Adelia H., deceased, was the wife of Frank- 
lin Bell, of this place. 

Our subject spent the first twelve years of his 
life in his native State, and acquired his educa- 
tion in the public schools of Lincoln County. 
When a youth of twelve summers he was brought 
by his father to Hancock County, where he con- 
tinued for four years, when, possessed with the 
spirit of restlessness which is often characteristic 
of youth, he ran away from home. Making 



his way south to New Orleans, he there secured a 
position as cabin-boy on a steamboat on the Miss- 
issippi. For one season he followed the river, 
and then engaged in the lightning-rod business for 
two years. 

Soon after the breaking out of the Civil War. 
Mr. McLellan was found among the defenders of 
the Union. In May, 1861, he donned the blue, 
enlisting as a member of Company D, Sixteenth 
IlHnois Infantry, for one hundred days' ser\-ice. 
After having been at the front for twenty days he 
re-enhsted for a term of three years. He remained 
with his old company for one year, and was then 
discharged, on the 2i.stofMay, 1863. Immedi- 
ately after, he returned home, where he spent a 
week, but feeling that his country still needed his 
services, he then re-enlisted, becoming a member 
of Company G, Twelfth Iowa Cavalry, and 
with his old command took part in the battles 
of Monroe vStation and New Madrid. After be- 
coming a cavalryman he engaged in the battles of 
Harper's Ferr>-, Antietam, and in numberless 
skirmishes. For one month he was ill in the 
hospital at Martin.sburgh, Va. 

After his return home in 1863, Mr. McLellan 
began dri\ing team and .stages on the western 
plains, and was al.so steward in diflFerent hotels in 
the West. In Oakland, Cal., he learned the 
painter's trade, whicli he followed for about three 
years. He then returned home and took up his 
residence in Canada, but later he went to Indiana, 
where he engaged in canvassing for some time. 
He also worked at his trade of painting in the 
Hoosier State for a considerable period, and sub- 
.sequently embarked in the fire-insurance business, 
which he continued for a year. After abandoning 
that enterpri.se he became connected with a hotel 
in Bunker Hill, Ind., .serving as day clerk. The 
succeeding two years of his life were thus passed, 
after which he engaged in the show business, 
which took him all over the United States and 
Canada. In this way he continued his travels 
until 189 1, when he returned to Hamilton, and 
opened the billiard hall of which he is now ]iro- 
prietor. 

On the 14th of May, 1850, in New York City, 
Mr. McLellan was luiited in marriage with Miss 



!.-?0 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mar)- A. Violet, daughter of Monsieur A.. Violet, 
a native of France. In politics, our subject is a 
Republican, and has supported that party since 
he cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham 
Lincoln, in i860. He has never aspired to public 
office, however, preferring to give his time and 
attention to other interests. Socially, he is con- 
nected with Russell Post No. 86, G. A. R., and 
Rapid City Lodge No. 286, K. P. 

0EORGE C. WAGGONER, of Hamilton, is 
l_l one of the oldest native sons of Hancock 
y^ County who still reside within its borders. 
He was here born on the 20th of May, 1 839, and is a 
worthy representative of an honored pioneer fam- 
ily. His father, Isaac N. Waggoner, was one of 
the earliest settlers in the county, the date of his 
arrival being 1824. He pre-empted three hun- 
dred and twent>- acres of land four miles nortli of 
Hamilton, known as the Waggoner Tract, and was 
one of the successful farmers of the neighborhood. 
He had removed to this .State from Pennsylvania. 
He was also one of the earliest pilots on the river, 
and was captain of a keel-bt)at, propelled 1)\- poles 
and sails, before the days of .steamers. He after- 
wards owned and built several .steaml)oats, and 
followed the river luUil abciut four years prior to 
his death. 

In Nauvoo, Mr. \\'agg< mcr married Miss Mary 
White, daughter of Capt. James White, a jiioneer 
.settler of Hancock Count)', who bought land from 
the Indians where the town of Nauvoo now stands, 
giving them seven bushels of corn for each wig- 
wam, and recei\ing an Indian deed on wampum 
for the same. On this tract he erected a stone 
house, the first one in Nauvoo. He al.so followed 
the river, whereon he owned two keelboats. .Mr. 
and Mrs, Waggoner began their domestic life 
ni)on tile land whiih lie had pre-empted, and 
wliich he Iransfoiined into a well-cidtivated tract. 
Their union was blessed with .se\en children, three 
sons and four daughters. Martha, the eldest, 
is the widow of Henry ]i. Parsons, of Hamilton; 
deor^ic C. comes ne.\l: Austin and Milton are 



both residents of Hamilton; Luella and Eleanor 
are deceased; and Clara is the wife of Ed Curr)-, 
a farmer of Montebello Township. The mother 
of this family, who is still living, resides in Hamil- 
ton, and is .said to be the oldest settler now living 
in tlie county. 

Our subject was reared to manhood on his fa- 
ther's farm, and acquired his education in the old- 
time district schools. With the family, he shared 
in all the hardships and experiences of frontier 
life, and was early inured to the hard labors of 
developing wild land. He knew the county when 
it was a part of the western frontier, and when 
much of the land was still in the po.s.session of the 
Government. He has been an eye-witne.ss of its 
growth and development, and has also aided in 
its progress and advancement, taking an active 
intere.st in all that pertained to the public welfare. 

Mr. Waggoner continued farm work until 1855, 
when he began work on the river. He spent four 
)ears in learning all about the stream, its chan- 
nels, its sandbars, etc., and in 1859 li^ secured 
a license to act as a pilot from St. Louis to St. 
Paul. During the war he served on a United 
States giHiboat in that capacity for tiiree \ears, 
participating in a number of na\-al engagements. 
He enlisted in Conipau)- C, One Hundred and 
Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, in 1862, and on the 
lothofjul)', 1863, was transferred to the navy. 
When the war was o\-er he was mustered out, 
Jul\- 8, 1865. Returning home, lie then engaged 
in the milling business for six years on tlie old 
homestead, l)ut in 1871 he returned to the ri\-er. 
and has since served as master and pilot. He has 
been in ever)- jiacket trade from ,St. Louis to St. 
Paul. During the winter months he is engaged 
ill the real-estate business. 

On the 17th of Jul)-, 1867, Mr. Waggoner was 
united in marriage with Miss Emerilla I'"orney, 
and to llieiii has been born a family numbering 
tliiee sons; Isaac N., who is now an attorne)-at- 
law of Keokuk, Iowa; Herbert, who is employed 
as telegraph operator in Hamilton; and Willard, 
wlio is engaged in the jewelry Inisiiiess. 

Ill his political views, Mr. W'aggoner is a Dem- 
ocrat, and is a member of the Christian Church. 
Sociall)-, he is connected with Rn.ssell Post No 




Charlks Dokmax 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



233 



68, G. A, R.: and with Moiitebello Lodge No. 
697, I. O. O. F., of which he has been a member 
for twenty j-ears. Mr. Waggoner i.s widely known 
throughout hi.s native county, and all along the 
river. He makes friends wherever he goes, and 
his man}- excellencies of character have gained for 
him the confidence and good-will of those with 
whom he has been brought in contact. 

EHARLES DORM AN, who .since 1865 has 
made his home in Hamilton, was for manj- 
years prominently connected with its busi- 
ness interests as one of its leading merchants, 
but is now living a retired life. A native of New 
Jersey, he was born in Gloucester County, on the 
28th of November, 18 17. He traces his ancestry 
back to Revolutionar}- days, his maternal grand- 
father being one of the heroes in the War for In- 
dependence. His parents, James and Amy E. 
(Parker) Dorman, were both natives of New Jer- 
sey, and to them were born four children, but 
Charles, the elde.st, is now the only sur\-ivingone. 
Those who have passed away are Josiah F. , 
Annie and Daniel H. 

The father of our subject died when Charles 
was only about seven years old; therefore the 
care of the children devolved upon the mother, 
who did her best for theni, although she was left 
in ver>' limited circumstances. All the school 
privileges which Mr. Dorman received were ob- 
tained prior to his tenth year, in the subscription 
schools of the neighborhood. At that time he 
began earning his own livelihood b}- work upon 
the farm, and has since been dependent upon his 
own resources. He may trul}' be called a self- 
made man, for the success of his life is due en- 
tirely to his untiring labors and perseverance. 
At the age of twelve years, he began learning the 
blacksmith's trade in a .shop at Good Intent, 
N. J., and .served a .seven-year ap])renticeship. 
When his term was ended he was nineteen years 
of age. He then began working as a journey- 
man, and after a time, in 1839, he left the East 
with the (kttrmination of trying his fortune on 



the broad prairies of Illinois. He emigrated to 
Alton, where he followed blacksmithing for six 
months, and in 1840 he removed to Kane, 
Greene County, where he worked at his trade for 
three years. 

In the year 1843, Mr. Dorman removed to a 
farm in Macoupin County, where he carried on 
agricultural pursuits for two years, in connection 
with the blacksmith's trade. In 1845, we find 
him in Carlinville, where he continued his labors 
at the anvil for eleven years. From 1856 until 
1858, he was again engaged in farming in Macou- 
pin County. His next place of residence was in 
Woodburn, 111., where he resided until 1865, 
when he came to Hamilton, where he has since 
made his home. He embarked in merchandising, 
and for many years did a most successful busi- 
ness, thus acquiring a competence which enabled 
him to lay aside bu.siness cares and live retired. 

An incident illustrating his courage and fear- 
lessness is worthy of mention here. On the even- 
ing of July 29, i88g, two masked men entered his 
store, and one of them presented a revolver and 
demanded his money, threatening to shoot if he 
did not comply with his request. Mr. Dorman 
stooped down to get a pi.stol from under the 
counter, replying, ".Shoot, and I'll .shoot too." As 
he rai.sed his head above the counter, the robber 
discharged his pistol, the ball taking effect in Mr. 
Dorman's mouth, striking the artificial teeth in 
his upper jaw, and lodging in his neck on the 
right .side, near his ear, being taken out .some 
days later by a surgeon. The day after the 
shooting the robbers were arrested, and Mr. Dor- 
man being able to identify them, they were con- 
victed and sent to the .State penitentiary. By 
this daring act the old gentleman was enabled to 
retain his money, and at the same time rendered a 
valuable service to the public, by ridding the city 
of two worthless characters. 

Mr. Dorman has been twice married. On at- 
taining his majority he was married, in April. 
1838, to Anna M. Northrop, a native of Phila- 
delphia. .Seven children were born to them, as 
follows: Albert J., deceased; James P., a black- 
smith and farmer now living in Centralia, Kan. ; 
Harriet W., wife of E. M. Grubb, a merchant of 



234 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAIy RECORD. 



Hamilton; Amy and Charles, who are both de- 
ceased; Anna, wife of Jesse Middleton, of Cam- 
den, N. J.; and Emily, who died in infancy. Mr. 
Dorman was again married, on the 28th of June, 
1882, his second union being with Miss Rebecca 
C. Hoopes. They have a plea.sant home in 
Hamilton, .supplied with the comforts and con- 
veniences of life, and are surrounded by many 
friends. 

During the late war, Mr. Dorman enlisted in 
his country's service, in May, 1864, becoming a 
member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty- 
third Illinois Infantry. He did guard duty, and 
in the autumn of the same year received his dis- 
charge. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
William Henry Harrison, and was a supporter of 
the Whig party and its principles until the Re- 
publican party was formed, when he joined its 
ranks. He has since been one of its advocates, 
and has a firm belief in its measures. He served 
as Justice of the Peace at Woodburn for four 
years, and has also filled the office of School Di- 
rector. He holds membership with Russell Post 
No. 86, G. A. R., and for some years was an El- 
der in the Presbyterian Church, with which he 
held membership while a resident of Carlinville. 
He is true to every public and private tru.st, and 
is a man whose word is as good as his bond, for 
by an honorable, upright life, he has gained the 
confidence of all, as well as their high regard. 



EHARLES P. CRUM, deceased, was born in 
Cass County, 111., on the nth of April, 1853. 
His father, James Crum, was a native of 
Kentucky, and followed agricultural pursuits as a 
means of livelihood. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Christina Ream. James Crum's father was 
Matthias Crum, a Virginian, and his father in turn 
bore the same name and was a native of Germany, 
whence he came to America before the Revolu- 
tion. Their son Charles acquired the rudiments 
of his education in the district schools of his na- 
tive county, and when he had thoroughly mas- 
tered the branches of learning there taught, he 



entered the State Normal University, of Bloom- 
ington, 111., where he pursued his studies for 
three years. He next entered Adrian College, of 
Adrian, Mich., and after two years was gradu- 
ated from that in.stitution, on the 24th of June, 
1875, with the degree of B. S. 

When his life as a pupil was ended, Mr. Crum 
removed to Henderson County, 111., where he 
purchased a farm, at once turning his attention 
to the further development and cultivation of his 
land. He there carried on agricultural pursuits 
for two j-ears, when, in 1877, he came to Han- 
cock County, and purchased an interest in a gen- 
eral store in Disco. His connection therewith, 
however, was continued only until the following 
year. In 1878, he purchased a farm on section 
6, La Harpe Township, comprising two hundred 
and fifty acres, and again took up agricultural 
pursuits, which he successfully carried forward 
until 1883. 

Mr. Crum was married on the 14th of Decem- 
ber, 1875, the lady of his choice being Miss Lina 
James, daughter of Andrew J. and Sidney (Pig- 
man) James, of La Harpe. Five children came 
to bless their union, four sons and a daughter, 
Ray, Charles, James, Mabel and Virgil, all of 
whom are still with their mother. Mrs. Crum is 
a most estimable lady and one who has many 
friends thoroughout the communitj-. 

In 1883, Mr. Crum left the farm and, removing 
to La Harpe, accepted a professorship in Gittings 
Seminary. His school work was earnest and ef- 
ficient, and he took great interest in educational 
matters, doing all in his power to advance the 
cause. He was recognized as a most able instruc- 
tor, and his place will be hard to fill. He was a 
teacher of mathematics and science, and his con- 
nection with the seminary at La Harpe continued 
up to the time of his death, which occurred 
March 25, 1885, the result of a wreck on the 
Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. 

In his social relations, Mr. Crum was a Royal 
Arch Mason and an Odd Fellow. He held mem- 
bership with La Harpe Lodge No. 195, A. F. & 
A. M.; La Harpe Chapter No. 134, R. A. M.; 
and Bri.stol Lodge No. 653, I. O. O. F., of which 
he was Noble Grand at the time of his death. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



235 



was also a member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church, and his honorable, uprig^ht life made him 
a valued and highly respected citizen of the com- 
munity. He was a patron of all those interests 
which tend to elevate humanity, and his loss was 
deeply mourned in this connnunit\-. 



e^-i^! 



n=i 



III.LIAM PIERCE BARRETT, deceased, 
was born in the .shadow of Westminster 
Abbey, in England, on the i8th of March, 
1820, and was a .son of William and Sarah (Ray- 
ner) Barrett, who were also natives of England. 
The paternal grandfather, Thomas Barrett, was 
born in the .same country, and throughout his 
business career was a dealer in dry goods. He 
died at the age of eighty. The maternal grand- 
father, Isaac Rayner, was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. His entire life was spent in England, where 
he died at an advanced age. The father of our 
subject became a dry-goods merchant, and carried 
on business until his death, in 1819. He was a 
member of the Church of England, and his wife 
held membership with the Congregational Church. 
vShe survived him for a quarter of a century. Tliis 
worthy couple were the parents of five children, 
three sons and two daughters, but none are now 
living. 

Mr. Barrett whose name heads this record 
grew to manhood in the land of his birth, and 
when twenty-three years of age sailed for America. 
With the hope of bettering his financial condition 
in the New World, he crossed the Atlantic in 
1843, and took up his residence in McDonough 
County, where he engaged in farming. Later he 
bought a tract of land in Macomb, and was eni- 
plojed in various ways for a time. In 1857 ^'^ 
was elected Constable, which position he filled for 
eight years. During that time he also served as 
Deputy Sheriff. When his term of office had ex- 
pired, he purclia.sed a forty -acre tract of land south- 
west of Macomb, and to its cultivation and im- 
provement devoted his energies for eighteen years. 
This ended his career as a farmer. He came to 
Macomb, and was again officially connected with 



its interests. For about eight years he served as 
Deputy CouiUy Clerk, and was then appointed 
Deputx- County Treasurer, which jiosition he was 
filling at the time of his death. 

On June 6, 1S46, Mr. Barrett was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret Roberts, a daughter 
of Thomas and Ann (Roberts) Roberts, and to 
them were born si.x sons and two daughters, only 
four of whom are now living: Sarah Iv, wife of 
Charles Combs, of Chariton, Iowa; William T., 
of Chalmers, McDonough County; Maggie; and 
Edward, of Grafton, Cal. Mrs. Barrett's parents 
were natives of Denbigh, Wales, and during her 
infancy she was brought by them to America. 

In his political \iews, Mr. Barrett was always 
a stalwart Democrat, and took a warm interest in 
the growth and success of his party. As an offi- 
cer, he was alwass true to the trust reposed in him, 
and di.scharged his duties with a promptness and 
fidelity that won him the confidence of all con- 
cerned. His life was well and worthily spent, and 
the ugh he lived quietly, he had the high respect 
of all with whom liusiness or .social relations 
brought him in contact. He held membership 
with the Clnirch of England, and Mrs. Barrett 
belongs to the Cumberland Pre.sbyterian Church. 
During the la.st years of his life he served as No- 
tary Public, and was engaged in the insurance, 
real-estate and loan business. He passed away 
February 14, 1893, and his death was deeply 
mourned b}- manj- friends. 



-^^+^! 



tS" 



HOMAS McCLURI-:, an attorney-at-law of 
Macomb, who is successfully engaged in 
practice at the Bar of McDonough County, 
claims Illinois as the .State of liis nativity. He 
was born in Augusta Township, Hancock County, 
July 5, 1848, and comesof an old Virginia family. 
His grandfather, John McClure, was a native of 
\'irginia and a, saddler l)y trade. Soon after mar- 
rying he moved to Kentucky, and spent his re- 
maining da>s in Adair County, that State. In 
his family were four sons and three daughters. 
The great-grandfather of our subject, John Mc- 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Clure, was a native of Scotland. He married an 
Irish lady, and crossing the Atlantic to America, 
located in Albemarle County, \'a., but soon after 
located in Beaver County, Pa., where he spent 
his remaining days. 

The father of our .subject, Thomas McClure, 
Sr., was born in Adair County, Ky., and through- 
out the greater part of his life followed the occu- 
pation of farming. With the hope of bettering 
his financial condition, he removed to Illinois prior 
to 1839, and after a few years' residence in St. Ma- 
ry's Township, Hancock County, 111., located 
three and a-half miles northwest of Augu.sta, at 
Mechanicsville, where he purchased one hundred 
and twenty acres of land. This he at once began 
to cultivate and improve. Subsequently he added 
to it a tract of eighty acres, and his energies were 
devoted untiringly to its development. Thus he 
accumulated a competency, and left his family in 
comfortable circum.stances. He married Mary 
Ellen Samuels, a native of Virginia, who emigra- 
ted prior to 1840, with her father, Moses Samuels, 
to Illinois. Her grandfather, a Polish Hebrew, 
spent his last days in Richmond, Va. To Mr. 
and Mrs. McClure were born eleven children, of 
whom seven are living, four .sons and three daugh- 
ters, namely: John W., who sen'ed in the late 
war as a member of the Thirty-sixth Illinois In- 
fantry-, and is now a Christian preacher of Iowa; 
Elzy, who was a member of the One Hundred and 
Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantrs", and is a merchant 
now living in Carthage, 111.; Thomas, of this 
sketch; Mary F., wife of James Garwood, of Au- 
gusta Township, Hancock County, 111. ; Ulysses 
G., baggage-master on the Atchi.son, Topeka & 
Santa Fe Railroad at Kansas City, Mo.: Eliza 
Ellen, wife of A. W. Byers, of Carthage, 111.; and 
Ida Helen, wife of Leslie C. Richards, a druggist, 
now postal clerk on the Illinois Central Railway, 
residing in Centralia, 111. The father of this 
family, by exposure contracting typhoid fever, 
passed away May 4, 1863, at the age of forty- 
six years, two months and one day. His wife 
died April 21, 1874, at the age of fifty years, six 
months and seven days. In early life they united 
with the Christian Church, and were ever faithful 
and devoted members. Mr. McClure was a man 



of integrity and strong convictions, being well 
liked and highly esteemed by all who knew him. 
Politically, he was a Whig, and prior to the Civil 
War becoming a Republican, ca.st his last vote for 
Abraham Lincoln. Loyal to the Union, he was 
deeply interested in its successes up to the day of 
his death. 

Thomas McClure of this sketch early became 
familiar with all the duties of fann life, and re- 
mained upon the old homestead with his mother 
until her death. His early education was ac- 
quired in the district schools, and supplemented 
by stud}- in the public schools of Augusta, and in 
Abingdon College. He then embarked in teach- 
ing, and followed that profession for fourteen years 
in Adams, Hancock, McDonough and Fulton 
Counties. Later he began reading law in the of- 
fice of Judge L. Y. Sherman, of Macomb, and was 
admitted to the Bar in August, 1890, since which 
time he has been practicing on his own account. 

On the 25th of October, 1893, Mr. McClure 
was united in marriage with Miss Myra E. Cris- 
sey, daughter of Charles D. and Samira C. Cris- 
sey, of Macomb, 111. Mr. and Mrs. McClure are 
members of the Christian Church. Socially, Mr. 
McClure is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
and also a Knight of Pythias. In politics, he is a 
supporter of the Republican party and its princi- 
ples, and is now serving as City Attorney of Ma- 
comb, 111., to the satisfaction of all concerned. 
Although he has been in practice for little more 
than three j-ears, he has already won a place at 
the Bar and acquired a good patronage, and his 
future labors in the line of his profession will un- 
doubtedly be successful. 



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r)ORTER K. SUTTLE, senior member of the 
Ly firm of vSuttle «& Williams, proprietors of 
fS the Macomb Steam Laundr>', is a native of 
the Buckeye State. He was born in Knox Coun- 
ty, Ohio, on the 23d of January, 1846, and is a 
son of Wilford and Ann Eliza (Milhorn) Suttle, 
who were also natives of Ohio. Their family 
numbered four children, two sons and two daugh- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



237 



ters, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Alberson 
Moore, a resident of Bushnell; Rosa, wife of L. 
Aiighinbaiigh, of Bushnell; Porter K., of this 
sketch; and Shannon, who is now deceased. In 
early days the father was a stage-driver for many 
years in Ohio. His death occurred about 1848. 
His wife, who .still suiA-ives him, is yet living in 
Bushnell, lU., and is a member of the Methodi.st 
Epi.scopal Church of that place. 

Porter K. Suttle spent the first fourteen years 
of his life in his native State, the year 1859 wit- 
nessing his arrival in Illinois. He has since that 
time made his home in McDonough County. For 
a short time he was a resident of Bushnell, but 
later he learned the marble-cutter's trade in 
Prairie Citj-, following that business for three 
years. On the expiration of that period he went 
South and engaged in clerking in a clothing 
store for two years. Sub.sequently he followed 
railroading for a similar length of time, and then 
opened a grocery, boot and shoe store in Good 
Hope, which he carried on for nine years. Com- 
ing to Macomb, he then conducted a billiard hall 
in this city until May, 1893, when he formed a 
partnership with L. M. Williams, and established 
the Macomb Steam Laundry, which is conducted 
under the firm stj-le of Suttle & Williams. They 
furnish employment to nine hands, and are doing 
a good bu.siuess, which is constantly increasing, 
owing to the excellent quality of work which they 
turn out. 

In September, 1874, was celebrated a marriage 
which united the destinies of Mr. Suttle and Miss 
Luella Monger, daughter of Alexander Monger. 
One child was born unto them, Wilford Alexan- 
der. The mother was a member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and died in 1877. For 
his second wife Mr. Suttle cho.se Miss Ella Ans- 
tine. Four children grace this union, a son and 
three daughters, namely: Claudia, Ray, Ethel 
and Lila. 

Mr. Suttle, .socially, is a member of the Odd 
Fellows' Society and of the Modern Woodmen of 
America. His wife holds membership in the 
Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a .sup- 
porter of the Republican party and its principles, 
and while residing in Good Hope he served as a 



member of the Village Board of Trustees. His 

time and attention, however, have been devoted 
largely to business interests. He is meeting with 
good success in his undertakings, and the liberal 
patronage which he receives is well deserved. 



_^] 



cs_ 



^H^ 



nOHN SMITH BARKICR, the efficient Sheriff 
I of McDonough County, now living in Ma- 
G/ comb, is a native of this .State. He was born 
in Fulton County on the 1 6th of November, 1852, 
and is a son of John W. and EHza S. (Brand) 
Barker, the former a native of Ohio, and the lat- 
ter of Virginia. The father was thrice married, 
there being no i.ssue of the third marriage. By 
the first union he had two children: Harriet, 
wife of Alexander Barnes, of Sumner County, 
Kan.; and Warren, who resides in the same 
county. By the .second marriage were born 
eight children, six sons and two daughters, of 
whom six are yet living, as follows: Lafayette, 
who is located in Kansas City, Mo.; Mary J., 
wife of R. A. Miner, of McDonough County; 
John S.; George M. and Franklin, who reside in 
Fulton County; and Sarah E., wife of George 
Hefner, of this county. The father of this family 
was a farmer by occupation, and followed that 
business throughout his entire life. The year 
1S32 witne.ssed his arrival in Illinois. He lo- 
cated in Fulton County, near the present site of 
Table Grove, and there made his home until his 
death, which occurred in 1888, at the age of sev- 
enty years. His wife passed away in 1883. They 
were both members of the Baptist Cluirch. and 
were highly-respected people. 

Little is known concerning the origin of the 
family. The paternal grandfather, John 15arker, 
was a native of Ohio, and served in the Mexican 
War. As a means of livelihood he followed both 
farming and black.smithing. His death occurred 
at the age of eighty years, in Fulton County, 
where he had located at a very early day. His 
family numbered four sons and two dauglitcrs. 
The maternal grandfather of our subject claimed 
Virginia as the State of his nativity, and he too 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was one of the honored pioneers of Fulton Coun- 
ty. For many long years he there carried on 
farming, and at an advanced age departed this 
life. 

In the county of his nativity our subject was 
reared to manhood, and the common schools of 
the community afforded his educational privi- 
leges. Under the parental roof he remained until 
twentA'-five j-ears of age, when he left home, and 
on the ist of Januar}-, 1878, was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary G. Miner, daughter of 
John F. and Susanna (Ward) Miner, who reside 
near Adair. Three children blessed their union, 
but a .son died in infancy. Their daughters are 
Mary E. and Susanna S. 

In the spring of 1879, Mr. Barker came to Mc- 
Donough County and located in Bethel Town- 
ship, where for three years he engaged in farming. 
During the succeeding year he carried on agri- 
culture in Lamoine Town.ship, and then removed 
to Colchester Township, where he made his home 
until 1886, when he came to Macomb. For four 
years he .served as Deputy Sheriff under Theodore 
Huston, and was then elected to his present of- 
fice, which he is now filling in a creditable and 
acceptable manner. He served as Town Clerk of 
Bethel Town.ship for one term, and in that posi- 
tion di.scharged his duties with the .same prompt- 
ness and fidelity that now characterize his ad- 
mini.stration. In jxilitics, he is a supporter of the 
Democracy, and, socially, is connected with the 
Knights of Pythias fraternity. 



-=3. 



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cs_ 



— ® 



ISAIAH 0DENWF;LLER is now doing a good 
livery business in Macomb. He has an ex- 
tensive stable, of which he has been proprietor 
since 1888, and keeps on hand a inimber of good 
horses and carriages; in fact, he has one of the best 
appointed establishments in his line in Mc- 
Donongh Count)-. He was born near Industry, 
in this county, November 29, 1856, and is a .son 
of Leonard and Elizabeth (Danley) Odenweller, 
the former a native of Baden, Germany, and the 
latter of Ohio. His paternal grandparents lived 



and died in Germany. The maternal grandfather, 
Thomas Danley, was for many years a resident 
of Ohio, and followed farming in the Buckeye 
State. In 1850 he removed to Illinois, locating 
in McDonough County, and improved a good farm 
south of Macomb. There he spent his remaining 
days, passing away in 1870, at an advanced age. 

The father of our subject also carried on agri- 
cultural pursuits. He began earning his liveli- 
hood in that way, but in 1843 came to Illinois, 
and spent two years in Macomb. He then re- 
moved to a farm two miles southeast of the city, 
but in 1S47 again came to Macomb. Two years 
subsequently, he once more took up agriculture, 
and continued the cultivation and improvement of 
his land until 1878, when he came to the city, and 
here spent his remaining days, being called to the 
home beyond in Februar>-, 1887, at the age of 
.seventy-two years. His wife survived him until 
1889, and pas.sed away at the age of sixty-four. 
They were both members of the Christian Church, 
and were prominent workers in its interest. Of 
their family often children, seven are yet living, 
namel)-: Thomas F., a Christian preacher of Des 
Moines, Iowa; John L. , who resides in Schuyler 
County; Simon P., of Macomb; Richard A., of 
Pleasanton, Kan.; Isaiah; Mary M., wife of James 
Miller, of Graham, Mo.; and Lucy H., widow of 
H. D. Grider, a resident of Windsor, 111. 

As a typical farmer's son, Lsaiah Odenweller 
was reared to manhood upon the old homestead 
in Scotland Township, and in the district schools 
his education was acquired. He remained at 
home until 1879. When he was married he con- 
tinued farming until 1887, when he came to 
Macoml), and embarked in the butcher's business. 
A year later he purcha.sed the livery stable of R. 
D. Merchon, and has since conducted the business. 
He also owns a good home property. 

On the 2d of October, 1879, Mr. Odenweller led 
to the marriage altar Miss Lizzie M. Ellis, daugh- 
ter of John and Susan M. ( Breckenridge) Ellis, 
who were natives of Peinisylvania. Two children 
were the fruit of their union, a daughter and .son, 
M. Bertha and Walter Leonard, the fonner now 
deceased. The parents hold membership with 
the Christian Church, and Mr. Odenweller is a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



239 



member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fel- 
lows' Societies and the Patriotic Order of Sons of 
America. He exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, and is now serv- 
ing his second term as Aldennan of the Third 
Ward. He has also ser\-ed for several years as 
School Director, while residing in the countn,-. 



_^) 



"S] 



^hSh^[ 



r"RANCIS M. JACKSON, M. D., who is suc- 
r^ cessfully engaged in the practice of medicine 
I in Hamilton, is one of the honored veterans 
of the late war, who risked his life in defense of 
the Union, and valiantly aided in its preser\-ation . 
The record of his career will prove an interesting 
one to many of our readers, for he is widely 
known in this locality. A native of Knox Coun- 
ty, 111., he was born July 31, 1841, and is of 
Scotch-Iri.sh extraction. His father, Obediah 
Jackson, was a native of Otsego County, N. Y., 
but when about'ten years of age went with his 
father's family to Pennsylvania, and in 1839 left 
the Keystone State for Illinois, locating in Knox 
County, where he engaged in fanning. Before 
leaving Pennsylvania he wedded Mary Kings- 
burj', a native of that State, and unto them were 
born nine children, as follows: Cassandra D., wife 
of E. M. Wright, who is engaged in tlie jewelry 
bu.sine.ss in Marj'sville, Cal.; Lj-man A., a fruit- 
grower of Knoxville, 111.: Nancy J., Ruth A. 
and Ebenezer, deceased; Francis M., of this 
sketch; Julius, of Hamilton: Mary A., now the 
wife of George Wilson, a resident of California; 
and Lucy D., who is decea.sed. 

As Dr. Jackson emerged from earl)- boyhood, 
he was put to work upon the farm, and be- 
came familiar with all the duties of that life. He 
early began to follow the plow, and by his serv- 
ices aided greatly in the development of the old 
home farm. When harvests were over and the 
winter had come on, he would enter the public 
schools of Knoxville, and there pursue his studies 
until spring again called him to the fields. 

Dr. Jackson remained at home until 1861, 
when, on the 14th of December, he responded to 



the countrj-'s call for troops and was assigned 
to Company C, Fifty-fir.st Ilhnois Infantry. He 
.saw much hard service, participated in the bat- 
tle of New Madrid and the siege and capture of 
Island No. 10, went with the fleet to Ft. Pillow, 
and participated in the siege of Corinth. On the 
22d of August, 1862, at Decatur, Ala., he was 
captured and sent to Libby Prison, where he re- 
mained for three months. He was then ex- 
changed and taken to Camp Carroll, at Annapo- 
lis, Md., where he remained for one month, when 
he was ordered to Camp Butler, 111. When he 
reached Chicago, he was taken quite sick and 
was forced to remain there for a time. He then 
obtained a furlough and returned home. Later 
he was ordered to Keokuk, Iowa, and on account 
of physical disabilit\- was di.scharged from the 
service on the 24tli of March, 1863. He was a 
loyal defender of the Old Flag and the cause it 
represented, and well deserves mention among his 
country's patriots. 

On the 26tli of March, 1863, Dr. Jackson mar- 
ried Catherine Yaryan, daughter of William Yar- 
yan. Unto them was born a son, William B., a 
fanner of Hamilton. The mother died July 29, 
1873, and our subject was again married, Novem- 
ber 26, 1877, his second union being with Kate 
G. Davis, by whom he has two children, Frank 
D. and Sallie. 

During the first year after his return from the 
army, the Doctor engaged in farming in the coun- 
ty of his nativity, but in 1864 he embarked in 
business in Colche.ster, McDonough County, 111., 
as a dealer in drugs and groceries. There he re- 
mained until 1866, and the last year was spent 
largely in the study of medicine midcr Dr. Yar- 
yan. When he had become thoroughly proficient 
in the .science, he began practice in Colche.ster, 
but in 1867 he went West, spending about three 
years in Missouri and Iowa. In the year 1870, 
he returned to Knoxville, Knox County, and 
took charge of his father's farm, which he contin- 
ued to operate for a year. In 187 1, he went to 
Gladstone, where he was successfully engaged in 
the practice of medicine until 1872, when he re- 
moved to Colchester. We afterwards find him in 
Hopper's Mills, Henderson County, where he 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



continued to make his home until 1881, during 
which time he was elected to sen-e as Coroner of 
the county. 

Thirteen years have now passed since Dr. Jack- 
son came to Hamilton, and during this time he 
has been continuoush- engaged in general prac- 
tice. He does a good business in the line of his 
profession, and the liberal patronage he receives is 
well merited. In politics, he has been a Repub- 
lican since the time when he cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864. He is 
now serving as Mayor of Hamilton, and is a ca- 
pable and efficient officer, faithful in the dis- 
charge of all public duties. He has also served 
one term as Supervisor of Montebello Township, 
and as School Director. Sociall>-, he is a member 
of Russell Post No. 86, G. A. R., and is a char- 
ter member of Montebello Lodge No. 697, I. O. 
O. F. The Doctor is a public- spirited and pro- 
gressive citizen, who gives his hearty support to 
all worthy public interests that are calculated to 
upbuild and benefit the community. He pos- 
se.sses many excellencies of character, is a faith- 
ful officer, a skilled physician, and is highly re- 
spected by all. 



-^^HiH^P-= 



|ILLL\M T. McLELLAN, of Hamilton, a 
conductor on the Waba.sh Railroad, is one 
of the honored veterans of the late war, who 
in the days when the dis.solution of the Union was 
threatened responded to the call for troops, and 
valiantly aided in its defen.se. He was born on 
the i6th of April, 1835, in Thomaston, Me., and 
is of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father, Capt. 
Thomas McLellan, was a native of the same place, 
and was one of a family which numbered three 
sons and a daughter. His educational privileges 
were very meagre, being such as the district 
.schools of the neighborhood afforded. At the 
age of twelve years, he made his first sea voyage, 
going on a whaler. He was thus employed for 
two years, receiving $12 per month. When a 
youth of fifteen, he shipped on a sailing-vessel be- 
fore the mast, and won promotion from time to 



time, until, at the age of twenty-one years, he was 
Captain and owned a third-interest in the sailing- 
vessel ' ' The Four Brothers, ' ' plying as a freight- 
er throughout the world, with Xew York as its 
main port. He was afterwards Captain of the 
sailing-vessels " William Henrj-," " Brigg Lud- 
wig," and several others. The last ship he com- 
manded was the " European," of which he had 
charge many years. 

In 1848 Capt. McLellan removed with his 
family to New Orleans, where he remained for one 
year, having abandoned the sea; but the cholera 
drove them from the Crescent City northward. 
After a short time spent in St. Louis, they re- 
moved to Alton, 111., where they continued to re- 
side until their removal to Hancock County in 
1849. Carthage was chosen as their place of 
abode. Capt. McLellan had married Nancy Ful- 
ler, a native of Bangor, Me. , and to them were 
born five children; Adeline, now the wife of H. 
F. Emery, a farmer of Hoxie, Kan.; William T., 
who.se name heads this record; Henry K., a resi- 
dent of Hamilton; Adelia, deceased, wife of Frank 
Bell; and Joseph, who is also deceased. The father 
of this family was an old line Whig in early life, but 
afterwards became a Republican. 

William T. McLellan acquired his early educa- 
tion in the public schools, and afterwards attended 
Jubilee College, of Peoria County, 111., where he 
pursued his studies for a year. He began busi- 
ness for himself as a teamster in Hamilton, but 
afterwards went on a farm, where he was employed 
for three years. In this way he got a start in life. 
He also worked in a planing-mill in Keokuk for 
a short time. 

After the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. 
McLellan, prompted by patriotic impulses, re- 
.sponded to the call for troops in February-, 1862, 
enlisting as a member of Company D, Sixteenth 
Illinois Infantry. He .served for more than three 
years, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., 
on the 8th of July, 1865. He participated in all 
the battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and was 
with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. 
He was also in the campaign from Savannah to 
Washington, and participated in the Grand Re- 
view in the Capitol City, the mo.st brilliant mili- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



241 



tary pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. 
He took part in the battles of Kennesaw Mountain, 
Peach Tree Creek, Big Shantj% Buzzards' Gap, 
Jonesboro, and numerous other skirmishes. He 
was always found at his post, and his army rec- 
ord is one of which he may well be proud. 

Shortly after his return from the ser\-ice in 1865, 
he began railroading for the Wabash line. He 
was first employed in the freight house, later was 
made baggageman, then served as fireman on an 
engine for a time, aftenvards became brukeraan 
on a freight train, and was then made conductor 
on a freight train. In this capacity he has ser\-ed 
for twenty-five years, a trusted and faithful em- 
ploye of the road. 

On the 15th of October, 1858, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. McLellan and Miss Mary R. 
Debitt, daughter of William and Rosetta (Si- 
mons) Debitt. To them have been born four 
children, three sons and a daughter, but the latter, 
Bertha, is now deceased. The three sons, Arthur, 
Edward and William, all reside in Hamilton. 
Mrs. McLellan is a member of the Presb5terian 
Church, and a most estimable lad}-. In politics, 
Mr. McLellan is a Republican, but has never 
sought or desired the honors or emoluments of 
public office. Socially, he is a member of Black 
Hawk Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. M.; Rapid 
City Lodge No. 286, K. P. ; and Russell Post 
No. 86, G. A. R. His long continuance w'iththe 
railroad service indicates his faithfulness to duty, 
and the trust reposed in him by the company. 
He has for many years made his home in Hamil- 
ton, and is well liked, having many warm friends 
throughout the community'. 



_=] 



-S) 



^4^ 



[= 



r"REDERICK WILLIAM HASELWOOD, 
JM editor and proprietor of the Register, of Ham- 
I ilton, and one of the enterprising and pro- 
gressive citizens of Hancock County, has the hon- 
or of being a native of Illinois, for his birth oc- 
curred on his father's farm in Henderson County, 
on the 25th of June, 1867. He is of GermaTi and 
Scotch descent. His father, J. R. Haselwood, 



was born near Louisville, Ky., and came of a fam- 
ily of German origin. His wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Mary Jane Duncan, was born in 
Tenne.s.see, and was of Scotch lineage. With the 
Huston family she removed to McDonough Coun- 
ty, 111., during the early settlement of that lo- 
cality. On leaving his native State, Mr. Hasel- 
wood went first to Indiana, and thence removed to 
Adams County, 111. At length he took up his 
residence in Henderson County, where he has 
since made his home. He is an enterprising and 
progressive man, and as the result of his untir- 
ing industr>', his career has been a prosperous 
one. He is now the owner of two hundred and 
forty acres of land, and is recognized as one of the 
successful farmers of the community. 

F. W. Haselwood of this sketch was reared in 
the usual manner of farmer lads, and acquired his 
early education in the district schools of the 
neighborhood. Later he attended the graded 
schools in Blandinsville, 111., and subsequently 
completed his education in Eureka College, a 
school of the Christian Church in Eureka, 111., 
his parents both being members of that denomina- 
tion. During the summer months, he aided in 
the labors of the farm, but his taste lay in another 
direction than that of agricultural pursuits. At 
the age of eighteen years, he began school 
teaching. He then took up the business to which 
he has since devoted his time and energies. He 
entered the Gazette office at Blandinsville, then 
conducted by Fred Aldrich, to learn the "art 
preservative. ' ' He there worked for about a year, 
and then went to the We.st, spending some time 
in Kansas and Nebraska, where he was employed 
on the Mi-S-souri Pacific Railroad as brakeman. 

It w^as in 1890 that Mr. Haselwood returned 
to his native State and took charge of the } lustier, 
owned by Paul Hume, and published at Bland- 
insville, continuing there until the plant was sold, 
when, in March, 1891, he came to Hamilton. 
Here he secured employment in the Press office. 
About eight months later he left that position and 
established the Register, on the3i.st of December, 
1 89 1. This is a bright, newsy sheet, all home 
print, and in size is a seven-colunni folio. It has 
a liberal patronage, which has constantly increased 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



from the beginning. A large business is well de- 
served by its editor, who ever takes an active in- 
terest in the best welfare of the community, and 
does all in his power to aid in its upbuilding. 

In his social relations, Mr. Haselwood is a 
Knight of Pythias, belonging to Rapid City Lodge 
No. 286, K. P., of Hamilton. In politics, he is a 
.stalwart Democrat, who warmly advocates the 
principles of his party, and is an admirer of Gro- 
ver Cleveland. He takes great interest in athle- 
tic sports, is fond of boxing, and delights in foot 
and base ball and bicycle-riding. He is a pleas- 
ant, genial and accommodating gentleman, and 
throughout the community in which he lives is 
held in high regard. 



-^^+^c^ 



0OLOMON TWIDWELL, a retired farmer 
2\ now residing in Macomb, is a native of North 
Q) Carolina, born January 20, 1818. His pa- 
ternal grandfather, George Twidwell, was a na- 
tive of Virginia, and was reared in that State bj- 
his grandfather. Both reached an advanced age. 
The father of our .subject, Thomas Twidwell, was 
born in the Old Dominion, and in early life learned 
the cooper's trade, but afterward became a farmer. 
Having arrived at years of maturity, he married 
Miss Polly Way man, daughter of John Way man, 
and a native of Maryland. Her father was a black- 
smith by trade, and .spent the greater part of his 
life in North Carolina. 

In 1834, Thomas Twidwell brought his family 
to Illinois, and took up his residence in Apple 
Creek, in Morgan County, where he made his 
home for eighteen months. He then came to Mc- 
Donough County, and moved into a little cabin 
built of hickory logs and minus a roof It was 
located in Lamoine Township, three miles ea.st of 
Plymouth. There Mr. Twidwell took up two 
eighty-acre tracts of land from the Government, 
and afterward added to this from time to time by 
purcha.se, but ere his death he sold allof his land. 
He passed away February 16, 1883, at the very 
advanced age of ninety-four years. His wife had 
long since departed this life, having died of small- 



pox in 1865. In early life, she was a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later she 
and her husband joined the United Brethren 
Church. After the death of his first wife, Mr. 
Twidwell married Mrs. Sarah (vSapp) Smith. 
Nine children were born of the first union, five 
.sons and four daughters, namely: John, a resi- 
dent of Plymouth and a twin brother of our sub- 
ject; William, who is living at Elma, Wash.; 
Martha, wife of Jo.siah Morris, a re.sident of Nor- 
ton, Kan.; Nancy, who makes her home in Iowa; 
and Absalom, who is living in Jewell County, 
Kan. The other children are now deceased. 

In the State of his nativity, Solomon Twidwell 
was reared to manhood. At the age of eighteen, 
he left North Carolina and accompanied his par- 
ents on their westward emigration to Illinois. 
For about five years he then resided in McDon- 
ough County, and in 1841 went to Schuyler 
County, where, in connection with his father, he 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on 
Round Prairie. He still owns his share of that 
tract, and also .sixt\'-seven acres of that which 
formerly belonged to his father. He was suc- 
cessful in his business dealings, and from time to 
time he added to his po.ssessions, until he had 
over seven hundred acres of valuable land. He 
.still retains pos.ses.sion of two hundred and seven 
acres, and derives a good income therefrom. 

On the 19th of December, 1839, Mr. Twidwell 
was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Mor- 
ris, daughter of Simeon and Hannah Morris. 
Three children were born to them, two sons and 
a daughter, Thomas B. , George W. and Eveline. 
The first-named weddetl Mar>- House, by whom 
he had three children, Manlove, Carolina and 
Mary. The mother died, and he married Leonora 
Smith. With their two children, Solomon W. 
and Mattie May, they reside in Lamoine Town- 
ship. Eveline is the wife of Thomas Curtis, who 
resides near St. John, in Stafford County, Kan. 
They have six children: Delia May, Charles Solo- 
mon, Myrtle Maud, Jes.se F. and Inez Pearl. 
Mrs. Rebecca Twidwell died in February, 1873. 
On the 8th of September, following, Mr. Twid- 
well was again married, his second union being 
with Mrs. Lucinda Graham, widow of William 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



243 



A. Graham, and a daughter of John and Leah 
(Gordon) Shuler, natives of North Carolina. 

Politically, Mr. Twidwell has alwajs been a 
Democrat of the Jaclcsonian tj-pe, but ha.s had 
little time or inclination to seek public office, pre- 
ferring to devote his entire attention to his busi- 
ness interests. He sen-ed three j'ears as Super- 
visor, and eight jears as Ju.stice of the Peace, in 
Birmingham Township, Schuyler County, probab- 
bly the strongest Republican township in that 
county. His life has been a busy one, and his 
industry, and good management have brought to 
him the handsome competence which now en- 
ables him to live retired. He owns besides his 
farm a residence and other real-estate in Macomb. 
On laj-ing aside agricultural pursuits, he came to 
this cit3', where he has since resided. He has 
made his home in Schuyler and McDonough Coun- 
ties for fifty-eight years, and well deserves men- 
tion among the honored pioneers of this locality. 



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"DWIN lee DALLAM, the .senior member 
^ of the well-known firm of Dallam & Wiley, 
__ dealers in clothing in Macomb, is a wide- 
awake, enterprising and representative business 
man, who, as the re.sult of his well-directed effiarts, 
is meeting with success in his undertakings and 
now enjoys a liberal patronage. As he is widely 
and favorably known in this community, we feel 
assured that the record of his life will prove of in- 
terest to many of our readers. 

Mr. Dallam is a native of Macomb, his birth 
having here occurred October 16, 1855. H e comes 
of an old family of Maryland, in which .State his 
grandfather was born. The latter was a cabinet- 
maker by trade. Emigrating westward, betook 
up his residence in this city, where he died at the 
age of sixty years. Among his family of two 
sons and three daughters was Charles W. Dallam, 
father of our subject. He too was a native of 
Maryland, and with his parents came to the West. 
In an early day he engaged in business as a dealer 
in threshing-machines, in coiuiection with John 
Wiley, under the firm name of Dallam & Wiley. 



He then embarked in the milling business in con- 
nection with N. P. Tinsley, and they built the 
North Side Mill, with which he continued his con- 
nection for a few years. He then removed to a 
farm six miles ea.st of Macomb, and engaged in 
agricultural pursuits, which he successfully car- 
ried on until his death in 1885, at the age of sixty- 
nine years. He was united in marriage with 
Mary Plotts, a native of Pennsylvania, and a 
daughter of Thomas Plotts, a farmer of the Key- 
stone State, who came to Macomb in pioneer days, 
but afterward removed to Lucas County, Iowa, 
where he lived for about twenty years. He was 
called to the home beyond in 1884, at the ripe old 
age of eighty-five. Mrs. Dallam still survives 
her husband. Both were members of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church, to which she still 
belongs. In their family were four children, three 
■sons and a daughter: Edwin L. ; Frank W., of 
Washington County, Iowa; Charles T., of Colby, 
Kan.; and Amanda, wife of L. L. Wilson, of Mc- 
Donough County. Mr. Dallam had been twice 
married, his first wife being in her maidenhood 
Rebecca Swain. They had four children, of whom 
three are yet living: Samuel W.; Margaret, wife 
of S. Moore, of Macomb; and Josephs., of San 
Francisco, Cal. 

Edwin L. Dallam was reared to manhood upon 
his father's farm, and lived at home until his mar- 
riage. On the loth of May, 1878, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Ella Hill, daughter of Dr. 
Hill. Their union has been bles.sed with five 
children, a son and four daughters, and the fam- 
ily circle yet remains unbroken. In order of birth 
they are as follows: Dai.sy, P'rcd Clifton, Alice, 
Edith and Helen. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dallam began their domestic life 
upon a farm, and he continued to engage in agri- 
culture for eleven years, but in 1887 he came to 
Macomb and purchased the clothing store of J. C. 
McClellan & Son. The firm then became Mc- 
Clellan & Dallam, and this connection was con- 
tiiuied for two and a-lialf years, when Mr. Dallam 
bought out his partner's interest and adniitte<l to 
partnership J. V. Wiley. They carry all kinds 
of gents' furnishing goods and have a good trade, 
which they well merit. Mr. Dallam is a member 



244 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and 
the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife holds 
membership with the Presbyterian Church. In 
politics, he is a Republican. His entire'life has 
been passed in his native county, and those who 
have known him from boyhood are his stanchest 
friends. 



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[^^ 



pGJiLLIAM M. CAMP, the senior member of 
\ A / the firm of Camp & Chatterton, liverymen 
Y Y of Macomb, has the honor of being a native 
of McDonough County . He was born in Chalmers 
Township, on the 6th of May, i860, and is the 
third in order of birth in a family of four children 
born to Daniel A. and Elizabeth (Kellough) 
Camp. His father was born in Connecticut, and 
spent his youth upon a farm in that State. At 
an early age, he accompanied his parents to Illi- 
nois, where he lived until August, 1861. He 
then enlisted in the service of his country, as a 
member of the Tenth Mis.souri Infantry, and died 
of the measles after seven months in the field. 
His parents were natives of the United States, but 
the family is of German extraction. The mother 
of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, and came 
to McDonough Count}- with her parents when 
only two years of age. She is now living in Plym- 
outh, Hancock County, at the age of fifty-six 
years. Sarah Anna, the youngest child, is now 
deceased. vShe married William King, and left a 
child. Posy Ethel. Andrew, the eldest, is a farm- 
er of Warren County; and Louis makes his home 
in Macomb. 

Our subject lost his father when he was quite 
young, and at the early age of thirteen years he 
began to earn his own livelihood by working as a 
farm hatid by the month. He was thus employed 
until twenty years of age, when he began farming 
in his own interest. As he had no capital with 
which to purchase property, he rented land for 
eleven years, but at length abandoned agricultural 
pursuits, and removed to Macomb. This was in 
1891. He then embarked in the livery business, 
which he has followed continuously since. In 



1893, he formed a partnership with O. W. Chat- 
terton, and under the firm name of Camp & Chat- 
terton they are doing a successful and constantly 
increasing business. 

On the 3d of December, 1886, Mr. Camp was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Alice (Askew) Mur- 
ray, and three children ha^•e been born of their 
union: Gracie Askew, Mabel and Arthur L. 

In his political views, Mr. Camp is a stanch 
Republican, having supported that party since at- 
taining his majority. Socially, he is connected 
with the Odd Fellows' Society, and with the Mod- 
ern Woodmen of America. His wife holds mem- 
bership with the Christian Church, and although 
he is not a member, he contributes to the support 
of the same. He is a self-made man, whose pos- 
sessions represent his own earnings. He has 
steadily worked his way upward, and by his in- 
dustry and enterprise is now at the head of one of 
the leading livery establishments of Macomb. 



.=] 



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^■i^ 



f^=j 



(^~ 



REV. J. G. LIBERT, who has charge of the 
Catholic Church of Macomb, is a native of 
Belgium, his birth having occurred on the 
2oth of July, 1849. He was the fourth in order 
of birth in a family of .seven children, whose par- 
ents were Charles and Mary (Lemaire) Libert. 
They too were natives of Belgium, and in 1856 
they came to America, settling in Kankakee, 111., 
where the father died in the seventy-fourth year 
of his age. His widow still survives him, and 
has now reached the age of eighty years. 

The subject of this sketch was a child of seven 
summers when, with his parents, he crossed the 
broad Atlantic to America. He remained at home 
until about twenty years of age, and became fa- 
miliar with all the duties of farm life, for as soon 
as old enough he began work in the fields. His 
early education was acquired in the common 
.schools, and in 1869 he entered St. Viateur's Col- 
lege in Bourboiniais, 111. There he continued 
his studies initil he had completed the cour.se and 
was graduated from that institution. Later, he 
began the study of theology in Grand vSeminary, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



245 



of Montreal, Canada, where he was ordained as a 
priest of the Catholic Church in 1885, by Arch- 
bishop Fabre. 

After his ordination, Father Libert was sta- 
tioned at Peoria, where he did pastoral duty for a 
short time. He was next transferred to Ivesdale, 
where he did duty as an assistant for a limited pe- 
riod, and was then placed in charge of the Catho- 
lic Church in Lewiston. There he continued for 
three years and a-half and in 1891 he came to 
Macomb and took charge of the congregation in 
this place. This church has been in existence 
for about thirt\- years, and has a membership of 
one hundred. Father Libert is an earnest and 
faithful worker and has the respect and love of all 
his people. 



-=5. 



"SI 



^-^ 



(S_ 



0AVID H. HAMPTON is the editor and pro- 
prietor of the Macomb By-Standcr, and 
throughout his business career has been 
connected with the newspaper interests of this 
city. He was born in Macomb on the 26th of 
June, 1850, and is a son of Benjamin Randolph 
and Angeline E. (Hale) Hampton. His father 
was a native of Ohio, and his mother of Ken- 
tucky, but both are now deceased. The former 
resided in the Buckeye State during the days of 
his boyhood and youth, and when a young man 
he there conducted a sawmill and a woolen- 
mill. The year 1840 witnessed his arrival in 
Illinois. Coming to Macomb, he served as deputy 
in the office of his uncle, William II. Randolph, 
who was then serving as Circuit Clerk. He also 
took up the study of law, and afterwards prac- 
ticed at the Bar of McDonough County for some 
years. About 1850, he established the first news- 
paper in Macomb, called the luilcrprisc, and con- 
tinued its publication for a number of years. In 
1859, he removed to a farm in Macomb Township, 
which is known as the Runkle l-'arm, and which is 
celebrated for the clay used in making the fine 
potteryware manufactured in this locality. There 
Mr. Ham]3ton resided until 1865, when he .sold 
out and removed to Abingdon, there engaging in 



law practice for three years. On the expiration 
of that period he returned to Macomb and pur- 
chased the Macomb Journal, with which he was 
connected until 1880, when he .sold to W. H. 
Bainline, the present proprietor. He then began 
the publication of the By-Standcr. and was its 
editor up to the time of his death, which occurred 
in 1886, at the age of sixty-three years. His wife 
survived him until the autumn of 1893, when she 
too passed away, at the age of .sixty-eight. They 
were both faithful members of the Christian 
Church, and were numbered among its leading 
workers. Mr. Hampton took quite a prominent 
part in politics, and was a stalwart supporter of 
Republican principles. He served as Supervisor 
of Macomb for se\-eral years, served as Representa- 
tive to the State Legislature, and for four years was 
State Senator. Those interests which were calcu- 
lated to benefit and upbuild the community al- 
ways found in him a friend, and Macomb num- 
bered him among its best and most valued citi- 
zens. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Van 
Culeu Hampton, was a native of New Jersey, and 
was one of the pioneer settlers of this city. Here 
he engaged in operating a carding-mill for some 
time. He also owned land northeast of the city, 
on which he had another carding-mill. He reared 
a large family, was one of the prominent men of 
the county in his day, and reached an advanced 
age. The maternal grandfather of D. H. Hamp- 
ton was Durham Hale. He was a native of 
Kentucky, and alwa\-s made his home in that 
State, but in an early day he owned large tracts 
of land in Illinois, and made frequent trips 
hither. He also was well advanced in years at 
the time of his death. 

Our .subject is the eldest of three children, and 
the only .surviving one. His brothers, William 
R. and Durham V,, being now deceased. There 
were al.so three children who died in infancy. His 
boyhood days were spent in Macomb and upon 
his father's farm. He began his education in 
the district schools, afterwards pursued his studies 
in Abingdon, later attended tlie public .scliools of 
Macomb, and subsequently was a student in the 
Macomb Noimal College. In 1868, he began 



246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



learning the printer's trade, which he has fol- 
lowed continuously since. In 187 1 and 1872 he 
published a paper in Marshall, Mo., called the 
Saline Republican. In the latter year he shipped 
his outfit to Macomb, and sold the material, 
which was taken to another town. Mr. Hamp- 
ton then entered the Journal office and continued 
to work with his father on that paper and the 
By-Stander. Two years after the establishment 
of the latter, he was taken into partnership with 
his father, and this business relation was main- 
tained until the death of Mr. Hampton, Sr. , since 
which time the son has conducted it on his own 
account. It is a weekly journal of eight pages, 
and is a favorite with many of the residents of 
McDonough County, and those who are interested 
in this locality. It now has a large circulation, 
which has steadily increased. 

On the ist of January, 1874, Mr. Hampton 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daugh- 
ter of Henry and Elizabeth (Throop) Bowles. 
Their union was blessed with five children, three 
sons and two daughters, Benjamin B., Lucie E., 
Jesse D. , Joseph B. and Mary E. The last two 
were twins and died at the age of eleven months. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hampton hold membership with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have 
many friends throughout the community and are 
highly respected by all. Mr. Hampton votes 
with the Republican party, and is now serving as 
a member of the School Board. He belongs to 
the Modern Woodmen of America, and to the In- 
dependent Order of Mutual Aid. He is a pro- 
gressive and public-.spirited citizen, in touch with 
the best interests of his native city, and through 
the columns of his paper has done much for its 
promotion. 

is ' cni <" T ^ L=3 "' h 

0R. JOHN WRIGHT, of Hamilton, is one of 
the honored pioneers of Hancock County, 
who has been prominently identified witli 
the growth and upbuilding of the community for 
many long years. He located within its borders 
before the city of Hamilton had an existence. 



when the greater part of the land was wild and 
unimproved, and when the work of civilization 
and progress seemed hardly begun. He has al- 
w'ays been connected with every enterprise for 
the good of the count}', and has taken a just 
pride in its advancement. 

The Doctor was born in Banffshire, in the 
north of Scotland, February- 11, 1819. His fa- 
ther, William Wright, a native of the same lo- 
cality, was born on the 24th of Februarj-, 1780, 
acquired his education in the public .schools, and 
was a farmer by occupation. In 1802, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Ann Wilson, who 
was born Januar}- 4, 1780. They became the 
parents of nine children: Alexander, now de- 
ceased; Ann, deceased, wife of William Donald, a 
resident of Hamilton; Isabel, deceased; James, 
whose death occurred in this city; William, who 
died in England; Jane, widow of John Spence; 
John, whose name heads this record; Robert, who 
has also pa.s.sed away; and Marj-, wife of A. 
Horsper, of Hamilton. 

Dr. Wright spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth in the land of his birth, his time being 
passed midst play and work. In the summer 
months, he was busy in the fields, aiding in the 
cultivation and improvement of his father's farm. 
In the winter season he comied his lessons in the 
public schools of the neighborhood, and thus ac- 
quired a good education. In 1842, he bade adieu 
to his old home and accompanied his parents on 
their emigration to America. They crossed the 
Atlantic to New Orleans, and then started up the 
Mississippi. They resided in St. Louis and Alton 
until the spring of 1843, when they removed to 
Keokuk, but after a few weeks they came to 
Hamilton. It took them a whole day to cross 
the river from Keokuk, there being no ferry at 
that time. 

Dr. Wright aided in laying out this town, and 
is therefore numbered among its founders. He 
has watched w'ith interest its growth, and has 
ever given his hearty support and co-operation to 
what tended toward its further development. Af- 
ter coming to the count}-, he worked for some 
time upon his father's farm, aiding in transfonn- 
ing the wild land into rich and fertile fields. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



247 



is a magnetic healer, and for some years was 
identified with the Riverside Saiiitariuni. He 
makes a specialty of the treatment of cancers and 
tumors, and has healed many who were suffering 
from diseases of that kind. 

In politics, the Doctor is a Republican. He ca.st 
his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay, and 
was a supporter of the Whig party until the or- 
ganization of the Republican part\-, when he 
joined its ranks. He is a member of the Anti- 
Horse Thief Association, and in his religious be- 
lief is a Congregationali.st, holding membership 
with the church at this place. He served as Road 
Commissioner for one term, and has been School 
Trustee for more than fortv Nears. 



-^). 



"S] 



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jILLIAM H. FRANKLIN, one of the hon- 
ored pioneers of McDonough County, who 
for many years has served as Justice of the 
Peace of Macomb, was born in Mercer Count)-, 
K3-., on the 13th of June, 1813, and is one of 
thirteen children whose parents were James and 
Nancy (Whitton) Franklin, natives of Virginia. 
The maternal grandfather was also born in the 
Old Dominion, and there died in 1800, when about 
seventy years of age. He followed farming in 
Amherst County. James Franklin was also an 
agriculturist. He was born on the 18th of May, 
1776, and died June 12, 1826, at the age of fifty- 
two years. His wife survived him until 1861, 
and pa.ssed away at the age of .seventy-.seven. 
She was first a member of the New-Light Church, 
and afterward joined the Christian Church. Of 
their eight sons and five daughters only three are 
now living, the subject of this sketch being the 
eldest. Elizabeth became the wife of Harmon 
Mclntyre, and is now the widow of Daniel Moore. 
She lives with a daughter in Van Buren, Ark. 
Hamilton G. is a resident of Corsicana, Tex. 

W. H. Franklin came to Macomb, 111., on the 
25th of October, 1839, and for nineteen years en- 
gaged in the practice of law. He then abandoned 
the profession to engage in the nursery business. 
For some time his trade along that line was quite 



extensive, and he made considerable money, but 
he afterward lost several thousand dollars during 
the panic of 1857. Since that time he has con- 
tinuously served as Justice of the Peace, having 
filled the office for forty-four years. During his 
residence in Macomb, the accumulated distance 
which he has walked in going to and from busi- 
ness is over forty thou.sand miles, or nearly twice 
the circumference of the globe. 

On the I St of April, 1841, Mr. Franklin mar- 
ried Mi.ss Maria J. Clarke, daughter of James and 
Mary (Lewis) Clarke, pioneer settlers of Mc- 
Donough County. Here her father served as 
County Judge for a number of years, and was a 
prominent and influential citizen. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Franklin were born ten children, six sons 
and four daughters. Maria is deceased. Will- 
iam J. , who wedded Mary S. Gibbs, is a success- 
ful lawyer of Junction City, Kan., and has three 
living children: Maude, Dean and Ray. Nancy 
Jane, Mary Mahala and Samuel B. are all now 
deceased. John II. married Irene Hudgins and re- 
•sides in Macomb. He was Second Deputy Audi- 
tor of the Treasury' in Wa.shington, D. C. , for four 
years, under President Harri.son, and then ac- 
cepted the position of local attorney of the Santa 
Fe Railroad at Toluca, III. He and his wife have 
six children: Mabel, Blake, Wirt, Delia, Junia 
and Harrison. Ben has also pa.s.sed away. George 
A. married Mi.ss Annie Pulford, by whom he had 
one child, Maria. After the death of his first wife 
he wedded Mrs. Ida Head, widow of Henry Head. 
Harrison, the j'oiuigest of the family, married 
Miss Louisa Mun.son, and resides in Beeville, 
Tex.; they have a daugliter. Pearl. The mother 
of this family, who was born May 7, 182 1, died 
September 5, 1886. vShe was a devoted member 
of the Christian Church, and possessed many ex- 
cellent traits of character. 

Mr. Franklin has served as Elder of the Chris- 
tian Church for forty-eight years. He obeyed the 
Go.spel in Missouri, and was baptized in Locust 
Creek by Elder Thomas Thompson, July 9, 1843, 
more than half a century ago. He was one of the 
prime movers in organizing the Christian Church 
in Macomb, forty-eight years ago. During all 
this time he has never nii.ssed attending church 



248 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



services on Sunday more than six or seven times, 
unless absent from the cit>-. Twice during this 
time he was detained on account of death in the 
family, and twice bj' sickness. He has always 
been faithful to the cause of Christ, and has ever 
been one of the leading members of the church to 
which he has belonged for nearly half a century-. 
In politics, he was first a Whig and then became 
a Republican, but he now votes with the Prohibi- 
tion party. For three years he served as Master 
in Chancery. He came to McDonough County 
when it contained only about twenty-two hundred, 
people, not half as many as are now in the city of 
Macomb. He has seen the many changes which 
have since taken place, has witnessed its develop- 
ment, and has always taken an active interest in 
its growth and upbuilding. 



-S]. 



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S" 



rNROF. THOMAS J. DUDMAN, who is now 
Ly editor and proprietor of the Macomb Eagle, 
\p has the honor of being a native of Illinois, 
his birth having occurred on the 19th of Septem- 
ber, 1850, near Chili, Hancock County. He was 
the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight 
children, born to Robert Jack.son and Phoebe 
(Mills) Dudman. His father was born March 
13, 182 1, in Indiana. During his youth the lat- 
ter learned the cooper's trade in his native State, 
but later became an officer on a steamboat on the 
Ohio River. Thus his time was occupied until 
1849, when he came to Illinois and took up his 
residence in Adams County. After a short time, 
however, he removed to Hancock Coiuity and 
purchased a farm, which he continued to culti- 
vate and improve until his death. He pas.sed 
away on the 28th of January, 1873. He came of 
a family of English origin, and his parents were 
both natives of England. While residing in Chili 
Township, Hancock County, he served as Super- 
visor. With the Methodist Church he held mem- 
bership. Mr. Dudman was married in 1S42 to 
Miss Phoebe Mills, a native of Pennsylvania, born 
March 13, 1818. She was of German lineage, and 
died near West Point, in Hancock County, May 



25, 1861. Two years later, Mr. Dudman was 
again married, his second union being with Miss 
Rachel Ogden, by whom he had a daughter, Mrs. 
Martha Jane Lyberger, a resident of Eagle Grove, 
Iowa. 

The eight children born to Robert J. and Phoebe 
Dudman were as follows: Samuel, who died in 
infancy; Mary Frances, wife of Henrj' Garner, 
of Bowen, 111.; William H., who also died in in- 
fancy; Thomas J., of this sketch; Anna E., wife 
of James A. Veach, of Bentley, 111.; Lorain R. , 
who died in infancy; Rev. William Finley, a 
Methodist Episcopal mini.ster, now living in Bent- 
ley; and Elizabeth M., wife of Conrad Koehler, 
who resides in Hancock County. 

Prof. Dudman spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth upon his father's farm in the county 
of his nativit}', and in the summer months he 
aided in the labors of the field, wliile in the win- 
ter season he attended the di.strict schools of the 
neighborhood. He also spent two years as a 
student in the High School of Bowen, 111. At 
the age of eighteen he left home and began teach- 
ing, which profe.ssion he followed in Hancock 
County and in Missouri until he had attained his 
majority. He then entered tlie High School of 
Carthage, Mo., where he completed the teacher's 
course, after which he resumed teaching, being 
employed in both Missouri and Illinois. 

On the 2 2d of October, 1874, Prof Dudman 
was united in marriage with Miss Marietta Lons- 
don, of Augusta, who was born in Adams County, 
111., May 24, 1856. Their union has been blessed 
with .seven children, but Leila Annetta died in 
infancy. Tlio.se .still living are William Ernest, 
who was born September 9, 1877, and is now 
pressman in the Eagle office; Louis Arthur, born 
March 6, 1879; Clarence Albert, April 4, 1881; 
George Otto, December 19, 1882; Robert Lloyd, 
March 10, 1885; and LilHe Ethel, August 30, 
1887. 

The year 1879 witnessed the arrival of Mr. 
Dudman and his family in McDonough County. 
He became Princiiial of the public schools at Col- 
chester, and after a year was offered and accepted 
a similar position in Industry. He then became 
connected with Prof M. Kennedy, as one of the 




'1 



Mrs. S. Weinberg 




Simon Wkinberg 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



253 



Principals of the Macomb Normal and Commer- 
cial College. Mr. Dudmaii took charge of the 
mathematics and science departments, continuing 
liis connection with the school until 18S1. In the 
fall of that year he was elected County Superin- 
tendent of Schools, on the Democratic ticket, for 
a term of four years, and in 1885 was chosen his 
own succes-sor. He was one of the most efficient 
and capable superintendents that McDonough 
County has ever had, and under his administra- 
tion the excellence of the schools was greatly ad- 
vanced. In 1890, immediately after the expira- 
tion of his second term, he purchased the plant of 
the Macomb Eagle from Charles H. Whitaker, 
who had conducted the paper for twent\-fi\-e years. 
During the four )-ears in which Prof Dudman has 
had control, the subscription list has increased 
from one thou.sand to two thousand, and the pa- 
tronage received in the job department has like- 
wise grown. He has one of the best equipped 
newspaper offices in this section of the State, and 
the Eagle is a neat and well-edited sheet. In 
politics, it is strongly Democratic, for its editor 
has always been a stanch .supporter of the princi- 
ples of Democracy. He is coiniected with the 
Masonic fraternity and with the Modern Wood- 
men of America. 



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(cJiMON WEINBERG, who for many years 
/\ has been numbered among the prominent 
\l~) and enterprising citizens of Hancock County, 
is now living a retired life in Augusta. His bus- 
iness career was an active and successful one, and 
he is now resting in the enjoyment of the fruits 
of his former toil. A native of Germany, he was 
born in Harmon, Hanover, February 15, 181 7, 
and comes of an old family of that country. His 
paternal grandfather, Simon Mo.ses Weinberg, 
reared a family of seven sons, and died in his na- 
tive land. His maternal grandfather, Jacob 
Meyer, w'as a wealthy citizen and money-loaner 
of Germany, and died in Harmon at an advanced 
age. Mo.ses Simon Weinberg, father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Rehburg, in the same country, 
12 



and served as a soldier under Napoleon in his 
\ounger years. He afterwards followed the 
butchering business, and his death occurred in 
1840, at the age of fifty -eight years. His wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Pearlie Jacobs, died 
in 1851, at the age of sixty-nine. They were 
both members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
had a family of two sons and two daughters: 
Fredericka, wife of Jacob Reutz, of New York 
City; Mrs. Regina Herweg, of Hoboken, N. Y.; 
Jacob, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Simon, of this 
sketch. 

Simon Weinberg is a self-made man, who, in 
early life, started out to make his own way in the 
world,. and has since been dejiendent upon hisown 
resources. At the age of thirteen he began work- 
ing for a traveling merchant for his board and 
clothes, three hundred miles from his home, and 
was thus employed for four and a-half years. 
Later he spent five years and a-half in working 
for a trader and drover. With the view of bet- 
teri.ig his financial condition, he bade adieu to 
the Fatherland in 1841, and boarded a sailing- 
vessel bound for America. They were upon 
the water ninetN'-two days, and long before 
they reached port the ves.sel, with its seven 
hundred pas.sengers, was given up as lost. 
They encountered some very severe storms, but 
at length reached harbor in safety at Baltimore. 
Mr. Weinberg has .since crossed the ocean six 
times. He first located in Cincinnati, where he 
worked at pork-packing. He was also employed 
at a .stone (piarry and as a farm hand at Cincin- 
nati for about four years. During tliat time he 
was sick for nine months. About 1845, he 
rented seventy acres of land, and, keeping bach- 
elor's hall, engaged in farming for him.self Dur- 
ing the first year he cleared $300. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey 
Mr. Weinberg chose Mi.ss Louisa Juergens, a 
daughter of Henrich and Mary (Meyers) Juer- 
gens, natives of Germany, where the daughter 
was also born. The marriage was celebrated 
December 30. 1845, and they became the parents 
of nine .sons and nine daughters. Of these, Re- 
gina is the wife of John Tarr, of Moravia, Iowa, 
by whom she has eight children, Edward Burt, 



254 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Louis Frederick, Nannie Louise, Simon Wein- 
berg, Frederick Augustus, Joseph Weinberg, 
Robert Lincoln and Mamie Deena. Jacob is now 
deceased. Jo.seph, of Plymouth, married Cor- 
nelia Holt, and they have four children, Ernest, 
Louise, Joseph and I^eo. Elizabeth is the wife of 
Enos Bacon, of Tacoma, Wash., and their chil- 
dren are Frank, Alma, Jennie and Leonard. Fred- 
ericka is the wife of F. M. King, of Augusta, and 
they have four children, Jacob Weinberg (called 
Bergie), Harry Milton, Gertrude Louise and Ed- 
son. Deena married George S. Stark, of La 
Porte, Tex., and has a daughter. Pearl Elizabeth. 
Wilhelmina is the wife of C. M. Allensworth, 
of Augusta, by whom she has four children, 
Arabel Louise, Myrtle, Rollo and Leslie. Mo.ses 
wedded Mrs. Flora Hobble, daughter of Rev. Dr. 
Boulton, and with their four children, Nina, 
Margie, Simon and Flora, they reside in Augusta. 
She had one child bj- a former marriage, Arthur. 
Mary is the wife of G. W. Worman, of Augusta, 
and the mother of six children. Flora, Ray, Fred- 
erick, Daniel, Ru.ssell and Bernice Elizabeth. 
Pearlie wedded F. A. Reich, of Moravia, Iowa, 
and has three children, Henry Claude, Clarence 
Percival and Gladys Pearl. Abraham wedded 
Mary Worman, and with his wife and daughter, 
Catherine, resides in Gale.sburg. Aaron is living 
in Augusta. La Fayette married Mabel Bab- 
cock, and with their daughter, Helen Louise, 
they make their home in Galesburg. Selina mar- 
ried Ir\-ing K. Wright, of Rose, Monroe County, 
N. Y. Adolph and Simon complete the family, 
.save two who died in childhood. The mother of 
this family passed away in Augu.sta, November 
21, 1893, at the age of sixty-three years, nine 
months and thirteen days. She was a faithful 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and was 
highly esteemed by all. 

In 1857, Mr. Weinberg left Cincinnati and 
came to Augusta, where he has since made his 
home. He engaged in the butchering bu.sine.ss 
for ten years, after which he dealt in dry goods 
for a similar period. On the expiration of that 
time he gave his business to his son Jacob, who 
died two years later, while he turned his atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits, living upon a farn; 



for six years. At one time he owned several 
large farms, but has sold and divided his property 
among his children. In politics, he is a Demo- 
crat: sociall)', is connected with the Odd Fellows' 
society; and in religious belief is a Presbyterian. 
Although he has reached the age of seventy-six, 
he is still hale and hearty, his years resting light- 
ly upon him. His life has been well and worth- 
ily pa.ssed. Industry and enterprise have brought 
to him a hand.some competence, and his .sterling 
worth and many excellencies of character have 
won him the love of his family and the high es- 
teem of the entire community in which he lives. 
His example is in many respects well worthy of 
emulation, and it is with pleasure that we present 
to our readers this record of his life work. He 
has made his way in the world without any as- 
sistance, his parents being poor and unable to 
educate him, and he has given to each of his 
twelve married children a home. 



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j AFAYETTE M. WILLIAMS, who is suc- 
I C cessfully engaged in the laundn,- busine.ss in 
|_f/ Macomb, claims Ohio as the State of his na- 
tivity, his birth having occurred in Muskingum 
County on October 18, 1S53. His parents were 
Washington and Jane (Dailey) Williams, the 
former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Virgin- 
ia. By occupation the father was a fanner, and 
followed that business throughout his entire life. 
When our subject was a child of four years, 
Washington Williams left the Buckeye State, and, 
accompanied by his famih-, emigrated westward 
to Illinois, taking up his residence in McDonough 
County. This was in 1857. Here he gave his 
attention to agriculture, which he successfully 
followed for some years. His death occurred on 
the 28th of August, 1891, and his widow is now 
living with her son, L- M. Williams. W'illiam 
I), is successfully engaged in farming near Adair, 
111. There were three children in the Williams 
family, but one of the number is now deceased. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject, William 
Williams, was a native of Connecticut, and spent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



255 



the greater part of his life in Ohio. During the 
Revolutionary War, he aided the colonies in their 
struggle for independence. The family traces its 
ancestry back to Roger Williams, the noted pi- 
oneer and apostle of freedom in Rhode Island. 

No event of .special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youtli of our subject, who in the 
usual manner of farmer lads was reared and edu- 
cated. The di.strict .schools afforded him a fair 
Engli.sh education, and work in the fields aided 
in his phy.sical development. After arriving at 
years of maturit\', Mr. Williams was united in 
marriage with Miss Dora Adcock, daughter of 
Thomas Adcock. Their union was celebrated on 
the 25th of October, 1876, and was blessed with 
two children: Clarence and Gleini. Mrs. Will- 
iams, who was a member of the Christian Church, 
was called to her final rest on the 28th of March, 
1889. 

After the death of his wife, Mr. Williams en- 
gaged in driving a hack until 1893, w-lien, form- 
ing a partnership with Mr. vSuttle, he embarked 
in the laundry business, which he now carries on. 
From the beginning their trade has constantly in- 
crea.sed, and they now enjoy a liberal patronage, 
which is well de.served. Mr. Williams votes with 
the Republican part\-, with which he has been 
identified since casting his first Presidential ballot 
for Gen. U. S. Grant, in 1872. He holds mem- 
bership with the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and 
belongs to the Knights of Pythia.s fraternity, and 
to the Modern Woodmen of America. 



"Si 



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"TLMER ELLSWORTH GREER, part own- 
^ er and manager of the City Flouring Mills of 
^ Macomb, claims McDonough as the county of 
his nativity, his birth having occurred within its 
borders on January 8, 1862. He is a worthy 
representative ofau honored pioneer family, wliich 
was here established at a very early day. His 
father, Alfred W. Greer, a native of Kentucky, 
born in 1834, went to Industry, 111., in 1856. 
The next year he married Miss Annie E. Kemper, 
a native of this State, born in Cass County, March 



29> 1835. a"fl for many years they have resided in 
Industry, where he is now engaged in merchan- 
dising. To Mr. and Mrs. Greer were born eight 
children, all of whom are yet living: James, a 
resident farmer of .Scotland Township, McDon- 
ough County: Harry, who is engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits in York County, Neb.; Ivlmer E.; 
John L. , who also resides in York County; Charles, 
who makes his home in Indu.str>-; Albert, who is 
living in Peoria, 111. ; Thomas L. , who is employed 
in a dr\-goods store in Macomb; and William, 
who is also located in Peoria. A. W. Greer is 
the third in a family of .seven brothers, all of 
whom are now living. 

Asa Greer, grandfather of our subject, was a 
native of Logan County, Ky., where he dwelt all 
his life, and lived to the age of sixty-five years. 
Nanc}- Phelps, his wife, was also born in that 
county, and reached the age of seventy-four years. 
The maternal grandfather, J. M. Kemper, was 
born in Virginia, March 10, 1815, and is still liv- 
ing, making his home in Indu.stry, 111. He mar- 
ried Kitty Ann Cole, a native of the same State, 
in 1832, and she died eight years later. 

We now take up the personal history of Elmer 
I{. Greer, who is engaged in the milling business, 
which pursuit he has followed throughout the 
greater part of his life. When a boy of ten years 
he began work along that line in the employ of 
E. Fish & Son. He remained for ten years in 
Industry, and al.so learned to run the engine of a 
mill. He .served as mill engineer both in Quincy 
and in Macomb, and in 1892 he formed a partner- 
ship with Mr. Kirkbride, becoming interested in 
the City Mills of Macomb, of wliich he is now 
manager. This is a leading industry of the place, 
and they are doing a good business, having worked 
up a fair trade, which is const.intI\- increasing. 
The flour which thc>- turn out is an excellent 
grade, and in consecjuence they have secured 
many new customers. In his political affiliations, 
our subject is connected with the Democracy, but 
has never sought or desired ]>ublic office, and is a 
member of the Modern Woodmen of America. 
He possesses good business ability', and well de- 
serves prosperity. 

On the 5th of March, 1885, Mr. Greer was 



256 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



married, the ladj- of his choice being Miss Lotiisa 
Wilcox, daughter of Thomas R. Wilcox. Two 
children bless their union, both boys: Carl and 
Thomas. 

Thomas R. Wilcox, father of Mrs. E. E. Greer, 
is a native of Kentucky, born in 1833. He left 
his native State when three >-ears old, coming 
with his parents to McDonough County, 111., 
where he now resides. Phcfibe Greenup, his wife, 
was born in the same State and jear as himself 
coming with her family to Schuyler County, 111., 
at the age of two j-ears. They were married in 
icS54, and had thirteen children, seven sons and 
six daughters, all of whom are living. Mrs. Greer 
is one of twin sisters, succeeding the fourth. 

Benjamin, father of Thomas R. Wilcox, was 
born in Kentucky in 1792, and died in the same 
State forty-four years later. His wife. Flora Mc- 
Cormick, was born in Kentucky in 1803. and im- 
mediately after the death of her husband came to 
McDonough County, 111. , with her two sons and 
five daughters. She died in 1880, in her seventy- 
seventh year. Her marriage to Mr. Wilcox took 
place in 1819. 

The parents of Phoebe Greenup were John 
Greenup and Elizabeth Harland. The former 
was boniin Virginia in 1799, and died in Illinois 
in 1874. The latter was a native of Kentucky, 
and died in 1S44, nine years after they came to 
Illinois. 

us -^~^} _ 



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lILLIAM HENRY INGRAM, who nowre- 
.sides in Macomb, is a native of Maryland. 
He was born on the 2d of February, 1S4S, 
and is a son of Ivvan Ingram. The latter was 
born in Wales, and during his youth emigrated 
to America, settling in Maryland, on the banks of 
the beautiful Potomac. His father jiurchased a 
flouring-mill, and Evan learned the milling busi- 
ness, which he followed as a means of livelihood 
for many years. He was united in marriage with 
Mary Miller, and to them were born five children: 
John and Mar\- Jane, who are now deceased; 
Sarah, who became the wife of G. W. Morris, by 



whom she has one child, and resides in Omaha, 
Neb. ; Ellen, wife of U. S. Camp, of Omaha, Neb., 
by whom she has five children; and Elizabeth, 
wife of C. H. Given, who has one child, and re- 
sides near Republic City, Neb. Mr. Ingram hav- 
ing pa.ssed awa\', his widow was afterward mar- 
ried, and removed with her second husband (James 
Ingram, a brother of her first) to Guernsey Coun- 
ty, Ohio, where they are still living. They have 
two children, Evan and J. Hamilton. 

The subject of this sketch accompanied his 
mother and .step-father to the Buckeye State, and 
the family located on a farm, whereon he was 
reared to manhood. The educational privileges 
which he enjoyed were those afforded by the dis- 
trict schools of that time. During his earliest 
years, he lived with his paternal grandfather. 
At the age of seventeen he left his old home in 
Ohio and came to Illinois, with a view to trj-- 
ing his fortune on the broad prairies of this State. 
He had only thirty-five cents in monej' and a lit- 
tle bundle of clothes, when, in company with J. 
W. Sheley, he came to McDonough County, and 
for four years and three months he worked for 
Mr. Sheley as a farm hand. He received for his 
services during that time $250 in money, his board, 
and the privilege of attending school during a 
short period in the winter sea.son. His early life 
was not an easy one, but the obstacles which he 
had to surmount developed in him a self-reliance 
and force of character which ha\-e proven of in- 
calculable benefit to him in later years. 

On the 9th of February, 1871, Mr. Ingram was 
united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Allen, 
daughter of Tliomp.son and Rhoda Allen, who are 
residents of Mound Township, McDonough Coun- 
ty. Their union has been blessed with three chil- 
dren, but one of the number died in infancy. 
Those .still living are, Allen T., who was bom 
February 9, 1878, and Jessie Lee. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ingram began their domestic life 
upon a rented farm, and in 1874 he made his first 
purchase of land, buying an eighty-acre tract of 
his father-in-law. This he at once began to clear 
and improve, and in course of time the wild land 
was transformed into rich and fertile fields. The 
boundaries of his farm he also extended bv the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



257 



purchase of two hundred and forty acres ad- 
ditional. He has good buildings upon his farm, 
and in appearance it is neat and thrifty. In the 
.spring of 1894, however, Mr. Ingram laid aside 
agricultural pursuits, and is now living a retired 
life, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his 
former labor. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Ingram are members of the 
Free-Will Baptist Church, in which he is serving 
as Trustee and Deacon. He has al.so been Treas- 
urer of the yearly meeting and Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school. He takes an active interest 
in church and benevolent work, and has lived an 
honorable and upright life, which has gained for 
him the high regard of all. In politics, he is a 
Republican, has .ser\-ed as School Trustee and 
Road Commissioner, and is the present Super- 
visor of his town.ship. He may well be called a 
self-made man, for his success in life is due to his 
own efforts, and his example is well worthy of 
emulation. 



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IJNOAH N. TYNER, the subject of this sketch, 
I / ser\'ed in the United States Volunteers dur- 
\lD i",? the late Rebellion, from April 14, the 
day Ft. Sumter was fired upon, until the dis- 
banding of the right wing of the Sixteenth Army 
Corps at Montgomery, Ala., in the latter part of 
1865; and was thence transferred to the Indian 
service, being in the Commissary of Subsistence 
Department for Iowa and Dakota, continuing 
therein until 1868. During his term of service 
he held all positions, having started as a private 
soldier in the First Iowa, three months' service: 
later he was made Adjutant of the Fourteenth 
Iowa Infantrj', and left the volunteer service with 
the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel on the volunteer 
staff, he having been on the staff of Gens. Buford 
and Asboth, but chiefly and for over one year on 
the staff of Gen. A. J. Smith as Assistant In.spec- 
tor-General. Col. Tyner was born in Lexington, 
Ky., July 2, 1839, and is the .son of Richard and 
Martha W. Tyner. His paternal grandfather. 
Rev. William Tyner, was a Bapti.st minister. 



whose earlier pulpit duties were performed in 
South Carolina. The latter part of his life was 
devoted to church work in .southeastern Indiana. 
His death occurred at Decatur, Ind., at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-five years. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject. Dr. 
T. W. Noble, was a native of Virginia, who re- 
moved to Kentucky when twenty-five years old, 
where he practiced medicine, and represented his 
county in the earlier Legislature and Senate of 
that State. He died at Frankfort, Ky., at the 
age of seventy-one years. 

Richard Tyner was a banker, merchant and 
manufacturer at Brookville, Ind., where Col. 
Tyner was reared, and where his father died in 
vSeptember, 1872, at the age of seventy-four. Mrs. 
Martha W. Tyner, the mother, died in Iowa while 
with her daughter, in May, 1864. In religious 
belief the family were Methodists, Mrs. Tyner 
having taken an active part in church work. She 
was a sister of James W. Noble, Indiana's second 
United States Senator; Gov. Noah Noble, of 
Indiana, another brother, was a Congressman from 
the -same State; while a fourth was a Captain in 
the United States Navy. 

In the Tyner faintly were eleven children, seven 
sons and four daughters. Of the four living chil- 
dren, Hon. James N. Tyner, ex-Postmaster- 
General in Grant's cabinet, resides at Washing- 
ton ; Richard H . , a retired merchant, lives near his 
old home in Indiana; George N. is President of 
the Holyoke (Mass.) Envelope and Paper Com- 
pany; Noah N. is our subject. The latter was 
educated at his old Indiana home, attending one 
term at Miami College, Oxford, Ohio. Thence he 
went to Iowa, from which State he entered the 
.service, participating in all the principal engage- 
ments of the Army of the Tennessee, commenc- 
ing at Ft. Donelson, and ending at Spanish Fort. 
Ala. He also was with Gen. Smith in the 
Red River campaign. .Since the close of the war 
Col. Tyner has been engaged iniiewspaper woik, 
chiefly as correspondent for New York and Chi- 
cago papers until 1880, when he went to Fargo, 
N. Dak. While there he was Postmaster for four 
years, and at one time editor of the Dakota daily 
edition of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. While in Da- 



25* 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



kota, Col. Tyuer was made Adjutant-General of 
that State, occupying the office for two years, dur- 
ing which time he received his commission as 
Brigadier-General of Militia. Subsequently, he 
received an offer, which he accepted and held for 
four years, on the editorial staff of the Daily Ore- 
gonian, Portland, Ore., and thence was assigned 
to the bu.siness department, as Assistant Manager 
of that paper. 

On October i, 1877, Col. Tyuer was united in 
marriage with Miss Cornelia H. Catlin, daughter 
of John H. and Lydia (Hawley) Catlin, of Augus- 
ta. His wife holds membership in the Presbyterian 
Church. He is a member of the Masonic order. 
Loyal Legion, and the Grand Anny of the Repub- 
lic, the former and latter membership being held 
in Augu.sta by transfer, since his location here two 
years ago. Army wounds, that have increased 
in severity with age, have forced Col. Tyner 
from active work, and hence he regards Augusta, 
where he has built a comfortable residence, as his 
permanent home. 



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GlRTOIS HAMILTON, a pioneer settler of 
r 1 Carthage, was born in Tolland, Mass., Au- 
/ I gu.st 15, 1795. He removed to Montgomery 
County, N. V., in 1822, and on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary, 1827, married Miss Alva Bentley, of that 
county. In 1835, he came with his family, then 
consisting of four children, to Hancock County, 
111. He traversed the entire distance with horse- 
teams, and the journey lasted nearly two months. 
He arrived at Carthage on the 22d of July, and 
the family on the 14th of August. During the 
first two weeks spent in Carthage, they .slept in 
their wagons and prepared their food hard by on 
the prairie. He fed his horses on grass which he 
cut on the open prairie where the court house 
now stands. At the end of two weeks, Mr. Ham- 
ilton lea.sed a dwelling, in which he lived about 
three months. In the following spring he pur- 
chased a .small log house, and afterwards added to 
it other rooms, until it was large enough to enter- 
tain travelers, and his dwelling thereafter became 



by common consent the village hotel, which he 
carried on until 1851. He also entered and im- 
proved five or six quarter-sections of land in the 
vicinity of his new home. Close attention to his 
accumulating interests, and prudent management, 
.soon made him the wealthie.st citizen of the 
county. 

During the eventful period of the Mormon 
War, Mr. Hamilton was necessarily a spectator 
of most of the stirring events of that time. His 
hotel being the general headquarters for the 
traveling public of Carthage, he ven,- frequently 
was compelled to entertain at the same hour 
guests holding the mo.st antagonistic views on the 
Mormon question. When Jo.seph and Hyrum 
Smith were killed at the Carthage jail, Mr. Ham- 
ilton, as soon as he heard of it, went to the jail 
with a wagon and conveyed the bodies to his 
house, where he constructed rude coffins, in 
which they were placed. On the following morn- 
ing, accompanied by two of his sons and two 
neighbors, he convened the bodies in a wagon to 
Nauvoo, and delivered them to their friends. For 
this humane act he was cordially thanked b>- the 
Mormon people, who also offered substantial to- 
kens of their gratitude, which last, however, he 
declined. During the hostilities that followed be- 
tween the Mormons and anti-Mormons, an artil- 
lerj- company at Carthage had for some cause dis- 
banded, and a six-pound iron camion belonging 
to it had, to .some extent, become public property. 
Mr. Hamilton, learning that a Mormon .squad, 
headed by one Jo Backenstos, a ''Jack Mormon" 
leader, was coming to take away the cannon, un- 
linibered the gun and hid it in a cornfield, where 
it remained until the arrisal of the State forces, 
to which he gave it up. 

In July, 1851, a great calamity fell on Mr. 
Hamilton in the loss of five members of his fam- 
ily by cholera. One sister and a daughter died 
on the i6th, his wife on the i8th, his eldest .son, 
Marvin, on the 19th, and his remaining .si.ster on 
the 23(1. In 1S52, he married Mrs. Susan Smith, 
who survived him some years, and died in Carth- 
age, August 24, 1880. In 1855, Mr. Hamilton 
laid out the town of Hamilton, opposite Keokuk. 
This enterprise did not prove a pecuniary success. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



259 



His reticence during his life relative to the un- 
dertaking necessarilj- abridges what would 
doubtless have been a valuable and interesting 
portion of the histor\- of the city of Hamilton. 

It was said by some that Mr. Hamilton never 
had but one hobby in his life, and that was the 
celebration of July 4. It was his habit from child- 
hood to regard the da}- as one of peculiar signifi- 
cance to Americans, a day to be observed and hon- 
ored in the ceremonies appropriate to its patri- 
otic inspirations. He was a leading and directing 
spirit in every Fourth of July celebration taking 
place in the town or vicinity. The day was to be 
celebrated in Carthage in 1873, and for this Mr. 
Hamilton had spent much time, labor and money. 
The program was mostly gotten up by him, and 
was to consist, in large part, of a military dis- 
play and mock battle by the "Army of the Revo- 
lution,' ' as he delighted to call it. This consisted of 
some three hundred boys, for whom military hats 
and wooden guns had been provided b}' Mr. 
Hamilton. The military parade took place, the 
mimic battle was fought to the satisfaction of all, 
and the general program for the day was carried 
out as the old veteran had devised. The troops 
were then mustered into line and marched to his 
residence, after which arms were stacked and the 
little soldiers dismissed. While there assembled 
at his well, he made them a little speech, saying, 
"Boys, you have done nobly to-daj'; you have 
acted like patriots and gentlemen, and I am proud 
of you. This is the la.st Fourth of July I will 
ever celebrate, boys, and I want you to remember 
this. Mind your parents, and remember the 
Fourth of July, and you will make good men and 
be an honor to the country." The boys then 
dispersed to their homes. 

Mr. Hamilton soon after sat down on the porch 
of his home to converse with his family and visit- 
ing friends. In a short time he complained of 
feeling sick. He went into the hou.se and lay 
down, while his daughter fanned him. Shortl.\- af- 
ter he said he felt better. His sons, William and 
lilisha, were with him, and he conversed with 
them easily and cheerfully .some minutes. vSoon 
he ceased talking and lay with his eyes closed, as 
if asleep. It was then di.scovered that his limbs 



were quite cold, and that he was unconscious. 
Physicians were sent for and restoratives applied, 
but he was beyond the aid of medical skill or the 
kind offices of friends. The old patriot was dead. 
He passed away as peacefully as an infant falls 
a.sleep in its mother's arms. The preci.se mo- 
ment of his death is not known, but it could not 
have been far from half-past six p. m., or about 
one hour after he had dismissed the boy soldiers 
at his home. Thus lived and died the patriot 
citizen. Doubtless had he been permitted to se- 
lect the hour of his death he would not have 
wished it different. The celebration he had 
planned and labored for with .such zeal had hap- 
pih- pas.sed off to his complete satisfaction. He 
had said, "B03S, this is my last F'ourth of July." 
He evidently thought it was, and thus feeling, he 
doubtless welcomed the snnnnons to rest. 

Of his four children who survived him, three 
are now living: William Ransom, whose sketch 
appears on another page of this work; Mary B., 
who resides in (Juincy with her brother, Elisha 
B., who is a prominent lawyer of that city. He 
ser\-ed as a .soldier in the War of the Rebellion, 
and was First Lieutenant of Company B, One 
Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. John 
D. served as Sergeant- Major in the .Sixteenth Illi- 
nois Infantry during the Ci\il War, and was after- 
wards clerk in the Illinois penitentiary in Chester, 
111., where he died August 13, 1892. 

WILLIAM ALBERT MAXWELL, connnon- 
ly known as Bert Maxwell, is but a young 
man, yet he is now editor and proprietor of 
the Bardolph A'eu's, and displays e.xcellent busi- 
ness ability, bidding fair to make his life a .suc- 
cess. He was born in Bardolph, where he yet 
makes his home, on the 9th of January, 1877, 
and is a son of H. A. and Mary E. (Kee) Max- 
well. The family is of Scotch origin, and was 
founded in America in the eighteenth century. 

The father of our subject was liorn near Cadiz, 
Ohio, in 1845, and there spent the first twelve 
years of his life, attending the district schools of 



26o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the neighborhood. After he had attained a suffi- 
cient age, about 1857, ^^ became a resident of 
Industrj', McDonough County, 111., and again 
entered school, pursuing his studies until eighteen 
years of age, when he began teaching. His first 
position was in Eldorado Township, this county. 
He has now successfulh- followed that profession 
for twenty years, and has won a high and envia- 
ble reputation as an educator. From 1877 to 
1882 he served as County Superintendent of 
Schools of McDonough County, and by his prompt 
and faithful discharge of the duties of the office 
won for himself great commendation. He has al.so 
held other offices, having been Town.ship Clerk 
for about five terms, while for one term he was 
Supervisor. He is now serving his seventeenth 
\ear as Ju.stice of the Peace in Macomb Township, 
a position he has filled with credit to himself and 
satisfaction to his constituents, as is indicated by 
his long retention in office. He has served as 
President of the Village Board of Trustees, and 
at this writing, the .spring of 1894, is Clerk of the 
Village Board, and Po.stmaster at Bardolph. So- 
cially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternit\- 
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and 
in his religious views he is a Methodist. His 
political support is given to the Democracy. 

Prof and Mrs. Maxwell now reside in Bar- 
dolph, where they have a pleasant home and many 
warm friends, who esteem them highly for their 
sterling worth. Their family numbers twelve 
children, who, in order of birth, are as follows: 
Ella Gertrude, Inez Adell, Thomas, Frederick, 
William Albert, Walter Kee, Harry Victor, Anna 
Mary, Bes,sie Blanche, GroverC, Nellie Cleo and 
John Robert. All are living at home with their 
parents except Thomas, who is now in Duncombe, 
Iowa, where he has charge of a lumber e.stabli.sh- 
lishment. 

Mr. Maxwell of this sketch has always lived in 
Bardolph. The record of his life is not extensive, 
yet he manifests traits of character that will have 
a bearing on his entire future career, and will un- 
doubtedly make his bu.sine.ss life one of success. 
He acquired his education in the public schools 
of Bardolph, and though only seventeen years of 
age is now editing and publishing the Bardolph 



A^cu's, a paper which is not only a credit to him- 
self, but also to the town. It is neat in appear- 
ance, is ably conducted, and well de.ser\-es a liberal 
patronage. Mr. Maxwell is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a young man 
highly esteemed for his sterling worth. 



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0ANIEL LOVITT, who for a number of years 
has been a resident of Augusta, is now living 
a retired life. His attention to business 
in former years, combined with industrj- and well- 
directed efforts, brought him prcsperity, and he is 
now resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his 
former toil. He claims Ohio as the State of his 
nativity, his birth having occurred in Muskingum 
County May 20, 18 12. He is a son of Daniel 
and Mary (James) Lovitt, natives of Maryland. 
On the paternal side he is of Dutch descent, and 
on the maternal side he is of Welsh and Scotch 
lineage. His father was a farmer and a minister 
of the Missionary Bapti.st Church. He died in 
1 82 1, at the age of fifty-eight years, and his wife 
passed away about twenty >ears later. She was 
a member of the Christian Church. Of their 
family of twelve children, .six .sons and six daugh- 
ters, only two are now living: Daniel, and Sarah, 
now the wife of Law.son Carter, of Hancock 
County. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared in the Buckeye State, and made Ohio 
his home for fifty-seven years. His father was 
one of its pioneer settlers. On the 7th of Jaiuiary, 
1835, he married Miss Deborah Birch, daughter 
of William Birch, and to them were born seven 
children, three .sons and four daughters. Mary 
Elizabeth, the eldest, is the wife of David Waters, 
of northwestern Kan.sas, by whom .she has eight 
children. Eveline is the wife of Jo.seph Dorsey, 
ofAugu.sta, by whom she had six children, two 
yet living. Rca.son married Miss Stots, and after 
her death wedded Mary Horn, by whom he had 
seven children. Maria J. is now the wife of John 
Beal, of .southeastern Nebra.ska, and has three 
sons. Minerva, deceased, was the wife of Alex- 



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



261 



ander Davis, and thej' had four children, two yet 
living. Andrew, of Nebraska, married Miss 
Ellen Stots, and they became the parents of seven 
children. Daniel Walter married Miss Ida Lyons, 
and died, leaving a wife and two children. 

Mr. Lovitt of this .sketch continued his residence 
in Ohio until 1869, when he came to Illinois, lo- 
cating on a farm three and a-half miles northwest 
of Bowen, where he spent eight years. He then 
came to Augusta, and has since made his home 
in this place. In 1885, he was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the month 
of Februar}', in the faith of the Christian Church. 
On the nth of October, 1888, he was again mar- 
ried, his second union being with Mrs. Marj' E. 
Butler, widow of George J. Butler, and a daughter 
of William and Sarah A. (Smith) Pierce, who were 
natives of Baltimore Count}-, Md. Mr. Lovitt 
for some years has lived retired, and his rest is 
well deserved, for his life has been a busy and use- 
ful one. He still owns some property, however, 
including one hundred and sixty acres of fine 
farming land in Chili Township, and his pleasant 
residence in Augu.sta. In politics, he was in early 
life a Free-Soil Democrat, but since the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party he has been a stanch 
supporter of its principles. He is now well ad- 
vanced in 5-ears, having reached the age of eight- 
ty-two, but is yet quite well pre.sen'ed, and we join 
with his many friends in wi.shing that he may 
be spared for years to come. He holds member- 
ship with the Chri.stian Church, and his life, 
which has been in harmony with his professions, 
is well worth v of emulation. 



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(TOHN M. WILCOX, a lumber-dealer, is rec- 
I ognized as one of the leading business men 
(2/ of Bardolph. He was born on the 19th of 
March, 1826, in Carrollton, K)'., and is a son of 
Benjamin and Flora (McCorniickj Wilcox. His 
father was born in vShelbyville, Ky., in 1796, 
was there reared to manhood, and became a brick- 
mason by trade. That business he followed as a 
means of livelihood until his death, which occur- 



red at the age of forty years. He was a well- 
known citizen, and served as Captain of a com- 
pany of militia in his native town. The mater- 
nal grandfather of our subject was born oti the 
Emerald Lsle, and on emigrating to America lo- 
cated in Lexington, Ky., where he worked at the 
shoemaker's trade. Our subject has one brother 
and four si.sters who are yet living, namely: Mary 
Ann, wife of A. O. Webb, a resident of Kansas; 
Sarah E., wife of John Trimble, who makes his 
home in Iowa; Elvira, widow of Daniel Milton 
and a resident of Fairfield, Iowa; and Flora, wife 
of Robert C. Pointer, of McDonough County. 

The first ten years of his life John M. Wilcox 
pa.ssed in his native State, and his early education 
was acquired in the public schools of Carrollton. 
His father having died in Kentucky, he accompa- 
nied his mother in 1836 to McDonough County, 
111., and the family locating upon a farm he gave 
his time and attention to the cultivation of the 
land until his nineteenth year. He bore all the 
hardships and trials of pioneer life, for the family 
lived in true pioneer style during those early 
days, and he also aided in the arduous task of 
opening up a new farm. Attracted by the dis- 
covery of gold in California, he cros.sed the plains 
with an ox-team to the Pacific Slope in 1849, and 
spent three years ranching on Cash Creek and in 
the mines at Rich Gulch, returning in 1852. 
With the capital he had thus acquired, he then 
purcha.sed one hundred and twenty acres of land 
in Mound Town.ship and began farming in his 
own intere.sts. 

On the 13th of March, 1855, Mr. Wilcox was 
joined in marriage with Mary C. V. Yocum. Six 
children , four .sons and two daughters, were bom 
of their union, of whom the three eldest are de- 
ceased. George T. died at Bardolph, February 21, 
1894; he married Nancy H. Darr, and unto them 
were born a son and daughter, Elvira J. and Will- 
iam F. Of the survivors, Mary A. is the wife of 
E. L. Lindsay, of Wilcox, Neb., by whom she has 
had two daughters and a son. but the latter is now 
deceased. Roliert C. married Carrie M. Portlock, 
and with their three daughters they reside in 
Bardolph; and John R., of Bardolph, was joined 
in marriage with Nancy E. Portlock, by whom 



262 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he has one daughter. The mother of this family 
was called to her final rest in 1882, at the age of 
forty-eight years, and was laid to rest in the cem- 
etery at Pennington's Point. 

On his return to McDonough County, Mr. 
Wilcox resumed farming, which he successfully 
followed for a number of years. He placed his 
land under a high state of cultivation, and made 
manv excellent improvements thereon, until his 
farm became one of the best in the neighborhood, 
its well-tilled fields and neat appearance indicat- 
ing the thrift and enterprise of the owner. About 
1886, however, he laid aside all agricultural cares 
and removing to Bardolph established a lumber- 
vard, which he has since conducted. He is a con- 
ser\-ative and practical business man, and by his 
straightforward, honorable dealings he has won 
the confidence of the communib,- and secured a 
liberal patronage. 

In his political views, Mr. Wilcox is a Demo- 
crat, and was for about eighteen years School Di- 
rector in Mound Township. He was also Treas- 
urer of Bardolph for about four years, and dis- 
charged his duties with promptness and fidelity. 
For more than half a century he has resided in 
McDonough County, and the growth and devel- 
opment of the community he has witnessed from 
almost the beguniing. He has al.so ever borne 
his part in the work of public advancement, and 
well deserves mention among the honored pio- 
neers. 



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^EBULON A. FOSTER, who is one of the 
/, leading merchants and pioneers of Prairie 
/Q City, has been protninently connected with 
the interests of this place and with its develop- 
ment for a long period. As he is widely and fav- 
orably known in the community, we feel assured 
that the record of his life will prove of interest 
to many of our readers, and gladly give it a place 
in this volume. 

Mr. Foster was born in Fulton County, 111., on 
the lotli of September, 1845. and is the younger 
of two sons, who.se parents were Milton and Abi- 
gail (Mills) Foster. The family is of English 



origin, but at an early day in the historj' of 
America was founded in this countrj-. Milton 
Foster was a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, 
and resided upon a farm in that locality until his 
father's family removed to southern Indiana. 
There he lived until about 1833, when he came 
with his parents to Illinois, settling in Fulton 
County, where he made his home until 1857. In 
that year he removed to Prairie City, where he en- 
gaged in the lumber and grain business for three 
years. Later he purchased a farm in Prairie City 
Township, adjoining the corporation limits of the 
village, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits 
until 1874, when he again took up his residence 
in the town and made it his home until his death. 
He passed away at the advanced age of seventy- 
seven — a highly -respected citizen, who had the 
warni regard of all who knew him. He held 
membership with the Methodist Church. His 
father served in the War of 18 12. The mother of 
our subject was also bom in Hamilton County, 
Ohio, and her last days were spent in this county. 
The brother of our subject, Algernon S., entered 
the army during the late war, as a member of the 
band of the Fifty-fifth Regiment. While in the 
service he was taken sick and sent to the hospital 
in St. Louis, Mo., where his death occurred at 
the early age of twenty -three years. 

Under the parental roof Z. A. Foster was 
reared to manhood, and the days of his boyhood 
were quietly pa.ssed, unmarked by any event of 
special importance. He continued at home until 
his marriage, which was celebrated in April, 
1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Hettie E. 
White, of Prairie City. Their union was blessed 
with three children, but one of the number died 
in infancy. Abbie Estelle is now the wife of 
Sanford C. Love, who is in the employ of a rail- 
road company and resides in Lincoln, Neb; and 
Mamie is yet at home. 

In 1857, Mr. Foster came to Prairie City and 
embarked in the grocery business. Here he has 
carried on operations as a merchant continuously 
since. For a time he was not alone in business, 
but in 1892 he purchased his partner's interest 
and is now sole proprietor of a general store. He 
carries a full line of dry gocxls, notions, boots 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



263 



and shoes, groceries, etc., and has a good store 
and is doing a nice business. From the begin- 
ning he has enjoyed a fair trade, and a liberal 
patronage is now accorded him. 

In his political views, Mr. Foster ii a stanch 
Republican, and is now ser\'ing as Supervisor of 
the township, and has served as Town Clerk and 
as a member of the Scliool Board. His wife holds 
membership with the Bapti.st Church, and he 
contributes liberally to its support, as well as to 
other worthy interests and enterprises. He has a 
wide acquaintance throughout this communit}-, 
and is recognized as one of its leading and influ- 
ential citizens. 



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(Tames p. GUTHRIE, who is extensively en- 
I gaged in the insurance business, is a repre- 
(2/ .sentative of the Bankers' Life Insurance Com- 
pany, and has charge of its interests in fourteen 
counties. He is a well-known citizen of this com- 
munity, where he has resided since the age of 
seven years, and on account of his extensive ac- 
quaintance we feel assured that the record of his 
life will prove of interest to many of our readers, 
and therefore gladly give it a place in this volume. 
Mr. Guthrie was born in Adams County, 111., 
Februarj' 26, i860, and is of Scotch-Irish ex- 
traction. His great-grandfather was a native of 
Scotland, and, emigrating to America, became the 
founder of the family in this country . The grand- 
father, John P. Guthrie, was a native of Virginia, 
and from that State removed to Kentucky, where 
William L. Guthrie, the father of our subject, was 
born. The latter emigrated to Adams County, 
111., with his parents in an early day and was there 
reared and educated. On the 13th of September, 
1855, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Amanda Breckbill, of Adams County, and by 
their union were born eight children, six sons and 
two daughters, namely: Dorman, who died in in- 
fancy; James P., of this sketch; William E., who 
is engaged in the butchering business in Hamil- 
ton; Laura M., who resides at Iiome; George W., 
who died in infancy; Ida M., wife of James Hurst, 



a farmer; and Charles and Harry L., both of whom 
died in infancy. 

The subject of this sketch accompanied his par- 
ents on their removal to Hamilton in 1867, and 
was educated in the public schools of this city, 
where he pursued his studies until a youth of six- 
teen. He began earning his own livelihood at the 
age of twelve years, at which time he engaged in 
buying old rags and iron. He continued this 
work for two seasons, and thereby provided for 
his own support. At the age of fourteen, he be- 
gan working on a farm, and was thus employed 
through the summer months, while in the winter 
season he attended .school. He contimied to work 
as a farm hand for three years, when, at the age 
of seventeen, he began to learn the butcher's trade 
at a salary of ^5 per month. He served a three- 
years apprenticeship, and when he had completed 
the same he purcha.sed a half intere.st in the shop 
of Casley & Guthrie. This partnership was con- 
tinued for two years, when he sold his interest in 
the business and opened a .shop of his own, which 
he conducted alone until 1889. 

Since that time Mr, Guthrie has been engaged 
in the life-insurance business. He became con- 
nected with the Hartford Life Insurance Com- 
pany, but after four months became agent for the 
Fidelity, with which he continued six months. 
On the expiration of that period, he entered into 
relations with the Bankers' Life In.surance Coni- 
panv, and is now Superintendent of the district, 
comprising fourteen counties. He is well adapted 
for this work, for he is plea.sant and entertaining 
in manner and possesses good business ability. 

On the 2oth of October, 1886, Mr. Guthrie was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Harriet M. Poling, a 
native of Hancock County, and a daughter of 
Charles and Ann (Lakin) Poling. To them have 
been born two children, both daughters, Hazel 
A. and Ruby L. The parents are well known in 
this community and have a wide circle of warm 
friends and agreeable acquaintances. 

Mr. Guthrie exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Democratic parl.w He has .served 
as Assistant Postmaster of Hamilton, but has 
never been a politician in the sense of continuously 
seeking office; he lakes, however, a deep interest 



264 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in political questions, and is always well informed 
on the issues of the da\-. He is also interested in 
civic societies, and holds membership with Monte- 
bello Lodge No. 697. I. O. O. F. He also be- 
longs to Black Hawk Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. 
M.; to Rapid City Lodge No. 286, K. P., and is a 
member of the Christian Church. Mr. Guthrie 
may truly be called a self-made man, for at the 
age of twelve years he was thrown upon his own 
resources, and since that time has made his own 
waj- in the world. His success, therefore, may be 
attributed entirely to his own efforts. 

Mr. Guthrie has always used his influence for 
the advancement of the best interests of the city. 
In 1889, with the assistance and encouragement 
of the late Ed Ruggles, he was instrumental in 
getting the first newspaper, the Hamilton Press, 
established here. It was started by a Mr. Sher- 
man, who, in June, 1890, was succeeded by Mr. 
A. L. McArthur, the present able and efficient 
proprietor. To Mr. Guthrie also belongs the 
credit for gettiiTg two merchant-tailoring establish- 
ments located here. To the.se achievements must 
be added the honor of inciting the monied men of 
the city to establish the Canning Factory, which 
is now running on a paying basis. The boom the 
city enjoyed at that time, and its somewhat rapid 
development and improvement, which have stead- 
ily gone forward since, are in a large measure due 
to his enterprise and public-spiritedness. 



-=]. 



^4^ 



f=3 



I EWIS WHETSEL CAMP, second son of 
I C Daniel A. Camp (see biography of W. M. 
t2f Camp), was born in Chalmers Township, 
McDonough County, 111., October 3, 1858. He 
had not >et reached the completion of his fourth 
year when cruel war robbed hitn of his father. He 
remained with his mother on the home farm un- 
til the spring of 1S77, attending the countrj- 
school for a few years while small. When twelve 
years old, he went out to work by the month 
through the summer on a farm, and after that 
spent but one summer at home. He is largely 
self-educated, as he never attended school after he 



was sixteen years of age. At the age of twenty 
years he engaged in farming on his own account, 
on rented land, making a success of the undertak- 
ing, and continued operations in that manner un- 
til the spring of 1888. 

At the last-named date, he moved to Hubbell, 
Thayer County, Neb., where he conducted a liv- 
ery business one year. Returning to Illinois, he 
located in Macomb, and has since continued to 
reside here. During this time, he has carried on 
a dray line, and now employs six teams. In ev- 
ery undertaking of his life, Mr. Camp has made 
a success by his energy and attention to his own 
business, leaving others to care for theirs without 
his interference. He owns a comfortable home in 
Macomb, and town property beside. 

Mr. Camp is a member of the Universalist 
Church, of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pj-thias, 
and Independent Order of Mutual Aid. He ad- 
heres to the principles of the Republican party, 
without any sign of wavering. December 15, 
1880, he married Miss Carrie Goodwin, a native 
of Macomb, and daughter of Washington and 
Mary (Dolan) Goodwin, of English and Irish de- 
scent. Ray Elwin is the only offspring of this 
marriage, and is now eight years old. 

ROBERT C. WILCOX, one of the representa- 
tive merchants of Bardolph, who is actively 
engaged in business as a dealer in hardware 
and groceries, has spent his entire life in McDon- 
ough County, being numbered among her native 
sons. He was born September 21, 1862. His 
parents were John M. and Mary Z. V. (Yocum) 
Wilcox. His maternal grandfather .served in the 
Black Hawk War and held an officer's commis- 
sion. 

John M. Wilcox is a native of Kentucky, and 
resided in that State until after the death of his 
father, when, with his mother and her family, he 
came to Illinois, and ca.st in his lot with the early 
settlers of McDonough County. He continued to 
engage in agricultural pursuits until 1849, when 
the gold excitement in California caused him to 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



265 



make a trip to that State. A few years later, 
however, he returned to McDonough County, 
where he has since made liis home. Much of his 
life has been spent as a farmer, and he is recog- 
nized as one of the successful and enterprising ag- 
riculturists of the community, hut about seven 
years since he removed to Bardolph and em- 
barked in the lumber business, which he still con- 
tinues. The children of the family were; George 
T., recently deceased, who married Hettie Darr, 
and with his wife and two children resided in 
Bardolpli: Elvira, who died at the age of twelve 
years; William F., who died in 1884; Mary A., 
wife of E. T. Lindsay, of Nebraska, by whom .she 
has three children; and John R.,who married 
Nancy E. Portlock. They have one child and 
re.side in Bardolph. 

Mr. Wilcox whose name heads this record was 
born on his father's farm in this county, and .spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual 
manner of farmer lads. The summer months 
were passed in work in the fields, and in the win- 
ter season he conned his lessons in the connnon 
schools, thus acquiring a good Engli.sh education, 
which fitted him for the practical and responsible 
duties of life. He remained on the old home- 
stead until 1892, when he left the farm and came 
to Bardolph. where for a year and a-half he was 
employed in his father's lumber yard. He then 
determined to engage in business for himself, and 
became proprietor of the hardware and grocery- 
Store which he now carries on. 

On the 3d of September, 1885, was celebrated 
the marriage of Robert C. Wilcox and Miss Car- 
rie M. Portlock, a most estimable lady. Three 
children grace their union, all daughters: Leah 
M., .seven years of age; Maude G., aged five 
years; and Eva M., a baby of three years. The 
parents hold membership with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and take an active interest in 
its work and upbuilding. Their pleasant home 
is the abode of hospitality, and they have many 
friends throughout this conununity who esteem 
them highly. 

Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Modern Wood- 
men of America, and in politics is a supporter of 
the Democratic party and its principles. The 



cause of education has ever found in him a warm 
friend, and for two years he served as School Di- 
rector. He is a man of good business ability, sa- 
gacious, enterprising and persevering, and is 
well entitled to the liberal patronage which he 



now receives. 



^^^^■^H^s^ 



(John PAUL ROARK, M.D.,oneofthe lead- 
I ing physicians and .surgeons of Bushnell, 111., 
(2/ vvas born on the 5th of July, 1864, near Ma- 
comb, McDonough County, and was the eldest 
in a family of ten children, six sons and four 
daughters, whose parents were James and Cath- 
erine (McGinnis) Roark. On both the paternal 
and maternal sides our subject is of Irish descent. 
His father was a native of the Emerald Isle, where 
he resided until 1861, when he crossed the broad 
Atlantic to America. Coming west to Illinois, he 
purchased a farm in Chalmers ^Township, Mc 
Donough County, where he still resides. He was 
only about nineteen years of age at the time of his 
emigration. Since his arrival here he has suc- 
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is 
now ranked among the substantial farmers of the 
neighborhood. In politics, he is a supporter of 
the Democratic party. His wife was born in Mc 
Donough County, but her parents were natives of 
Ireland, and came to this country in 1840. 

The children of the Roark family' are: John 
Paul, of this sketch; Patrick D., who is now en- 
gaged in the drug business in Macomb; Mary, 
who is still at home; Michael E., who is engaged 
in teaching school and in reading law in his na- 
tive county; and Susie, Jo, Kate, Nell, Jinunie 
and Louis, who are still under the parental roof. 
The subject of this sketch remained upon the 
home farm and attended the di.strict schools of the 
neighborhood until about seventeen years of age. 
He then supplemented his early educational ad- 
vantages by study in the Macomb Normal College. 
Later, he embarked in teaching, which profession 
he followed for two years, but it was his desire to 
enter the medical profession, and to this end he 
entered Ru.sh Medical College of Chicago, where 



266 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



for three years he pursued his studies, graduating 
from that institution on the expiration of that 
period. He also attended and was graduated 
from the Cook Count}- vSchool of Surgen,-. 

When his college course was completed, Dr. 
Roark came to Bu.shnell, in uSSg, and, opening an 
office, began the practice of his profession, to 
which he has since devoted his energies. On the 
iSth of October, 1893, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary G. Stanton, of White Hall, 111. 
Both are members of the Catholic Church. So- 
cially, the Doctor is a member of Chevalier Lodge 
No. loi, K. T., of Bushnell; and also of the 
Modern Woodmen of America. On subjects of 
national importance, he votes with the Democratic 
party, but at local elections supports the candi- 
dates whom he thinks best qualified, regardless 
of party affiliations. He has sen-ed as a member 
of the Board of Health since locating in Bushnell. 
Recogtiized as a skilled physician, he receives 
a liberal patronage, which is well merited. He al- 
ways keeps abreast with the times, and is a thor- 
ough .student of everything connected with the 
science of medicine, so that this success is the re- 
sult of his earnest efforts. The Doctor has always 
Uved in McDonough Count}-, and is both widely 
and favorabh- known. 



-^-^+^ 



(S_ 



1^" 



~ LI BROWN is one of the honored pioneers of 
^ McDonough Count}-, and in this volume he 
^ well deserves representation. He resides on 
section 25, Bushnell Township, where he is suc- 
cessfully engaged in farming. A native of Penn- 
sj-lvania, he was born in Crawford County in 
1828, and is a son of Jacob and Elmira (Hicker- 
nell) Brown. His parents were both born in the 
Keystone State, and were of German origin, but 
they died during the early boyhood of our sub- 
ject, and hence he knows little concerning his 
ancestry. In the family were two sons, and he 
was the elder. 

Eli Brown was only four )-ears of age at the 
time of his mother's death, and when a lad of ten 
he was left an oqihan. Thus early in life he was 



thrown upon his own resources to make his way 
in the world as best he could. He went to live 
with a farmer, with whom he remained for seven 
years, during which time he attended the com- 
mon schools to a limited extent. His training at 
farm labor, however, was not meagre. He earlj' 
began work in the fields, and as soon as old 
enough to handle the plow he began turning the 
furrows, where in course of time would be gar- 
nered plentiful harvests. At the age of seven- 
teen he left Pennsylvania, and, emigrating west- 
ward, took up his residence in Fulton County, 111. , 
only a short distance from where he now lives. 
He began work at the carpenter's trade, which 
he followed continuously until i860, when he 
made his first purchase of land. He had worked 
earnestly and untiringly, and with the capital he 
had thereb}- acquired he purchased fortj- acres in 
Bushnell Township, McDonough County. He 
at once began to improve the tract, and has since 
made his home thereon. With characteristic en- 
ergy he began its cultivation, and the wild land 
was soon tran.sformed into rich and fertile fields. 
He has erected good buildings, and all of these 
improvements stand as monuments to his thrift 
and enterprise. As time passed and his earnest 
labors increased his financial resources, he ex- 
tended the boundaries of his farnj, which com- 
prises two hundred acres of land, and in addition 
to this he owns a section (six hundred and forty 
acres) of land in Gosper County, Neb. The place 
is neat and thrifty in appearance, and the well- 
tilled fields yield to the owner a golden tribute in 
return for the labor he bestows upon them. 

On the 27th of April, 1857, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Perfenia Buck, 
a native of Pennsylvania, who during her infancy 
was brought to Illinois by her parents, Peter and 
Polly (Gaube) Buck, who are mentioned else- 
where in this work in connection with the sketch 
of Joseph Buck. Two children were born unto 
our subject and his wife, James F. and Charles 
W., who are wide-awake and enterprising young 
men, extensively engaged in the foundry business 
in Bushnell. 

The best interests of the connnunity have ever 
found in Mr. Brown a warm friend. He has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



267 



done much to advance the cause of education, 
and for fifteen years has faithfully ser\-ed as 
School Director in his district. Throughout his 
life he has endeavored to folhnv the Golden Rule, 
and his career has e\'er been an honorable and 
straightforward one, which has gained him the re- 
spect and confidence of alF with whom he has 
been brought in connection. In politics, he has 
ever been a stalwart Democrat, and has the cour- 
age of his convictions. 



'OM H. B. CAMP, the well-known, genial 
and gentlemanly editor of the Bushnell Rec- 
ord, published in Bushnell, 111., needs no 
special introduction to the readers of this volume, 
for few men have a wider acquaintance in Mc- 
Donough County and this part of the State than 
he. He was born in the county which is .still his 
home, August 16, i860, and is a son of Sterling 
P. and Samantha (Hains) Camp. His father 
came of an old family of East Tenne.ssee which 
strong!}- supported the Abolition cau.se, and his 
mother was a native of Pennsylvania. Sterling 
Camp came to McDonough Count}- in the early 
'50s and settled in Walnut Grove Township, 
where he followed farming until his death, in the 
.spring of 1870. His widow .still survives him. 
Their children were as follows: Tom, of this 
sketch; John R., who was born February 6, 
1862; William, who was born November 2, 1863, 
and is now living in Jacks(Miville, III.: Frank, 
born No\-ember4, 1865; and Anna K., born April 
6, 1870. 

The fir.sl ancestor of our subject of whom we 
have any certain knowledge was Sterling Camp, 
a country .squire and a .soldier of the Revolution 
from South Carolina. He was of English origin, 
and his wife was of full Welsh blood. Their son 
John, the paternal grandfather of oursubject,was 
an East Tennessee planter, who was the owner of 
a number of slaves. He gave to his son Sterling 
one of the negroes, a colored preacher. As Ster- 
ling could not free him under the laws of the 
State of Tennessee, he did the next best thing. 



allowing him liberty to go and come as he 
plea.sed. The old man long outlived his ma.ster. 
The sympathies of the Camp family were all on 
the side of the Union, and Tom Camp, an uncle of 
our subject, served throughout the late war among 
the boys in blue. He is now living in Beebe, 
Ark. His brother, John B., was drafted into the 
Confederate service when but a boy, but on ac- 
count of an injured foot he was unable to go to 
the front. He then managed to evade the pro- 
vost officers until enabled to make his way through 
the lines to the North. After coining to the 
North, he attended school for a time, and then 
went to California. He is now engaged in fruit- 
culture in Pomona. Three sisters of the familv 
married and live in the South. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who in the usual manner of farmer lads 
spent his early boj-hood days. Later he attended 
the High School of Macomb, and suliseejuently be- 
came a member of the first class which was grad- 
uated from the High School of Bushnell. He 
then engaged in teaching, also worked in a brick- 
yard for a tiuie, and later gave his attention to 
farming. His connection with the printing busi- 
ness began in 1889, when he commenced learning 
the trade in the office of T/ir Gleaner. Two years 
later, in connection with Charles W. Taylor, he 
purchased the Bushnell Record, a paper founded 
in 1868 by Capt. Epperson. On the ist of Jan- 
uary, 1893, John Camp purcha.sed the interest of 
Mr. Taylor, who became an editorial writer on 
the Chicago Tribune, and the firm of Camp 
Brothers has since continued the publication of 
the Bushnell Record. 

On the 23d of December, 1882, Tom Camp was 
united in marriage with Jes.sie Fremont Baker, 
daughter of Frank N. Baker, of Hannibal, Mo., 
and a native of Connecticut. Three children have 
been born unto them: Howard Sterling, Frank 
Baker and Marj- Inez. 

On the ist of January, 1885, John R. Campled 
to the marriage altar Lura C. Keral, and one 
child graces their union, Lura Zolene. The jun- 
ior member of the firm of Camp Brothers learned 
his trade in the office where he is now a partner. 
He began work therein on the ist of April, 1S78, 



268 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and has served in its various capacities from er- 
rand-boj' up to proprietor. The Bushnell Record 
is a bright and newsj' sheet, well edited, and the 
liberal patronage which it receives is well de- 
sen'ed. The proprietors are both supporters of 
the Republican party , and the paper is published 
in the interests of that organization. 

John Camp has served as Town Collector, and 
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America 
and of the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment, 
I. 0. O. F. He has been several times Secretarj- 
and Chief Patriarch in the latter order, and has 
represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. 

Tom Camp has been elected to several local of- 
fices and takes quite a prominent part in politics, 
but his influence is generallj- used for the support 
of a friend. When the Republican County Con- 
vention convened in 1892 to nominate a candi- 
date for Representative, several ballots were 
taken without any person receiving a majority. 
No great enthusiasm was shown for any candi- 
date. At length the Colchester delegation gave 
sixteen votes for Mr. Camp, and the Blandinsville 
delegation followed with seven. Other delegations 
which had previously voted tried to recall them, 
and it was moved that Mr. Camp be nominated 
by acclamation. The motion was seconded from 
all parts of the house, and it was soon seen that 
Mr. Camp was the popular candidate, but he had 
helped place Mr. Kaiser, of Bushnell, before the 
convention, and in view of this fact, together 
with other reasons, he declined the honor confer- 
red upon him. The Colchester Independent, 
speaking of the incident, said: "It was a splen- 
did tribute to a splendid man," and this senti- 
ment was largely echoed throughout the county. 
Our subject has served as Alderman for two 
terms, and is now serving his second term as 
President of the Board of Education. The best 
interests of the community always receive his 
supi)ort, and he is enthusia.stic in the promotion 
of those enterprises calculated to advance the gen- 
eral welfare. Socially, he is a member of the 
Modern Woodmen of America, the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and is an honored member of the Knights 
of Pythias. 

Mr. Camp is an ardent follower of Isaac Wal- 



ton and takes great delight in the use of the 
rod and line. Of a social disposition, he is friendly 
and genial in manner, enjoys good humor, and is 
an entertaining conversationalist. His friends 
throughout the county where his entire life has 
been passed are indeed many. 



i^+^l=- 



pCJlLLIAME. LEWIS, editor and pubhsher 
\ A/ of the Prairie Cit}- Herald, and a representa- 
V V tive citizen of that place, was born in Pied- 
mont, Va., on the 2d of August, 1852, and is a son 
of Benjamin F. and Jane (Johnson) Lewis. His fa- 
ther was a native of Augusta County, \'a., and 
there resided for many years. In early life he em- 
barked in merchandi.sing, and .successfully contin- 
ued operations along that line until after the break- 
ing out of the late war, when on account of the hard 
times he lost the most of his property. Reared to 
southern principles and views, he entered the 
Confederate army and served with Stonewall 
Jackson during the entire war. When the struggle 
was ended he came to Illinois, in 1866, locating in 
Lewistown, where his death occurred at the age of 
seventy-four years. His parents were both na- 
tives of America, but were of Scotch- Irish ex- 
traction. The mother of our subject was also of 
Scotch-Irish descent. She too was a native of 
the Old Dominion, and died in Lewistown. 

The subject of this sketch is the younger of two 
children. The first fourteen years of his life were 
spent in his native State, and he then accom- 
panied his parents on their emigration to Illinois, 
where he has since made his home. The public 
schools afforded him his educational privileges, 
and his service in the printing-office has also 
added greatly to his knowledge, making him a 
well-informed man, who is well posted on all the 
interests and issues of the day. Soon after locat- 
ing in Lewistown, he began learning the printer's 
trade, and was employed in an office at that place 
for about four years. He then began to read law, 
and was admitted to the Bar in 1886. 

Mr. Lewis first came to Prairie City in 1876. 
Here he engaged in the publication of a newspa- 




Hknry C. Twvman 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



per for some time, and also continued his legal 
studies. After his admission to the Bar he be- 
gan practice here, and has .since continued the 
pro.secution of his profession in connection with 
the publication of his paper, his time being de- 
voted to the two business interests. 

Mr. Lewis took for his wife Mi.ss Ida Steach, 
of Prairie Citj-, and by their union has been born 
a daughter, Hazel. In politics, our subject is a 
supporter of the Democracy, and is a .stalwart ad- 
vocate of its principles. His paper is published 
in the interests of that party, and he does all in his 
power to advance the cau.se. 



271 



-s] 



^+^ 



1^=1 



HENRY C. TWYMAN, deceased, was for 
many years numbered among the leading 
business men of Macomb, and no one's his- 
torj' is more deserving of a place in this volume 
than is his. He was born in Hodgensville, 
K3-. , on the nth of June, 1832, and spent the 
days of his youth in his native State. He was a 
.son of Elijah and Mar>- (Bell) Twyman, natives 
of Virginia. At the age of eighteen years, how- 
ever, he started out in life for himself, and came to 
Macomb, where he ever afterwards lived. He 
became a leader in business circles and worked his 
way upward to a position of affluence. He was 
first employed as clerk in the store of Iverson 
Twyman and D. P. Wells. The former was his 
elder brother, who had come to Macomb in 1836. 
This gentleman was also an influential citizen of 
Macomb, and filled various responsible positions. 
He served as County Assessor, and twice held the 
office of County Treasurer. He was also col- 
lector for the North Cro.ss Railroad during the 
time of its construction. He possessed most ex- 
cellent business and executive ability and those 
traits of character which win success. 

Henry Clay Twj'man remained in his brother's 
employ for several years, where he became famil- 
iar with business methods, acquiring a knowl- 
edge which he applied to his own dealings when 
he had entered into business for himself In 1854, 
he became proprietor of a drug store, which he 



carried on for many years. He met with excel- 
lent success in that venture, and enjoyed a con- 
stantly increasing trade, which in course of time 
yielded him an excellent income. He had no 
special advantages in his youth, and he worked 
his waj- upward by his own merit. 

On the 9th of October, 1856, Mr. Twyman was 
joined in marriage with Mi.ss Martha Chandler, 
daughter of Col. Charles Chandler, who for many 
years was one of the leading spirits in the up- 
building and development of Macomb. Eight 
children were born unto our subject and his wife, 
and five of the number are yet living, namely: 
Belle, who was born November 5, i860, and is 
the wife of Charles Mapes, a resident of Hutchin- 
son, Kan.; Willis F., who was born July 30, 
1865, and is now engaged in the real-estate busi- 
ness in Macomb; Catherine, who was born Octo- 
ber 2, 1870, and is the wife of Ross C. Hall, an 
attorney of Chicago; Marj- King, who was born 
February 9, 1873, and is the wife of Dr. C. H. 
McLean, of Spokane, Wash.; and Franklin, who 
was born October 21, 1876, and is now a student 
in the State University at Champaign, 111. Those 
decea.sed are: Charles E., who died January 28, 
i860, at the age of twenty months; Henrj' Iver- 
son, who was born September 2, 1863, and died 
at the age of ten months; and Vila.sco C, who 
died Februarj- 20, 1889, a short time before his 
twenty-first birthday. 

For many years Mr. Twyman engaged in mer- 
chandising in Macomb, first as a dealer in drugs 
and later in dry goods. He was straightforward 
and honorable in all dealings, was enterprising 
and industrious, and progressive though conser\-- 
ative. His success came to him as the result of 
well-directed efforts and careful attention to the 
details of his business. He became largely inter- 
ested in real estate and was the owner of a fine 
farm, besides consideral)le valuable town i)roperty. 
He was also one of the original stockholders in 
the Fir-st National Bank of Macomb. He died 
October 18, i8gi, in the faith of the Chri.stian 
Church, of which he had long been a member. 

Mrs. Twyman also holds membership with the 
Christian Church, and takes a deep interest in 
church and charitable work. She still resides in 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Macomb, in the comfortable home left her by her 
husband, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of 
a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Al- 
most her entire life has here been passed, for she 
belongs to one of the honored pioneer families of 
the countj-. 



^^^H^P=- 



pQlLLIAM G. RICH, who is engaged in 
I A/ SS"^''^^ farming on section 28, Mound 
YY Township, McDonough County, is a na- 
tive of Germany , his birth having occurred in Wur- 
temberg on the 17th of June, i860. His par- 
ents, Frederick and Catherine (Muelberger) Rich, 
were also natives of that country. The father 
was born about 1834, and was reared as a Ger- 
man farmer. Throughout his life he has carried 
on agricultural pursuits, and has met with good 
success in his work. Crossing the Atlantic to 
America in 1866, he landed on the .shores of the 
New World, and at once made his way to Knox 
County, 111. Some time afterwards he removed 
to Mercer County, and bought one hundred and 
sixty acres of land, to which he has since added a 
tract of eighty acres. He now has a good farm, 
which is under a high .state of cultivation. He is 
a member of the Odd Fellows' society, and since 
coming to Illinois has held several township of- 
fices. 

In the Rich family are eight children, three 
sons and five daughters, of whom William G. of 
this sketch is the elde.st. The others are Anna, 
Frederick, Katie, Paul, Mary, Rosa and Carrie. 
The family circle yet remains unbroken by the 
hand of death, and the children younger than our 
.subject are .still living with their parents in Mer- 
cer County. 

William G. Rich was only six years old when 
he left the Fatherland and accompanied the fam- 
ily to the United States. He attended the dis- 
trict schools of the neighborhood until thirteen 
years of age, and then went to Galesburg, 111., 
where he entered a private German school, and 
pursued a German and English course of studj- 
for two years. The succeeding three years of his 



life were passed in learning the business of a florist 
and landscape gardener under the direction of 
E. H. Miller, of Galesburg. In 1877, he went 
to Elmwood, where, in the employ of Mr. McCoe, 
he learned the business of finishing furniture. 
One year was spent in that place, after which he 
came to McDonough County, where he has since 
engaged in farming. 

On the 2ist of February, 1884, Mr. Rich led to 
the marnage altar Miss Ida M. Scott, and by 
their union have been born five children, all of 
whom are still at home, namely: Bernice Estella, 
Card L. , Lloyd S. , Harrison R. and Jennie Grace. 
The parents of Mrs. Rich were Harrison R. and 
Annie M. Scott. They were numbered among 
the earl)- settlers of McDonough Count}-, and 
here resided for many years. The father was 
called to his final rest September 4, 1889, but the 
mother is now living in New Philadelphia, 111. 
Mr. and Mrs. Rich reside upon a good farm of 
eighty acres, forty acres of which Mrs. Rich in- 
herited from her father, while the remainder was 
purchased bj- our subject in 1883. He has placed 
the entire amount under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, and it yields to him a golden tribute in return 
for the care and labor he bestows upon it. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Rich are members of the Free- Will 
Baptist Church, in which they take an active in- 
terest, and he also holds membership with the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He exercises 
his right of franchise in support of the Republi- 
can party, with which he has affiliated since at- 
taining his majority. 



^+^ 



c=_ 



"S) 



"HOMAS T. HULEN, the genial and pleas- 
ant proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, of 
Augusta, was born in Randolph County, 
N. C, October 30, 1837^. His grandfather, Will- 
iam Hulen, was a farmer of that State, and reached 
an advanced age. He reared a family of three 
sons one of whom, George P., became the father 
of our subject. He was also born in North Caro- 
lina, and followed agricultural pursuits. After 
arriving at j-ears of maturity, he married Jane 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL :aECORD. 



273 



Hardister, a native of the same State, and a daugh- 
ter of Elisha Hardister, who was bom in Mary- 
land . The last-named served in the War of 1 8 1 2 . 
B}- occupation he was a hatter and farmer, and 
owned a number of slaves. 

In 1845, George P. Hulen left the South and 
made his way to Illinois. He located in Elm 
Grove, where he purchased eight}' acres of land, 
to which he afterward added a tract of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. This farm he greatly im- 
proved, continuing its cultivation until his death 
in 1862, at the age of fifty-six j-ears. His wife 
sur\'ived him about twenty years, and died at the 
advanced age of eighty-four. They were both 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
were highly respected citizens. Their family 
numbered three children, a son and two daugh- 
ters, but the former is the only one now living. 

T. T. Hulen was a boy of eight years when, 
with his parents, he removed to Adams County, 
111., where he was reared to manhood. The dis- 
trict schools of the neighborhood afforded him his 
educational privileges. After he had attained 
mature \-ears his father gave him a start in life, 
and he began farming in his own interest. He 
was married on the 3d of March, 1859, to Miss 
Mary E., daughter of Je.sse and Martha (Shoe- 
maker) Burke, of Schuyler County, and they be- 
came the parents of two children. The elder, 
Cora M., married Rev. J. F. Horney, a Method- 
ist minister of the Illinois Conference, and died, 
leaving a daughter, Mary E. George B. mar- 
ried Miss Ida Jones, and resides in Augusta. The 
mother died November 7, 1SS5. She was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and her 
loss was deeply mourned, as she had man\- friends 
throughout the community. 

On the 22d of July, 1888, Mr. Hulen married 
Mrs. Hester A. Skelley, widow of James Skelley. 
She was born in Randolph County, Ind., July 14, 
1842, and is a daughter of William B. and Mary 
(Rash) Doty, the former a native of Penasyl- 
vania, and the latter of Maryland. Her father, 
however, was reared in Ohio until the age of 
eighteen years, when he became a resident of 
Randolph County, Ind. Although too old to go 
to the war himself, he raised two companies, 



drilled them for service, and placed the first com- 
pany in charge of Capt. William Burroughs. 
The second company was commanded by Capt. 
William Macy. When it went South, Mr. Doty 
was also determined to enter the service, and went 
to Nashville, but was not accepted on account of 
his age. He was numbered among the honored 
pioneers of Randnl])h County, and after locating 
there walked forty miles in order to enter his land, 
camping one night with the Indians, who were 
ver>- numerous in that locality. His wife was 
fifteen days his senior, and they were but eighteen 
years of age at the time of their marriage. His 
death occurred June 20, 1873, at the age of fifty- 
eight years, and Mrs. Doty is .still living, at the 
age of .seventy-nine. They were both members 
of the Christian Church. 

In the Dot>- family were five .sons and eiglit 
daughters, nine of whom are yet living: Eevi M., 
of Dallas County, Iowa; He.ster Ann, wife of T. 
T. Hulen; Sarah Ellen, wife of Allen Yo.st. of 
Randolph County, Ind.; Mary E., wife of Laban 
Tunes, of Kokomo, Ind. ; Delilali, wife of J. F. 
Fulton, of Muncie, Ind. ; Enuna, wife of James 
R. Davidson, of Frankfort, Ind.; Melvina, wife 
of David Rowe, of Kokomo; John M., of Marion, 
Ind.; and Benjamin F., of Decatur, 111. 

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hulen, P'razy 
Dot}-, was a native of Penn.sylvania, and served 
in the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the 
Indian War. He also lived to see the War of the 
Rebellion. He was a farmer, and for forty-eight 
years was a minister of the United Brethren 
Church. At the age of eighty-nine >-ears he was 
murdered for his money, having drawn a pension 
of $800 the day previous. His wife reached the 
advanced age of ninety-two years, and died of 
paralysis, July 20, 1892. The maternal grand- 
father of Mrs. Hulen. Henry Rash, was a native 
of Ireland, and at the age often years he came to 
America, ha\ing hidden in the hull of a vessel, 
where he remained for three days without food. 
He grew to manhood in New Jersey, and there 
married a lady who was born and reared in Maine. 
His death occurred at the age of sixty-five, and 
his wife passed away at the age of forty-eight. 
They were buried near Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. 



274 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Hulen's first husband, James A. Skelley, ser\-ed 
for three j-ears and three months as a Union sol- 
dier during the late war. 

Our subject and his wife are both members of 
the Methodist Church, and he belongs to the Ma- 
sonic fraternity and the Home Forum. In poli- 
tics, he is a Republican, and ser\-ed as Postmaster 
of Elm Grove, 111. , for twenty years. He also has 
held a number of township offices, and discharged 
their duties with promptness and fidelity. For 
many years he followed farming, and now owns 
two hundred and seventy acres of \aluable land 
in Adams County, which yield to him a good in- 
come. In July, 1893, he came to Augusta, and 
has since been proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. 
His house is well conducted, and has found favor 
with the traveling public, which gives him a lib- 
eral and well-deserved patronage. 

gENJAMIN GOULD, who is now living re- 
tired, is the oldest resident of Augusta. He 
was born in Pomfret, Windham County, 
Conn. , June 2, 1 808, and is a son of John and Olive 
(KeachJ Gould, the former a native of Massa- 
chusetts, and the latter of Rhode Island. The 
father was a cooper b}- trade, and followed that 
business through the winter seasons, while in the 
summer he worked at farming. He died in Pom- 
fret, Conn., in 1863, at the age of ninety years, 
and his wife died six days previously at the age 
of eighty-nine. The\' were members of the Pres- 
byterian Church, and their family numbered 
thirteen children, only two of whom are living, 
Benjamin and William. The latter resides in Ox- 
ford, Chenango County, N. Y., at the age of 
seventy-seven. Their .sister Nancy, wife of John 
Griggs, died in 1890, when ninetj--seven years of 
age. The Gould family in America .sprang from 
three brothers, natives of England, who, in early 
Colonial days, crossed the Atlantic to Massa- 
chusetts. 

Benjamin Gould was reared in Connecticut, 
and in 1832 he emigrated to Illinois, by way of 
the canals and the lakes, and by stage and horse- 



back. He made a .settlement in what is now 
Augusta Township, Hancock County, and on 
Christmas Day of 1833 he married Miss Rebecca 
Jones, daughter of Cassandra Jones. Six days 
later the young couple removed to Northeast 
Township, Adams County, and lived upon a farm 
there for forty-seven years. Mr. Gould first pre- 
empted one hundred and sixty-se^•en acres of 
Government land, and afterwards bought and 
sold several tracts. In his seventN'-fourth year 
he abandoned farming, and for the past tweh-e 
jears has been living in Augusta. 

Ten children were born to our subject and his 
wife, four sous and six daughters. Olive C. , the 
eldest, is the wife of Frank McGinnis, of Cam- 
eron, Mo.; Eliza A. is now deceased; John Henry- 
makes his home in Obelisk, Kan. ; Elizabeth has 
passed away; Ellen is the wife of William Bacon, 
of Huntsville, 111. ; Benjamin is now deceased; 
Benjamin Leslie is living in Kansas Cit}-, Mo. ; 
Cynthia has departed this life; Hattie is the wife 
of William Edwards; and one child died in in- 
fancy. The mother of this family, who was a 
member of the Christian Church, died in 1873. 
Mr. Gould afterwards married Mrs. Hester 
Campbell, widow of George Campbell, and a 
daughter of Philip Harney, of North Carolina. 
Her death occurred in 1884. She too was a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. In April, 1884, Mr. 
Gould wedded Mrs. Abigail Bacon, widow of 
Abner E. Bacon, and a daughter of Joseph and 
Rhoda (Hamilton) Bowker, natives of Vermont. 
By her first hu.sband Mrs. Gould had three 
daughters and two sons: Ann Virginia, wife of 
William Mead; Enos, of Tacoma, Wash.; Nettie 
Almira, deceased, wife of Leander Browning; Eu- 
gene, decea.sed; and Carrie R., wife of William 
Swartz, of Augu.sta Township. 

Our subject and his wife are faithful and con- 
sistent members of the Christian Church, in 
which he ser\-ed as Elder for man\- years. In 
politics, he was first a \\'hig, and has been a Re- 
publican since the organization of the party. In 
Adams County he served as School Treasurer for 
thirty -seven consecutive years, was Justice of the 
Peace seventeen years, and during that time no 
appeal was ever taken from his docket. He has 



f 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



275 



been Supervisor, Assessor and Collector. An 
honored pioneer of Hancock County, he is fam- 
iliar with its history- from the days of its early 
infancy. He built the first cabin in Augusta, 
and was the first white man married in the town- 
ship. He is now nearly eighty-six years of age, 
and is still remarkably active for one of his years. 
He is quietly spending his declining days in Au- 
gusta, where he is surrounded by a host of warm 
friends. 



-^1. 



"^3 



^-!-^ 



1=^ 



'3EORGE HAVEN EASTMAN, who carries 
_ on general farming on section 15, Augusta 
J Township, Hancock County, was born in 
Meridian, N. H., March 3, 1863, and is a son of 
Prosper L,ee and Eleanor (Haven) Eastman, who 
were also natives of the old Granite vState. They 
had only two children, George and Frank Hemen- 
way. The father for about thirty years has en- 
gaged in dealing in live stock, and now makes his 
home in Albany-, N. Y. In early life he followed 
farming. On leaving New Hampshire, he re- 
moved to New York City, and later spent a few 
years in Wisconsin. He has purchased .stock all 
through Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and other 
Western States, and for many years was in part- 
nership with his brother, Timothy C. Eastman, 
who died in September, 1893. Many years ago 
he came to Illinois, and purchased seven hundred 
acres of land, which he gave to his sons. After- 
wards he bought an adjoining tract of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, and built a fine residence 
upon his farm. His wife, who was the daughter 
of a Universalist preacher, died May 5, 1874. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph 
Ea.stman, was also a native of New Hampshire, 
and was a carpenter by trade. He reared a fam- 
ily of three sons, Timothy, Stephen and Prosper, 
and died in middle life. The maternal grandfa- 
ther, Moses Haven, was also born in the Granite 
State, and devoted the greater part of his life to 
the work of the Gospel. 

George Eastman whose name heads this rec- 
ord spent the first three years of his life in the 



State of his nativity, and then accompanied his 
parents on their removal to the Empire State. 
The greater part of his youth was spent in Al- 
bany, N. Y., where he attended the public 
.schools. Later he entered Williams College, of 
Williamstown, Mass., and was graduated from 
that institution in 1886. Soon after he started 
for the West, and on the 9th of July of that year 
arrived in Augusta, where he worked under his 
father's instructions until 1888, when the latter 
presented him and his brother with their beauti- 
ful homes. 

On the 2ist of October, 1889, Mr. Eastman led 
to the marriage altar Miss Jennie Estelle, daugh- 
ter of Nixon and Keziah Lamar f Robbins) Bal- 
four, who were nati\-es of North Carolina. The 
young couple hold membership with the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, take an active part in its 
work and upbuilding, and contribute liberally to 
its support. Mr. Eastman is now .serving as one 
of the Church Trustees. Socially, he is a Knight 
Templar Ma.son, and holds membership with 
J. L. Anderson Lodge No. 318, A. F. & A. M.; 
Augusta Chapter No. 72, R. A. M., of which he 
was High Priest; and Almoner Commandery No. 
32, K. T., of which he is now Past Commander. 
In politics, he is a .stalwart supporter of the Re- 
publican party and its principles, but has never 
sought or desired political preferment. Tlie 
cause of education has ever found in him a warm 
friend, and he is now the capal)le and efficient 
President of the School Hoard. The best in- 
terests of the community ever find in him a warm 
friend, and his hearty support and co-0])erati()n 
are always given to those enterpri.ses which he 
believes will prove of public benefit. 

1= ■'^'^ <~T"^&''^^ I 



0RRIN W. CHATTERTON, who is engaged 
in the livery business in Macomb, as a mem- 
ber of the firm of Camp & Chatterton, was 
born on the i6th of April, 1864, in Ennnet Town- 
ship, McDonougli County. His ]>arents were 
Orrin and Permelia J. ( Crabbj Chatterton. The 
father was a native of the Empire State, and re- 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



maiiied upon a farm in New York until his emi- 
gration to the West. Locating in Illinois, he 
purchased a farm in Emmet Township, Mc- 
Donough County, and there engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits until his death, which occurred at 
the age of fifty-six years. He was one of the pio- 
neer settlers of the county, and witnessed much of 
its growth and development. His parents were 
also natives of New York, and the family was 
probably founded in America during Colonial 
days. The father served in the War of 1812. 
Mrs. Chatterton, mother of our subject, was a na- 
tive of Virginia, and came to McDonough County 
with her parents during the days of early maiden- 
hood. She is now living on the old homestead in 
Macomb Township, at the age of sixty-six years. 
In the family were the following children: Lucy, 
now the wife of Joseph McGinnis, of Kenosha 
County, Kan.; Charles, who is engaged in farm- 
ing in McDonough County; Josie, wife of Riley 
Sutton, of this county ; Sanuiel, also an agricul- 
turist of this county ; and Orrin W., of this sketch. 

Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth upon the old homestead farm, remaining 
with his parents until he had attained his major- 
ity. He acquired his education in the common 
schools of the neighborhood, which he attended 
through the winter season, while in the summer 
months he aided in the labors of the farm. He 
inherited from his father some land, and on start- 
ing out in life for himself began the further de- 
velopment and cultivation of this tract, which he 
continued to successfully operate until 1S93. He 
then sold out and came to Macomb, purchasing a 
half-interest in the livery barn with which he is 
still connected. 

On the 15th of February, 18S3, Mr. Chatterton 
led to the marriage altar Miss Lydia M. Walker, 
of McDonongh County, and their union has been 
blessed with three children; Walter W., Lucian 
B. and Willie. The youngest, however, died in 
infancy. Mr. Chatterton is a young man of good 
business and executive ability, and the firm with 
which he is now coiniected receives from the pub- 
lic a liberal patronage. Their barn is complete 
in all its appointments, and by their earnest en- 
deavors to please their customers, they have se- 



cured the confidence and best wishes of the entire 
community. Socially, Mr. Chatterton is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, belong- 
ing to Montrose Lodge Xo. 104, K. P. He ex- 
ercises his right of franchise in support of the 
Democratic party. 



"^ 



[=^ 



NENRY M. HARRISON, M. D., occupies a 
foremost place in the medical fraternity of 
the "Military Tract." He is now located 
in Bushnell, 111., but has an extensive practice, 
which extends throughout central Illinois. A 
native of Alexandria, Licking County, Ohio, he 
was born July 26, 1852, and is a son of Spencer 
and Georgiana (Hall) Harrison, the former a na- 
tive of Bartholomew County, Kj-., and the latter 
of Greenwich, Prince William County, Va. The 
grandfather of our .subject, Gambriel Harrison, 
removed from Virginia to Kentucky, and thence 
to Ohio, where he died when his son Spencer was 
a small boy. He was an own cousin of Gen. 
William Henry Harrison, President of the United 
States. The Harrisons are an honored family. 
The great-grandfather of our subject was Carter 
Harrison, and the name of Carter is frequently 
found among his descendants. 

Spencer Harrison was a carpenter by trade and 
for many years also followed merchandising. In 
1853, he emigrated westward to Cuba, Fulton 
County, 111., and the following year made a per- 
manent location there. To him and his wife 
were born four children, namely; Henry M., of 
this sketch; George, who died in infancy; Frank 
M., who is engaged in the practice of medicine in 
Bryant, 111.; and John R., a practicing physician 
of Glassford, 111. The mother of this family was 
called to her final rest April 4, 1866, her last 
days being spent in Cuba. 

Dr. Harrison of this sketch attended the High 
Schools of Cuba and Canton, and was graduated 
from the latter. He taught school in Ohio one 
winter, when only sixteen years of age, and at the 
age of fourteen he successfulh' passed an exami- 
nation entitling him to a first-grade teacher's cer- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



277 



tificate. On his return from the Buckeye State 
he engaged in teaching school in Knox County 
until 1871, when he entered the Missouri Medical 
College, of St. Louis, Mo., attending the winter 
and spring course. He embarked in the practice 
of his chosen profession in Marietta, Fulton 
County, where he remained two years, and then 
went to Deland, Piatt County. In the winter of 
1876-77, he was a student in the College of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons in Keokuk, Iowa, and was 
graduated therefrom in the spring of the latter 
year. 

In August, 1S77, Dr. Harrison came to Bush- 
nell, where he has since continued in t^eneral 
practice. In 1883, he took the physician's cour.se 
of study in the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons of Chicago, and after^vards attended the 
Chicago Ophthalmic College, making a specialty 
of the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, 
and graduating in 1887. In 1883 he spent some 
time in the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. He 
has since made a specialty of diseases along this 
line. He began fitting himself for this branch in 
1872 by private study under Dr. Charles E. 
Michel, of St. Louis. He also took a private 
course with Prof John E. Harper, of Chicago, 
and was his assistant in 1885. In 1890, he 
erected the infirmary at Bushnell, of which he is 
the head. It was built at a cost of about $8,000, 
is heated by steam throughout, and the appoint- 
ments are excellent. 

On the 19th of July, 1873, Dr. Harrison wed- 
ded Miss Mary Louretta McCauce, and unto them 
have been V)orn three children, Clara Leona, Flor- 
ence Myrtle and Henry Benjamin. The son was 
named in honor of President Harri.son, who 
wrote a letter of congratulation to the parents at 
the time. The young ladies have been most 
highly educated. Both arc graduates of the 
High School of Bushnell, and Clara graduated in 
music from the Western Normal College, at Bush- 
nell, 111., having studied vocal music for two 
years under Prof Phelps, and instrumental music 
under Miss Ingersoll, of Chicago, 111. The fam- 
ily is one of prominence in Bushnell, and its mem- 
bers hold an enviable position in social circles. 

Dr. Harrison is a member of the Ma.sonic or- 



der, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern 
Woodmen of America. He has been repeat- 
edly elected Secretary- and Treasurer of the "Mil- 
itary Tract" Medical Association, and has been a 
leader in promoting the interests of that organ- 
ization. He is a member of the Illinois State 
Medical vSociety, and was a member of the Ninth 
International Medical Congress, which con- 
vened in September, 18S7, in Wa.shington, D. C, 
when were present about seven thou.sand dele- 
gates, the largest medical congress ever held. He 
is a recognized leader in his profession, and in 
practice is enjoying a well-de.served success. 

In politics. Dr. Harri.son has always been a 
stalwart Republican, un.swerving in his allegiance 
to the party and its principles. For two consec- 
utive terms of two years each he held the office of 
Mayor of Bushnell, and declined a renomination 
in 1893. He received the largest majority ever 
given to a candidate for that office, and on ac- 
count of his advocacy of public improvements he 
won the support of all progres.sive and public- 
spirited citizens. 



-^-^+^ 



(S_ 



[=^ 



QTEPHEN L. BABBITT, M. D., a retired 
?\ physician residing in Bu.shnell, claims Con- 
VlJf necticut as the State of his nativity. He was 
born in Fairfield County, June 29, 1814, and 
was the youngest in a faniil>- of eleven children, 
whose parents were Abiel and Al)igail (Sturges) 
Babbitt. William, the eldest of the family, was a 
prominent attorney and graduate of Yale College. 
When a young man he went to Indiana, and re- 
ceived the nomination for Governor of that State, 
but died of typhus fever before the election. Abi- 
gail, Andrew S., Eliza M., Ambrose and Julia A. 
are all now deceased, while Francis L. is liv- 
ing in Arizona, at the age of eighty -three years. 
Edwin was a General in the Ignited States Army 
and a man of prominence. The Habbitt family 
was founiled in America at a very early day, and 
the grandfather of our subject sen-ed in the Revo- 
lution. The Doctor's father was a native of Con- 
necticut, and was a farmer by occupation. His 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



death occurred in the Nutmeg State, when about 
seventy-six }-ears of age. His wife was also a na- 
tive of Connecticut, as were her parents. Her 
death occurred at the home of her daughter in 
Galesburg, 111., at the ripe old age of ninety-five 
years. 

Dr. Babbitt spent his early bojhood days upon 
the home farm and in attendance at the district 
schools of the neighborhood. Wishing to acquire 
a better education than he could there obtain, he 
entered Yale College at the age of seventeen and 
later was graduated from Columbia College, of 
New York. During the succeeding three years 
of his Hfe he traveled quite extensively through 
the West, and was engaged in loaning money for 
his father and others. 

The Doctor entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession in Centreville, Mich., where he spent 
about two years, and then removed to Schoolcraft, 
where he continued the prosecution of his profes- 
sion for a period of four years. His next place of 
residence was in Mattawan, Van Buren County, 
Mich., and later he removed to Pine Grove Mich., 
where he opened an office and soon built up an 
extensive practice. He there enjoyed a most ex- 
cellent business and for eighteen years was one of 
the acknowledged leaders of the medical profession 
in that localitj'. On the expiration of that period 
he came to Bushnell, 111., where he practiced for 
three years. He then removed to the southern 
part of the State, but in 1883 returned to Bush- 
nell, where he has since lived a retired life. 

In 1S60, Dr. Babbitt was united in marriage 
with Miss Myra H. Farr, a native of New York, 
and a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (St. Law- 
rence) Farr. Her father was a native of Massa- 
chu.setts, and for some years engaged in the 
jewelry business. His death occurred when he 
had reached the allotted age of three-score jears 
and ten. His wife was a native of Ireland, and 
was distantly connected with the royal family of 
Great Britain. Mrs. Babbitt is the youngest in a 
family of eleven children, and is the onlj' one liv- 
ing. The others were Mary A., Joseph G. , Fran- 
cis E., Melvin S., Amanda E., Harriet H.. Ed- 
ward, and three who died in infancy-. 

Dr. Babbitt and his wife have traveled life's 



journey together for about thirty-five years, and 
faithfully shared with each other the joys and 
sorrows, adversity and prosperity of life. As the 
days pa.ssed, their mutual confidence and lo\-e 
have increased, and they have won the esteem of 
all with whom they have been brought in con- 
tact. They possess many excellencies of char- 
acter, and have always been benevolent and 
generous with the poor and needy. All worthy 
enterprises have received their support, and the 
best interests of the community always find in 
them a friend. In his political views. Dr. Bab- 
bitt is a Democrat. He has now reached the age 
of eighty years, but is well preserved, and we join 
with his friends in wishing that he may yet be 
spared for some time to come. 



l^" 



r^EV. THOMAS AARON CANADY is one 
1^ of the leading ministers of the Methodist 
p\ Episcopal Church in Illinois, and is now 
.serving as pastor of the congregation in Augusta. 
He has many friends in J;his community, and we 
feel assured that the record of his life will prove 
of interest to many of our readers. He was born 
in Clarke County, Ohio, July 30, 1846, and is a 
son of Thomas and Eva (Huffman) Canady, the 
former a native of the Buckeye State, and the lat- 
ter of Virginia. Samuel Canady, the grandfather, 
was born in the East, and was a farmer by occu- 
pation. He served as a soldier in the War of 
1 81 2, and reached an advanced age. His family 
numbered nine .sons and two daughters. The 
maternal grandfather, Aaron Huffman, was of 
German parentage, and he, too, served in the 
War of 18 1 2. In an early day he made Iiis home 
in Virginia, but afterward removed to Ohio, and 
spent his last days in Cedar\ille, where his death 
occurred in 1865, at an advanced age. 

Thomas Canady, Sr., also engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits as a means of livelihood. He was 
three times married. His first wife died when 
our subject was only five years of age. He after- 
ward wedded Mrs. Towne, and subsequently was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Joanna Miner. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



279 



1866, he emigrated to Missouri, and his death oc- 
curred near Mill Grove, that State, in 1885, at 
the age of sixty-eight years. A member of the 
United Brethren Church, he lived an honorable, 
upright life, and was highlj- esteemed by all. 
The children of Thomas and Eva Canady were 
six in number, but only three are now living; 
Joshua, of Mercer County, Mo.; Cynthia, wife 
of Philip Nagley, of Clarke County, Ohio; and 
Rev. Thomas A., of this sketch. 

The gentleman whose name heads this notice 
was a lad of tweh-e years when he came with his 
parents to Illinois. In 1865 he accompanied them 
on their emigration to Missouri. His education 
was acquired in the schools of Ohio, and the Mis- 
souri University, of Columbia, Mo. A year after 
leaving that school he began preaching in the 
Methodist Church, and has since been engaged in 
the work of the ministrj-. 

During the late war, Mr. Canady was found 
among the defenders of the Union, sending for 
two years and a-half as a member of Company F, 
One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. 
He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs 
and Arkansas Post, and was captured at the battle 
of Guntown. For nine months he was held a 
prisoner and incarcerated at Andersonville, Savan- 
nah, Milan, Blackshear, Florence, S. C, and 
Salisbury-, N. C. He was ever found at his post 
faithfully performing his duty, and was a valiant 
defender of the Stars and Stripes and the cause 
which the Old Flag represejited. He is now a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

After his return from the army, Mr. Canady 
took up his residence in Missouri until his re- 
moval to Augusta. He served as pastor of the 
churches in Albanj-, Savannah, Maryville and 
Brookfield, was presiding Elder of the Kirk.sville 
District, and was pastor of the Broadway Church 
in Hannibal for two years. In 1892 he .served as 
a delegate to the General Conference held in 
Omaha, Neb. The degree of A. M. has been 
conferred upon him. 

On the 26th of March, 1875, Rev. Mr. Canady 
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret D. 
L/indsey, daughter of John C. W. and Elizabeth 
(Rhea) Lindsey, of Mercer County, Mo. The 



wedding was celebrated in Princeton, and by 
their union have been born a son and two daugh- 
ters: Laura E., Eva E. and Earl L. Mr. Can- 
ad}' now devotes his entire attention to pastoral 
work, laboring untiringly in the vineyard of the 
Master, and for the advancement of the cause upon 
earth. He has the high regard of this commu- 
nity, and is well liked by his congregation. 



"^i 



^HJH^[ 



*ySAAC A. OAKMAN, a retired farmer, now 
I living in Macomb, and Treasurer of the 
X, county, claims Pennsylvania as the State of 
his nativity. He was bojn in Bedford County 
on the 22d of April, 1827, and is a son of Ebe- 
nezer and Ami (Ansley) Oakman, the former a 
native of Ma.ssachusetts, and the latter of Penn- 
.sylvania. The Oakman family is of Irish lineage, 
and it is probable that all of the name in America 
sprang from a common stem. Leaving the old 
Bay vState, Ebenezer Oakman went to Philadel- 
phia, where he became acquainted with and mar- 
ried Miss Anslej', who was his second wife. By 
trade he was a shoemaker, and followed that pur- 
suit during his early life in the East. He re- 
moved from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, Pa., and 
subsequently traded his shoe .store for a large 
tract of land in Bedford Comit}'. Locating thereon, 
he began clearing and improving the same, and in 
that valley built two sawmills. His home was 
in the midst of the forest, where were seen few 
evidences of civilization and progress. He there 
died in 1840. By his finst wife he had five chil- 
dren, and by the second union were born seven 
children. 

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Oakman, 
mother of our subject, came to Illinois, and six 
of her children ultimately located in Hancock and 
McDonough Counties. The journey was made 
by way of Pilt.slnirgh, where thej- took a steamer 
for Warsaw. On reaching the Mississippi, they 
boarded a stern-wheel boat, thus saving about 
three hours in starting, but the other boat over- 
took them and the two vessels engaged in a race. 
This was a rather dangerous affair, and our sub- 



28o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ject thought that the end had come. The onl}- 
thing for the passengers to do was to get their 
guns and command the officers of the boat to stop 
putting on more steam. At length they reached 
their destination in safety. Mrs. Oakman con- 
tinued to reside in McDonough County until her 
death, which occurred at the home of her son 
Isaac in 1881. 

During his youth, Mr. Oakman of this sketch 
learned the tanning business in Huntingdon Coun- 
ty, Pa., ser\-ing a four-years apprentice.ship to 
the trade. He then followed the same pursuit 
for five jears in his own interest near Chambers- 
burg, Franklin County, Pa., and it was during 
his residence at that place that he met and mar- 
ried IMiss EHzabeth M. Campbell. The wedding 
ceremony was performed on the 17th of June, 
1 85 1. They became the parents of eight chil- 
dren, and seven of the luimber are yet living. 
All reside in McDonough Count}-, and five of 
the number are now married. Frank is engaged 
in farming near Bu.shnell: Mar>- Emma is the wife 
of Nicholas Swigert; William is engaged in the 
furniture business in Macomb; George is now edi- 
tor of the Blandinsville (hizcttc: Maggie Belle is 
at home; and Bert is employed in the /fsj^/f print- 
ing office in this city. 

On his emigration to Illinois, Mr. Oakman first 
took up his residence in Fountain Green, Han- 
cock County, where he arrived on the 12th of 
May, 1853. A year later he removed to Mc- 
Donough County, purchased a farm in Hire 
Town.ship, and turned his attention to agricul- 
tural pursuits, which he followed for many years. 
He was very successful in the work, and was the 
owner of a neat and well-kept farm, whose thrifty 
appearance indicated the careful super\-ision of 
the owner. Ere leaving his old home, Mr. Oak- 
man was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, 
who died on the 2d of July, 1890. 

In politics, our subject has always been a sup- 
porter of the Democracy, and on that ticket has 
been elected to a number of public offices. He 
served for three terms as Super\isor, and was a 
member of the County Board during the erection 
of the court house. In 189 1 he was elected 
County Treasurer, which position he still fills. 



Removing to Macomb, he has here since made 
his home. He at once entered upon the duties of 
hir office, and by his fidelity to the trust reposed 
in him he has won the commendation of all con- 
cerned. His business career has been one of suc- 
cess, and by his well-directed efforts, his industry 
and perseverance, he has acquired a comfortable 
competence, which numbers him among the sub- 
stantial citizens of the community. 



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0AVID CHAMBERS, an attorney -at-law of 
Bushnell, was born in Harrison County, 
Ohio, on the 2 2d of November, 1846. His 
parents, John and Hannah (Manleyj Chambers, 
w^ere both natives of the Buckeye State. The 
paternal grandfather, David Chambers, was born 
in \'irginia, but died in Ohio, when his son John 
was a small boy. The maternal grandfather, 
Allen Manley, was an Ohio farmer, and, emigrat- 
ing to Illinois, he located near New Philadelphia, 
in McDonough County, where he spent his re- 
maining days, passing away at the advanced age 
of eighty-two. The father of our subject carried 
on farming in Ohio until 1852, when he came to 
Illinois, and located in Harris Township, Fulton 
County, where he carried on agricultural pursuits 
until called to his final rest, in April, 1882, at the 
age of sixty-five years. His wife sur\-ived him 
until March, 1892, and died at the age of seventy- 
two. They were both members of the United 
Brethren Church. 

Mr. Chambers whose name heads this record 
was a lad of onlj' six summers when his parents 
emigrated to Fulton County. He remained upon 
the old home farm, nine miles southea.st of Bush- 
nell, until sixteen years of age, when he responded 
to the country's call for troops and joined the 
boys in blue of Company I, One Hundred and 
Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantr>% for one hundred 
days' service. During that time he was captured 
and sent to Castle Morgan Pri.son, at Cahaba, 
Ala., the old capital. After the war, he returned 
to Fulton County, where he engaged in teaching 
school until 18S1, when he began reading law 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



281 



with A. E. Banies, who was the first white male 
child born in Fulton Count}-. Under his direction, 
Mr. Chambers continued his studies until he en- 
tered the State University of Iowa, from which he 
was graduated in 1882. The following jear he 
was admitted to the Bar in Illinois, and at once 
opened a law office in Bushnell, where he has 
since been engaged in his profession. 

On the 31st of December, 1873, Mr. Chambers 
was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Bevans, 
daughter of Milton and Eliza (Williams ) Bevans, 
the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of 
Mar],-land. Two children grace the union of this 
worthy couple, a son and daughter, Milton J. and 
Nellie M., who are still at home. They have a 
pleasant residence in Bu.shnell, and their home is 
noted for its hospitality. 

In his social relations, Mr. Chambers is con- 
nected with the Masonic fraternity, and with Car- 
ter Van Vleck Post No. 74, G. A. R. In his 
political views, he is a Democrat, and for seven 
years has sened as Prosecuting Attorney for the 
city, a position he has filled with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to his con.stituents, as is indicated 
bj' his long retention in office. He is a lawyer of 
skill and ability, a man of keen judgment and quick 
discernment, and an able advocate. His earnest 
effijrts in the interests of his clients have gained 
for him an enviable reputation and a liberal pat- 
ronage. 



'.^■^m=^ 



gILES C. HAWLEY, a retired farmer of Au- 
gusta, is a native of the Buckeye State, and 
comes of an old New England family. His 
paternal grandfather, Gad Hawley, was a native 
of Farmington, Conn., and the house in which 
he lived one hundred and six years ago is still 
standing. By occupation, he was a farmer. His 
familj' numbered two sons and two daughters, 
one of whom, Chauncey Hawley, became the fa- 
ther of our subject. He removed from Connect- 
icut to Ohio in 1806, when the Buckeye State 
was an almost unbroken wilderness, and, locating 
in Austinburgh, purchased land of the Govern- 



ment. There he spent his remaining days. He 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a ver}' 
devout man, and aided in building the first house 
of worship in northern Ohio. When this church 
was completed, Mrs. Judge Austin went back to 
Connecticut on horseback, alone through the 
wilderness, and brought back Rev. Giles H. 
Cowles, after whom the subject of this sketch was 
named, who, with his family, came all the way 
by private conveyance in 18 13 to Ohio, where he 
reared his family. Alfred Cowles, of the Chicago 
Tribune, and Edwin Cowles, of the Cleveland 
Leader, were members, all of whom are now dead. 
Chauncey Hawley married Sophia Austin, daugh- 
ter of Judge Eliphalet Austin, who was the first 
settler of Austinburgh, Ohio, where he located in 
1798. In 1891, Giles Hawley and wife went back 
to the old place on a visit, and brought home fruit 
from the trees which were planted by his grand- 
father in 1799. 

Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Hawley became the 
parents of eight children, among whom were Mrs. 
John H. Catlin, E. P., Albert D. and Erastus A. 
Hawley, all of whom lived in Augusta, and are 
now deceased. Those living are Ursula, widow 
of William M. Dexter, of Augusta; Chauncey G., 
of Girard, Kan., who during the late war was 
Colonel of the First Regiment of Heavy Artillerj- 
of Ohio, and during the last two years of his serv- 
ice acted as Brigadier-General; and Giles C. of 
this sketch. The father followed farming through- 
out his entire life, and died in Austinburgh, Ohio, 
in 1853, at the age of seventy -three. His wife 
sur\'ived him until i860, and died in Augusta, at 
the age of sixty-nine. She was a devoted mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and took an act- 
ive part in its work. Her father, Eliphalet Austin, 
was one of the leading citizens of northern Ohio, 
and serv^ed in the Legislature from 181 2 to 18 14. 
His death occurred at the age of seventy -seven. 
He was a farmer and Judge, and had two broth- 
ers who ser\'ed in the Revolutionarj- War. His 
family numbered five sons and five daughters. 

Giles Cowles Hawley was born in Austinburgh, 
on the 2d of April, 1830, and there made his home 
until eighteen years of age, when he emigrated 
westward and became a resident of Augusta, 111. 



282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Here he embarked in merchandising in company 
with his brother, E. P. Hawley, who was a lead- 
ing citizen of Augusta from 1847 to 1887, when 
he died. In this business, which was carried on 
under the firm name of Hawley Bros., our subject 
continued until 1856. He then established a liv- 
er)' stable, which he conducted until the outbreak 
of the late war. After Ft. Sumter was fired upon, 
busine-ss interests no longer proved attractive to 
Mr. Hawley, for his sympathies were all with the 
Union, and he enlisted in its defense as a member 
of Company L, Second Illinois Cavalry, under 
Capt. Delano. He ser\-ed on detached duty with 
Grant's brigade for several months, traveling 
through Missouri and Kentucky, his company 
acting as Gen. Grant's bodyguard. On account 
of becoming deaf, however, he was forced to leave 
the .service after about a year. He, with a num- 
ber of others, was taken prisoner by Jeif Thomp- 
son in Missouri. After being robbed of every- 
thing but what they wore upon their persons, they 
were allowed to go. In 1 862, our .subject returned 
to Augusta and embarked in farming, which he 
followed continuously until his retirement from 
active life. 

On the 9th of September, 1858, Mr. Hawley 
wedded Miss Mace Fosdyck, and their union was 
blessed with two children: Sophia and Edwin 
Hurd. The former became the wife of George 
W. Gardner, of Warsaw, and died a true Chris- 
tian and active member of the church, leaving a 
daughter, Mace, who is living with her grand- 
father. For several years Edwin has been a 
commercial traveler in the employ of a Minneap- 
olis house. Mrs. Hawley, who was a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, was called to the home 
beyond September 26, 1872. On the i8th of 
April, 1878, Mr. Hawley married Miss Harriet, 
daughter of \Vad.sworth and Harriet (Ingensol) 
Mead. 

Our subject and his wife are both members of 
the Presbyterian Church, and, in politics, he is a 
supporter of the Republican party. He also holds 
membership with the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic. He owns a pleasant home in Augusta, and 
in addition to this until recently owned some 
good land along the river bottoms near Warsaw. 



There are only thirteen citizens in Augusta who 
were living here when Mr. Hawley came to the 
West in 1848. For years after he came to Illinois 
there were from thirty to forty of his name, and 
now he is the only Hawley living in Augusta, 
all but he having passed to the beyond. He has 
witnes.sed nearly the entire growth and develop- 
ment of the county, has seen its wild lands trans- 
formed into beautiful homes and farms, and where 
once roamed the deer domestic animals are now 
seen. Progress and development have placed 
Hancock County in the lead in the State, and Mr. 
Hawley has ever borne his part in the work of 
public advancement. 

b ''■ c=y <" T "> G=i aa 

(TjTERLING P. LEMMON, an attomey-at- 
7\ law, who is engaged in practice in Augusta, 
Vy has the honor of being a native of Illinois, 
his birth having occurred in Lima Township, 
Adams County, September 27, 1865. His par- 
ents, William D. and Elizabeth F. (Tout) Lem- 
mon, were also natives of Adams Count}-. They 
had a family of five daughters and a son, but 
only three are now living: Sterling P., our sub- 
ject; Anna, wife of J. W. Cunningham, station 
agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- 
road at We.st Point, 111.; and Frankie, a j'oung 
lady engaged in teaching in West Point. The 
father was a farmer in earlj- life, but in later 
years he has engaged in grain-dealing, and now 
makes his home in West Point. The greater 
part of his life has been passed in Adams County, 
and he removed to his present home in 1891. 
His wife passed away in 1882, in her thirty-ninth 
year. She was a member of the Christian Church 
and a most estimable lady. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Rud- 
ien Lemmon, was a native of Tennessee, and em- 
igrated to Illinois about 1823, when Quincy 
was a small village. He followed farming as a 
means of livelihood. He was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Adams County, and there .served as 
Collector for a number of terms. His death oc- 
curred at about the age of seventy-five years. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



283 



His family numbered seven children. The ma- 
ternal grandfather, John S. Tout, was born in 
Ohio, and came to this State at an early day, lo- 
cating in Galena, where he served as manager of 
the tanners- belonging to the father of Gen. 
Grant. When the General was a boy, Mr. Tout 
three times whipped him for disobedience, and 
when Grant became President, whether in return 
for the favor or not, we cannot say, he tendered 
Mr. Tout the position of Po.stmaster of Quincy. 
The latter, however, preferred to remain upon 
his farm, where he died of a cancer in Januan,-, 
1893, at the age of eighty-three years. 

Sterling P. Lemmon has spent the greater part 
of his life in this section of the State. His .school 
privileges were verj- meagre in earlj- life, but he 
afterward attended Chaddock College, of Quincy, 
from which in.stitution he was graduated in 1884. 
His parents did not wish him to become a lawyer, 
but as he felt that he could succeed in this branch 
of business, he began studying at home in 1882, 
and by faithful and persistent effort he fitted him- 
self for admission to the Bar, which event occur- 
red in 1889. The date September 11 has been 
an important one in his life. He began the study 
of law on that day, left the farm on that da)-, was 
married, and was admitted to the Bar on that 
da J'. 

The year of Mr. Lemmon's marriage was 18S7. 
He wedded Miss Alice M. Akins, daughter of 
Dr. J. S. and Jo.sephine (McFarland) Akins, of 
Loraine, 111. Two children grace their union, a 
son and a daughter, Chester A. and Edna Marie. 

Mr. Lemmon is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in 
politics he is a supporter of the Democracy. In 
January, 1893, 1^^ embarked in the practice of his 
profession in Augusta. Prior to that time he 
was a member of the firm of vShannon, Lemmon 
& Duval, of Quincy. During that time he was 
one of the defenders of E. J. Sullivan, who was 
accused of the murder of his sweetheart in Quincy 
in 1890. The young man was acquitted after a 
hotly -contested trial. He was also connected 
with the celebrated case of Sloniger versus Sloni- 
ger, on which eleven lawyers were employed. 



His firm won the case, setting aside the will, and 
cutting off an alleged heir from any rights in the 
estate. Mr. Lemmon now has a good practice, 
receiving patronage from Schuyler, McDonough, 
Adams and Hancock Counties. His office was 
destroyed by fire in May, 1893, but he is now 
nicely located, and a short time since he added 
one hundred and fort>--eight new volumes to his 
library. He is yet a young man, but has steadily 
risen in his profession, and now occupies a prom- 
inent place at the Hancock County Bar. 



^3. 



^H^ 



f=i 



[S~ 



(TOHN YOUNG. Among those who have 
I cro.ssed the Atlantic, founded homes in Amer- 
G/ ica, and won the success attendant upon ear- 
nest effort, may be mentioned the gentleman whose 
name heads this record. He was born in Koenigs- 
bach, in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, 
October 15, 1810, and passed the first twenty 
years of his life amid familiar home scenes in his 
native land. Attending the common .schools, he 
obtained a fair education. Having lost his father 
when but a small lad, he was obliged to go out to 
.service among strangers as a .shepherd. America 
possessed for him great attractions, and he gath- 
ered all the information possible relative to the 
country, climate and ad\antages. Of money, he 
possessed but little. His capital stock, as he says, 
' 'was a good pair of arms, a good body and a 
good will," and with these as a foundation on 
which to build a fortune he left the Fatherland, 
and on the 20th of June, 1830, landed in New 
York City. 

The first work which Mr. Young did was as a 
mower on a farm on Long I.slaiid. He had been a 
proficient hand at the .sc\lhe in the Old Country-, 
but here he found the blade longer, and saj-s he 
.spent the first half-day learning to "swing the 
thing. ' ' He noticed the exchange of glances be- 
tween the others in the field, and, although ignor- 
ant of their language, believed they were laugh- 
ing at his awkwardness. This determined him to 
show them that he could do the work, and in the 
afternoon he accomplished more than any of the 



284 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



others. This little incident is characteristic of 
Mr. Young's whole course through life. He 
o\-ercomes all obstacles and carries forward to a 
successful completion whatever he undertakes. 
He remained in New York City and vicinity luitil 
1836. 

During this time, Mr. Young was made an Odd 
Fellow, December 26, 1834, so that he is one of 
the oldest members of the order in the United 
States, and in all probability the very oldest in Illi- 
nois. His long connection with the fraternity 
has led him to be frequently called upon to address 
lodges throughout the country, and he has spoken 
in the interest of the order in New Jersey, New 
York, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Nebra.ska, Colorado and California. 

Another important event occurred during Mr. 
Young's residence in New York. He there met, 
wooed and won his wife, Catherine Ehrhardt, the 
marriage taking place June 20, 1835. For fifty- 
six years she was his faithful companion and 
helpmate, and all who knew her held her in the 
highest esteem for her exemplary life. She was 
a seamstress, and came from Alsace, France, in 
1833. Her death occurred March 16, 1891, and 
was deeply mourned. 

On the 28th of August, 1836, Mr. Young started 
westward to find a home, leaving his wife in the 
care of a sister. He traveled by stage to Phila- 
delphia, thence by rail to Columbia, and on by 
stage to Pittsburgh, where he took boat to Louis- 
ville. The river being too low to .shoot the falls, 
he had to transfer to another boat at Rockford, 
from which place he went to St. Louis, and on 
to Burlington, which was then a village in the 
Territory of Iowa. From that place he walked 
to Warren County, 111. He had not a friend or 
acquaintance in the locality. He hired out to 
John Huston as a farm hand at $8 per month, and 
.soon afterwards he was joined by his wife, who in 
company with her brother-in-law and sister had 
come west. Mr. and Mrs. Young enjoyed few of 
the luxuries of life in tho.se early years, and even 
were sometimes without the neces-saries, but they 
made the best of everything and had soon acquired 
a sufficient sum to purchase a farm. 

In the spring of 1837, Mr. Young bought fifty 



acres of land at $1.62 '-2' per acre, and this tract 
became the nucleus of his extensive possessions. 
Soon after locating upon that farm, he made a 
trip to Oquawka, thirty miles distant, with an ox- 
team. The historj- of pioneer life in this locality 
is verj- familiar to him. He hauled the first rails 
across the Peoria and Burlington stage road, on 
the big prairie northwest of Greenbush, and broke 
the first forty acres of land on that prairie. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young were born seven 
children, five of whom are j'et living: Mary, the 
widow of Thomas Lewis, who is now keeping 
house for her father; Julia A., wife of Charles 
Hayes, who once served as Sheriff of McDonough 
County, but is now living in South Dakota; John 
Frederick, who resides on the old homestead in 
Ro.seville Township, Warren County; Sarah, 
widow of George W. Thomas; and Emma, the 
wife of S. H. Tuttle, of Rcseville, 111. 

For many years Mr. Young remained engaged 
in agricultural pursuits, and success attended his 
well-directed efforts. He worked hard, and as the 
result of his industry and enterpri.se acquired a 
hand.some competency, which now enables him to 
spend his declining years in retirement, surround- 
ed by all the comforts of life. He makes his home 
in Bushnell and is one of its honored citizens. He 
is a courteous, kindly old gentleman, and all who 
know him esteem him highlv. 



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^+^[ 



"S3 



HENRY R. AND WILLIAM L. HAMPTON, 
of Augusta, are the editors and proprietors 
of the Augusta Courier. These gentlemen 
were both natives of McDonough County, the 
former born on the 3d of March, 1859, and 
the latter on the 2d of Augu.st, 1868. Their 
parents were William L. and Rachel A. (Jones) 
Hampton, both of whom were natives of Ohio. 
In their family were three children, the two men- 
tioned above, and one who died in infancy. The 
father was an engineer. During his earlj' boy- 
hood he came to Illinois with his parents, the 
family locating near Macomb. His father. Van 
C. Hampton, was a native of New Jersey, and a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



285 



woolen manufacturer. After his emigration to 
McDonougli County, he built and operated the 
first woolen-mill within its borders. William L. 
Hampton, Sr., grew to manhood under the pa- 
rental roof and spent his remaining dajs in Mc- 
Donougli County. During the late war he re- 
sponded to the country's call for troops, and, 
donning the blue, became a member of Company 
C. Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantr}-. W'hile en- 
gaged in building breastworks of logs he was in- 
jured, and on account of disabilitj' occasioned 
thereby was honorably- discharged from the serv- 
ice. Both he and his wife were members of the 
Baptist Church, and were people whose excel- 
lencies of character made them highly respected. 
Mr. Hampton passed away in Colchester in 1884, 
at the age of fifty-four years. His first wife had 
died many years previous, and he had married 
Mrs. Annie Butterfield, widow of William But- 
terfield. 

Both Henry and William Hampton were reared 
in Macomb, spending their earh- boyhood days 
midst play and work. They attended the public 
schools of that city, acquiring a good English ed- 
ucation, and when quite young they began learn- 
ing the printers' trade. Since that time, they 
have been connected with newspaper work in one 
capacity or another, and they are thoroughh- con- 
versant with the work in all its departments. In 
February, 1892, they came to Augusta and es- 
tablished the Augusta Courier, which" they are 
still publishing. The paper is .stronglj- Republi- 
can in politics, and is a neat and interesting 
journal, which is meeting with hearty support. 
Its circulation has steadily increa.sed as its merits 
have become known to the people. 

On the 31st of December, 1882, H. R. Hamp- 
ton was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. 
Butterfield, daughter of William and Annie But- 
terfield, and to them has been born a son, Harry. 
On the 29th of March, 1892, was celebrated the 
marriage of William L. Hampton and Miss Lizzie 
Becker, daughter of Henry and Hannah Becker. 
One child graces this union, Edna. The families 
are well known in this community, and rank high 
in social circles. 

The publishers of the Courier .spent ten years 



of their lives in Colchester, during which time 
the senior partner of the firm held the office of 
Assessor, and also served as a member of the 
Board of Health. Socially, he is connected with 
the Home Forum, as is his lirother, who is also 
a member of the Knights of Pythias. They 
are both men of good business ability, pleasant 
and genial in manner, and have the high regard 
of many friends in this locality. 



-^. 



^3 



^^ 



t^_ 



EHARLES C. CHAIN is the editor and pub- 
lisher of the McDonough Demoerat, which 
is published in Bushnell, 111. As he has 
a wide acquaintance throughout this section of 
the State, we feel assured that the record of his 
life will prove of interest to many of our readers. 
A native of Fulton County, he was bom on the 
nth of November, 1863, in Lewistown, and is a 
son of William H. and Amelia (Smith) Chain. 
On the father's side he is of Irish and German 
descent, and on the mother's side he is of Welsh 
and New England extraction. William H. Chain 
was a native of Ohio. He came to Illinois about 
i860, and embarked in the drug business in 
Lewistown, where he engaged in the wholesale 
grocery trade. He was thus engaged until 1871, 
when he removed to Lincoln, Neb., and began 
in business as a commission merchant. After a 
short time, however, he returned to Fulton Coun- 
ty, where he made his home until 1881, when he 
came to Bushnell. Here he engaged in the real- 
e.state business until his death, which occurred in 
Februarj-, 1891. His wife was also a native of 
Ohio, and during her maidenhood went with her 
parents to Fulton County, 111. She is still liv- 
ing in Bushnell, where she has many friends and 
acquaintances. In the Chain family were six 
children, Ijut only our subject and his sister 
Nellie H. are now living. 

Charles C. Chain spent the first ten years of 
his life under the parental roof, and during that 
time he made not a little money by selling news- 
papers. When a lad of ten years he returned 
to Fulton Count)' and lived ^\^th his grand- 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mother upon a farm for about ten j-ears. He be- 
came familiar with all the duties of farm life, and 
aided in the labors of the field until 1881, when 
he decided to come to Bushnell and learn the 
printer's trade. He at once entered upon that 
work, and continued in the employ of others for 
about four years, when, on the 4th of July 1884, 
he established the McDonoiigh Democrat, which 
he has since published. He was associated with 
a partner for about two years, and then became 
■sole proprietor. Since 1887, he has been alone in 
business. He owns a well-appointed printing of- 
fice, and the McDonough Democrat is a neat and 
well-edited paper. It has a good circulation, and 
a liberal patronage is well deserved. 

On the i2th of March, 1889, Mr. Chain led to 
the marriage altar Miss Anna Oblander. To 
them has been born a son, W. H., who is now 
four years old. In his political views, Mr. Chain 
is a stalwart Democrat, unswerving in his alle- 
giance to the party and its interests. He takes 
quite a prominent and active part in political af- 
fairs, and has .served as a member of the County 
Central Committee and of the Congressional Com- 
mittee. Public-spirited and progressive, he is 
recognized as one of the valued citizens of Bush- 
nell, for he manifests a commendable interest in 
everj'thing pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
munity. Mr. Chain may truly be called a self- 
made man, for he started out in life for himself at 
an early age and has steadily worked his way up- 
ward through his own efforts. His possessions 
are the just reward of his labors. He was ap- 
pointed Postmaster under President Cleveland in 
1894. 



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0ARIUS JONES, who is now engaged in gen- 
eral farming on section 26, Bushnell Town- 
ship, is one of the honored pioneer settlers 
of McDonough County, having for many years 
made his home in this locality. His farm com- 
prises two hundred and thirteen acres of valuable 
land, which is under a high state of cultivation, 
and well improved with all modern accessories 
and conveniences. His home is a beautiful coun- 



trj^ residence, and is pleasantly located within a 
mile of Bushnell. In connection with the cultiva- 
tion of the fields, he also engages in stock-raising, 
and this branch of his business has likewise proved 
profitable to him. 

Mr. Jones is a native of Ohio. He was born in 
Hocking County August 17, 1828, and comes of 
a family of English lineage. His paternal grand- 
parents were both natives of \'irginia, but his fa- 
ther, John Jones, was born in the Keystone State. 
His mother, however, who bore the maiden name 
of Rebecca De Moss, was born in the Old Domin- 
ion. When a young man, John Jones left Penn- 
sylvania, and, emigrating westward, took up his 
residence in Ohio, where he engaged in farming 
until 1 85 1. That year witnessed his arrival in 
McDonough County, where he carried on agri- 
cultural pursuits until his death, which occurred 
at the age of seventy-two years. His wife passed 
away at the age of seventy years. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record is 
the second in order of birth in a family of nine 
children. The common schools afforded him his 
educational privileges, and upon the home farm 
he was reared to manhood. He early began to 
work in the fields, plowing, planting and harvest- 
ing, and soon became familiar with all the duties 
of farm life. At length he began to work in his 
own interest, and for three years was employed as 
a farm hand in the neighborhood. He then oper- 
ated rented land until 1859, when, with the cap- 
ital he had acquired, he made his first purchase, 
becoming the owner of a tract of eighty acres, 
which has ser\^ed as the nucleus around which have 
been gathered his present extensive possessions. 

On the 1 5th of February, 1853, Mr. Jones mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Snapp, who was born Sep- 
tember 22, 1830, in Wa.shington County, Teim., 
and was a daughter of John and Mary Ann ( Kep- 
ple) Snapp, who were natives of Teimes.see. They 
came to McDonough County in 1833, and here 
the father followed farming for .some time. His 
death occurred in Missouri, at the allotted age of 
three-score years and ten. His wife passed away 
in McDonough County, when about forty years of 
age. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were bom nine 
children, but three of the number are now de- 




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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



291 



ceased. Mary is the wife of Emerson Huffman, 
a farmer of McDonough County ; Caroline is the 
wife of David Mowery, also an agriculturist: 
John L. follows farminjj in Fulton County: Laura 
is at home; and William G. and p-ratik nrt- still 
living on the old homestead. 

The Republican party has ever found in Mr. 
Jones a stalwart supporter, who takes an active 
interest in its growth. His wife is a member of 
the Methodist Church, and he contributes liberally 
to the same. The cau.se of education has always 
found in him a warm friend, and he has ser\ed 
bf>th as School Director and School Trustee, and 
is also Road Commis-sioner. In addition to his 
other property, he owns four hundred and fifteen 
acres of land in Fulton County. His poissessions 
have all been acquired through his own offorts, 
and the handsome competence which he now pos- 
sesses is but the just reward of his honest labors. 



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(Tf)HX TWIDWELL. a retired farmer now 
I living in Plymouth, has since 1836 been a 
(2/ resident of this .section of Illinois. He has a 
wide acquaintance in this locality, and we feel as- 
sured that the record of his life will prove of in- 
terest to many of our readers. A native of North 
Carolina, he was born in Davidson County Jan- 
uary- 20, 1818, and is one of a family of five sons 
and four daughters, whose parents were Thomas 
and Polly < Wayman ) Twidwell. Only six of 
the children are now living, namely: John and 
Solomon, twins, the latter residing in Macomb; 
William, who is living in Wa.shington, fortj- 
miles from Olympia: Martha, widow of Josiah 
Morris, and a resident of northeni Kansas; 
Nancy, widow of Bartlet Whittington, of Peoria; 
and Absalom, of Kansas. 

The father of this family was a native of Vir- 
ginia, and was a cooper by trade. In 1834, he 
started westward and, kxrating in Morgan County, 
111. . there spent about two years. In 1 836, he came 
to McDonough County, where he purcha.sed land 
and improved a fine farm of three hundred and 
twenty acres, three miles east of Plymouth, upon 

14 



which he made his home until called to his final 
rest. He died in 1883, at the advanced age of 
ninetj'-four years and two days, and his wife 
passed away twenty years pre\-iously. She was 
a native of Maryland. In early life they were 
members of the Methodist Church, but later 
joined the United Brethren Church. The mater- 
nal grandfather of our subject, John Wayman, was 
a native of Marj-land and a minister of the Meth- 
odist Church. Removing to North Carolina, his 
death occurred in that State when well advanced 
in years. 

John Twidwell was in his seventeenth year 
when he preceded his parents on their emigra- 
tion to Illinois. After aiding in building a cabin for 
the family, he was left there with his sister to keep 
house, and shot two deer from the cabin within a 
few days. He acquired his education in the old- 
time subscription schfx)ls, and remained at home 
until his marriage. October 10, 1839, he was 
joined in marriage with Miss Henrietta E., 
daughter of John A. Shelton, and eight children 
were born of their . union. John Thomas, the 
eldest, married Miss Josie Lanterman, by whom 
he had eleven children, and they reside in Hays 
County, Tex. Nancj- J. is the wife of Samuel 
Myers, of Brown County, Kan., and they have 
four children. Sarah E. died at the age of five 
years. David is the next in order of birth. Ma- 
rion wedded Miss Mar\'in, and with his wife and 
three children makes his home in McDonough 
County. George A. married Miss Ran Smith, 
and with their two children they also reside in 
McDonough County. William F. is married and 
lives in Iowa. Solomon P. is located in Wash- 
ington. The mother of this family having died, 
Mr. Twidwell aftenvards married Mrs. Barbara 
Keziah daughter of John Janis. They had 
born to them a daughter, Martha, wife of Hugh 
Banks, a fanner of McDonough County, On the 
4th of June, 1892, Mr. Twidwell was again called 
upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and on the 21st 
of September, 1893. he married Mrs. Sarah J. 
Rhea. 

Throughout the greater part of his life, Mr. 
Twidwell has follower! farming. In 1836, he be- 
came a resident of Lamoine Township, McDon- 



292 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ough County. He is a self-made man, and by 
chopping wood acquired the capital with which 
he made his first purchase of land. He has pros- 
pered in his undertakings, and has accumulated 
a valuable property. He became owner of eight 
hundred acres of rich land in McDonough Coun- 
ty, and three hundred and thirty-five acres in 
Texas, and has given to each of his children land 
or property to the value of $1,000. He j-et owns 
one hundred and fifteen acres in McDonough 
County, and derives therefrom a good income. 
In connection with this he has five acres in the 
city of Hiawatha, Kan. For many years he car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits, but in October, 
1 89 1, came to Plymouth, where he has since 
lived retired. He here owns a good residence 
and fifteen acres in town lots. 

For the long period of forty years, Mr. Twid- 
well has served as Justice of the Peace, and the 
promptness and fidelity with which he has dis- 
charged his duties are well indicated by his long 
retention in office. He is alwaj's just in his de- 
cisions, which are reached after carefully weigh- 
ing the evidence. He has also ser\-ed as Town- 
ship Super\'isor for one term, and for thirteen 
years was Assessor in McDonough County. 
Whether in public or private life, he is always 
true to everj' trust reposed in him, and he has 
the confidence and high regard of all with whom 
business or social relations have brought him in 
contact. 



(Joseph buck, who is succe.ssfully engaged 
I in farming on section 26, Bushnell Township, 
v2/ McDonough County, was born in Crawford 
County, Pa., on the 23d of April, 1836, and is next 
to the eldest of a family of five children, whose 
parents were Peter and Polly (Gable) Buck. The 
family is of German origin, and was founded in 
America by Jacob Buck, the great-great-grand- 
father of our subject, who braved the dangers of an 
ocean voyage to make a home in the New World. 
He located in Pennsj'lvania and became the first 
settler of what is now Bucks County, which was 



named in his honor. He was a tinker, and did 
general repair work along that line. The mem- 
bers of the family were all good mechanics. 

The grandfatlier and father of our subject were 
born in Bucks County, and the latter there re- 
mained until about seventeen years of age. He 
learned the black.smith's and gunsmith's trade, 
and followed those pursuits until 1837, when, in 
company with his brother Daniel, he started west- 
ward for Illinois. Reaching his destination, he 
cast in his lot with the early settlers of Cuba, 
Fulton County, where he followed the blacksmith 
and gunsmith's trade and also engaged in farm- 
ing until 1855. In that year he purchased the farm 
on which our subject now resides, then a tract of 
wild prairie land; but he at once began to improve 
and cultivate the same and continued its develop- 
ment until his death. He was killed by accident 
in 1865, at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Buck 
was twice married. He first wedded .Sallie Foust, 
who died in Pennsjdvania, leaving a family of 
seven children. Later he married Polly Gable, 
and they became the parents of five children. 
The mother of our .subject was also born in Penn- 
sylvania, and is still living. She has reached the 
advanced age of eighty-two, but is yet well pre- 
ser\'ed. Her parents were natives of the Keystone 
State and were of German lineage. 

Under the parental roof Joseph Buck remained 
until seventeen years of age, when he left home 
and began w'orking on the construction of the 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in Henry 
County, 111. After six months spent in that waj', 
he went to Chicago, where he followed the car- 
penter's trade for about five years, when, in the 
spring of i860, he left for Pike's Peak. There he 
engaged in mining, and also worked as a carpenter 
and millwright for a year. On the expiration of 
that period we find him in Leavenworth, Kan., 
where he engaged in carpentering until the fall of 
1862. 

On the 25th of September of that year, Mr. 
Buck responded to the country's call for troops, 
enlisting as a member of Company F, One Hun- 
dred and Third Illinois Infantry, in which he 
ser\-ed for two years and eleven months. He was 
with Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, and took 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



293 



part in the battles of Missioiiar}' Ridge, Marietta, 
Chattanooga and Atlanta. At the first-named 
engagement he received a gnn.shot wound in the 
right jaw and shoulder. Two inches of the lower 
jaw bone were shot away, leaving a .scar which he 
will carrj- with him through life. After being 
wounded he was taken to the field- hospital, where 
he remained for twelve daj-s, when he was per- 
mitted to return home on a furlough. Three 
months later he rejoined his regiment, and con- 
tinued in the service until the close of the war. 
He participated in twenty-three battles, together 
with many skirmishes, and was ever a faithful and 
valiant soldier. He was promoted to the rank of 
Corporal, and was offered a commission as Second 
Lieutenant, but did not accept it. 

When his countr>- no longer needed his services, 
Mr. Buck returned home and began dealing in 
stock, which enterprise proved very successful. 
The following year he took charge of the home 
farm, and for nine years he engaged in operating a 
threshing-machine. On the 9th of January, 1868, 
he wedded Miss Mar>- C. McGrew, of Fulton 
County, who died four years later, leaving a 
daughter, Carrie E., who is now the wife of 
George Angle, who resides in Bushnell. 

When first Mr. Buck was married he removed 
to Bushnell, where he began work at the carpen- 
ter's trade. A year later he removed to Knox 
County, where he carried on farming for two years. 
In 1 87 1, he purchased the old homestead, and has 
since engaged in its cultivation. On the 12th of 
March, 1875, he w-as again married, the lady of 
his choice being Miss Maria Myers, of Bushnell, 
who was born July 17, 1841. They became the 
parents of five children, but three died in infancy. 
William Allen and Bessie May are still with their 
parents. 

Mr. Buck is a stanch Republican in his political 
views, but has never aspired to public office. So- 
cially, he is a member of Van Vleck Post No. 
174, G. A. R. , of Bu.shnell and the Modern Wood- 
men of America. He and his wife hold mem- 
bership with the Chri.stian Church, and their lives 
are in harmony with their professions. Mr. Buck 
is a natural mechanic, who can turn his hand to al- 
most any work. His privileges in early life were 



limited, but through his own efforts he has become 
a well-informed man and has won success in his 
business dealings. He now owns one hundred 
and eighty-five acres of land in the homestead in 
McDonough County and eight acres in Fulton 
County. He has al.so been extensivel}' engaged 
in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Norman horses. 
His life has been an honorable and upright one, 
and his sterling worth and strict integritj' have 
gained for him the confidence and high regard of 
all. 



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~ LNATHAN KEMPER WESTFALL,M. D., 
'S the popular and efficient Postmaster of Bush- 
_ nell, and one of the leading physicians of 
that city, claims Indiana as the State of his na- 
tivity. He was born in Boone County, on the 
8th of January, 1839. The family is of German 
origin, and the paternal grandfather, Jacob West- 
fall, was a native of Westphalia. Three brothers 
came to America, one settling in the western por- 
tion of Virginia, another in New York, and a 
third in New Orleans. Jacob Westfall, who lived 
for a time in West Virginia, .served as a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War, and held a Colonel's com- 
mission, was a son of one of these three brothers, 
and was a child when he came to America. In an 
early day he removed to Indiana with his family, 
and, settling in Montgomery- County, there fol- 
lowed farming throughout his succeeding years. 
His death occurred at an advanced age. Corne- 
lius Westfall, father of the Doctor, was born on 
the site of Beverly, W. Va., when that was a 
stockade fort on the extreme frontier of civiliza- 
tion, and ser\^ed as a Surveyor in the employ of 
the Government for many years. His duties called 
him to Indiana, but he made his home in Ohio. 
He taught the first .school in Dayton, Ohio, and 
was the finst .settler of Troy, Ohio. He was also 
its first Postmaster, Collector and Assessor, its 
first County Clerk, and for twenty-four years was 
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. For many 
years he engaged in merchandising and traded 
largely with the Indians. In 1830 he removed to In- 
diana, locating on the present site of Thorntown 



294 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



after the Miami Indians had left that reservation. 
In 1854 he came to IHinois, settling in Macomb, 
where he died the following Acar, at the age of 
seventy-eight years. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Sarah Davis, and was a daughter of John 
Davis, a native of New Jersey, a shoemaker by 
trade, who removed to Thorntown, Ind., where 
he died many years ago at an advanced age. Mrs. 
Westfall passed away in 1873, at the age of sev- 
ent>-two. The parents of our subject were both 
members of the Presbyterian Church, and the 
father was for fifty-years one of its Ruling Elders. 
During the Ft. Wayne campaign, he was ap- 
pointed Purchasing Commissioner under Gen. 
Harrison. 

Dr. We-stfall is one of a family of nine children, 
three sons and six daughters, five of whom are 
now living: Mary E., widow of Dr. A. W. Arm- 
strong, who died at the age of eighty-five years; 
Meli.ssa, wife of Joseph Otterman, of Adel, Iowa: 
Loui.sa M., widow of Durham C. Harris, of Bar- 
dolph; Harriet S., wife of George S. Cogswell, of 
Saline County, Neb.; and our subject. 

The Doctor remained in Thorntown until six- 
teen years of age, when with his parents he came 
to Macomb. On the breaking out of the late war, 
he enlisted in 1861, as a member of Company B, 
Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, and served for a year 
and a- half, when he was honorably di.scharged on 
account of disability. He served as Orderly-Ser- 
geant, and won promotion to the rank of First 
Lieutenant. Before the war he had engaged in 
teaching school, and after his return from the 
South he entered the office of his brother. Dr. B. R. 
Westfall, of Macomb, with whom he studietl med- 
icine for some time. He then became a student in 
the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, 
from which he was graduated in the Cla.ss of 
'67. On the 2d of May of that year, became to 
Bu.shnell, opened an office, and has since been con- 
stantly engaged in practice here. From the be- 
ginning he has enjoyed a good business, and is 
recognized as one of the best physicians of the 
community. 

In January, 1873, Dr. Westfall was united in 
marriage with Miss Emma Curl, who died eight 
months later. On the i6th of October, 1879, he 



wedded Miss Irene Wann, a native of Pennsylvan- 
ia, of which State her parents, Curtis and Eliza 
Jane (Maxwell) Wann, were also natives. Four 
children have been born to them: Mary H. ; Clara 
E. , who died at the age of three and a-half years; 
Curtis C. ; and Beverh' K. 

The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights 
of Honor, the Modern Woodmen of America, and 
the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife holds 
membership with the Methodist Church. In pol- 
itics, he is a stalwart Republican, and has held 
several offices. He ser\'ed as Alderman of Bush- 
nell two terms, was Supervisor two terms, and 
represented his district in the Twenty-eighth and 
Thirtieth General Assemblies of Illinois. In the 
spring of 1878 he was appointed Postmaster of 
Bushnell, and has filled that office for three terms 
in a creditable and acceptable manner. He is a 
leading and influential citizen of this place, and 
has man}- warm friends throughout the county in 
which he has so long made his home. 



e^-^p-= 



0ANIEL HAMILTON SWISEGOOD, one 
of the enterprising and progressive farmers 
of Augu.sta Township, Hancock County, 
now living on .section 12, was born in David.son 
County, N. C, March 18, 1822, and is one of ten 
children, whose parents, John and Elizabeth 
(Delap) Swi.segood, were also natives of North 
Carolina. Of their two sons and eight daughters, 
only five are now living: Daniel H., of this sketch; 
William Henry, of Birmingham, 111. ; John Frank- 
lin, of Schuyler County, 111.; Ro.sanna, widow of 
Franklin Collins, a resident of Floj-d County, 
Ind.; and Abigail, wife of William B. Manlove, 
of Birmingham Township, Schuyler County. 
The father was a cabinet-maker and fanner. 
F^migrating westward to Illinois, he landed in 
Schuyler County June 22, 1846, and purchased 
one hundred and twenty acres of wild land, 
which he at once began to improve and culti- 
vate. He was very successful in his business 
dealings, and accumulated twelve hundred acres 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



295 



of good land, which he divided among his children. 
His success was due entirely to his own efforts. 
He made his home in that county until his death, 
which occurred in 1885, at the age of seventy-four 
years. His wife had pa.ssed away some years 
previou.sly. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, John 
Swisegood, was a native of North Carolina, and 
he too carried on agricultural pursuits as a means 
of livelihood. His family numbered three daugh- 
ters and one son. The maternal grandfather, 
John Delap, was a North Carolina farmer, who 
reached the advanced age of more than .seventy 
years. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the childhood and youth of our subject, his boy- 
hood days being quietly passed in his parents' 
home. Soon after coming of age he hired out to 
work on a farm, receiving $6 a month for about 
a year and a-half At the age of twent\--four 
years he came to Illinois and engaged in agricul- 
ture. He has lived upon his present farm since 
1847, and is one of the oldest settlers in the com- 
munity. His land is well impro\ed and highh- 
cultivated, and his home is pleasantly situated 
about three and a-half miles from Augusta. 

On the 4th of January, 1S47, -^Ir. Swisegood 
married Miss Anna C, daughter of George and 
Sarah (Crouch) Haines. Their union has been 
blessed with four sons and six daughters. John F. , 
of Richardson County, Neb., married Stella Sel- 
don, and has six children; George P., who is living 
on the old homestead, wedded Ennna Larkin, and 
they have three children: Earl, Pearlie and Guy; 
Thomas Lee, the next \ounger, died in 1888; 
Lurette is the wife of Joseph Ogle, of Richardson 
County, Neb., by whom she has five living chil- 
dren; Cornelia is the wife of Robert White, a 
farmer of Hancock County, and they have one 
child; Eliza B. died in 1892; Nora is tliewifeof 
Edgar Spence, and with their five children they re- 
side in Putnam County, Mo.; Lenora and Adarine 
are now deceased; and one child died in infancy. 

Mr. Swisegood is a Knight Temi)lar Mason, 
and in politics is a stalwart Democrat. He is num- 
bered among the early settlers of I lancock County , 
for when he located in this region there was not 



a fence or house for twelve miles on the prairie 
we.st of Augusta, and almost the entire county was 
still in a primitive condition. He has succeeded in 
his busine-ss, and after giving considerable valu- 
able property to his children, he is .still the owner 
of one hundred and .seventy acres of good land, 
which yields to him a comfortable income. He 
is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of 
the county, not alone because he has prospered in 
his vocation, but also on account of his genuine 
worth. He is a man of his word, modest and un- 
pretentious in manner, of a quiet disposition, and 
has the respect and confidence of his many friends 
and acquaintances. He has .seen much of the 
country, having traveled in twenty-two States of 
the Union, and has made the tiest of life as he has 
found it. 



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HON. RICHARD G. BREEDEN, senior mem- 
ber of the law firm of Breeden, Painter & 
Switzer. of Macomb, is not only a leading 
lawyer of this city, but has also been prominent in 
the political history of McDonough County dur- 
ing the past decade, and will undoubtedly be 
found in the front rank among the valued citizens 
of the vState for many years to come. His life 
record is as follows: A native of Iowa, he was 
born in Appanoose County on the 28th of Au- 
gust, i860, and is a son of the Re\-. William and 
Damaris E. (Lawyer) Breeden, the former a na- 
tive of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. Tlie 
father of our subject was a minister of the Baptist 
Church, and also engaged in farming. He was a 
remarkable man physically, with strong traits of 
character. In i.S.^9 he decided to try his fortune 
on the broad prairies of Illinois, and became a 
resident of McDonough County. He was born 
February 7, 1815, and came of an old Virginia 
family, which was founded in America l)y Scotch 
ancestors, who left that laud and took up their resi- 
dence in the New World prior to the Revolution. 
There were three brothers who made the voyage, 
and all .served in the Colonial Anny during the 
struggle for independence. One of the number 



296 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was killed, and the ancestor of our subject, at the 
close ofthe war, migrated to Kentucky. A love 
for hunting and fishing has always been manifest 
in the Breeden family, and it is supposed that it 
indicates a trace of Indian blood. Rev. William 
Breeden was twice married. He first married 
Nancy Driscol, b>- whom he had seven children. 
He after^vards married Miss Lawj-er, and they had 
seven children. Of the fourteen, seven were boys 
and seven were girls, and seven of the number are 
yet living. Our subject and Amanda, wife of H. 
N. Post, of this county, are the only ones now liv- 
ing ofthe last family of children. His mother was 
a woman far above the average in intelligence and 
womanly qualities. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of Richard G. Breeden, for 
his days were quietly passed in the usual manner 
of farmer lads. He early began work in the fields, 
and became familiar with the duties of farm life. 
His primarj' education, gained in the district 
schools of the neighborhood, was followed by a 
course in the Macomb Normal College, from which 
he graduated in the Class of '84. He afterwards 
pursued his studies for a time in the Monmouth 
College, in the mean time teaching school to ob- 
tain the means for securing his education. He 
was a thorough .student, and in his early manhood 
he was respected for his firm decision of purpose, 
his fidelity to duty, his high ideas of honor, his 
sympathy for the oppressed or afflicted, his enter- 
prise and worthy ambition. While a boy he be- 
came noted as a forcible speaker and ready debater, 
and in the literary societies of which he was a 
member he was considered invincible. When a 
candidate for the Legislature, at the early age of 
twenty-six years, he stumped his district in a man- 
ner that won him the highest compliments, both 
from his political friends and opponents. 

Mr. Breeden entered on his political career in 
1886, when he was elected from this di.strict to 
the State Legislature as the candidate of the Re- 
publican party. He was at this time the young- 
est member on the Republican .side of the House. 
During that term he served as Chairman of the 
Committee on Education, and was a member of 
the Judiciary Committee, the most important com- 



mittee in the House of Representatives. He was 
the champion ofthe " Coal Screen Bill, " intro- 
duced in the interests of the coal miners in the 
State, and, although the measure was defeated, all 
acknowledged that the young member made a 
gallant fight. So well did he fill the office, that on 
the expiration of his first term he was re-elected, 
in 1888. During the Thirty-sixth Session of the 
General Asisemblj- he was Chairman of the Com- 
mittee on County and Township Organization, 
and a member of the Judiciary and Appropriation 
Committees. He secured the passage of what 
was known as the ' ' Frisbee-Breeden Pharmacy 
Bill." He also took part in the senatorial con- 
test at the time of the election of Senator Farwell, 
and afterwards helped elect Senator Cullom. In 
1 89 1 he was elected County Judge of McDonough 
County, and is now filling that office with credit 
to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. 

On the 2 2d of December, 1888, Mr. Breeden 
was united in marriage with Miss Grace Gilchrist, 
daughter of Van B. and Sarah A. (Robinson) Gil- 
christ, residents of McDonough County. Their 
union has been blessed with three children, two 
sons and a daughter: Richard Gilchrist, Ralph 
Ballard and Helen. Judge Breeden is a member 
of the Odd Fellows' society, and is one ofthe hon- 
ored and prominent citizens of Macomb. He has 
won a foremost place at the McDonough County 
Bar, and, in addition to his duties as Count>- 
Judge, he is enjoying a large and lucrative law 
practice, which is well deserved, for his knowl- 
edge of the law and his skill and ability have 
made him an able advocate. 



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^H^ 



1^^ 



[^EORGE W. PACE is one of the representa- 
l_l tive and enterprising business men of Ma- 
V^ comb. He is now the senior member of the 
firm of G. W. Pace & Sons, dealers in groceries, 
and proprietors of the Williams House of this 
city. McDonough County numbers him among 
its native sons, his birth having occurred in Scot- 
land Township on the 13th of May, 1835. His 
paternal grandfather, Langston Pace, was a native 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



297 



of Virginia, and removed thence to Cumberland 
County, K}-., where he died at the age of seventy 
years. His wife reached the advanced age ot 
one hundred and four j-ears, and was then killed 
by a door blowing against her. Their family 
numbered three .sons and five daughters, one ot 
whom, William I. Pace, became the father of our 
subject. By occupation he was a farmer, and fol- 
lowed that pursuit throughout his life. Having 
resolved to emigrate to Illinois, he came to this 
State in 1830, making the journey from Kentuck}' 
with a two-wheeled ox-cart and a joke of cattle. 
He was a half-owner of this conveyance. Before 
his death he accumulated a handsome property. 
Locating five and a-half miles south of Macomb, 
he there purchased fifty-seven acres of wild land 
at the Government price of $1.25 per acre, and 
to this he added from time to time until five hun- 
dred acres of rich land paid to him a golden trib- 
ute in return for the care and labor he bestowed 
upon it. He served as Captain of a militar)- com- 
pany in the earlj- daj's, and aided in arresting 
Jo.seph Smith, the Mormon. For a number of 
years he also engaged in peddling clocks, and for 
some time he served as Assessor of the county. 

William I. Pace was united in marriage with 
Sallie Sparks \'awter, daughter of Beverh- Vaw- 
ter, a Kentucky farmer, who on leaving his na- 
tive State came to Illinois, in 1832, and located on 
a farm nine miles south of Macomb. There he 
died in 1848, at the age of sixty-three years. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Pace were born nine children, four 
sons and five daughters: Ingram A., deceased; 
Thomas J., of Scotland Township; Susan E., 
wife of William H. Dameron, of Macomb; George 
W., of this sketch; Permelia J., wife of George 
W. Porter; A. J., of Macomb; Annie, widow of 
Joseph T. Adcock; Man- Amanda, wife of Henry 
K. Smith; and Fannie Belle, wife of Prof De 
Witt Roberts, of Denver, Colo. The mother of 
this family died in 1S51, and Mr. Pace was again 
married. His death occurred in 1855, at the age 
of forty-six, and his second wife passed away 
three months later. 

Upon his father's farm in Scotland Township, 
G. W. Pace was reared to manhood. At the age 
of nineteen, he left the parental roof and came to 



Macomb, where for two jears and a-half he en- 
gaged in the postoffice as clerk, under J. W. Ad- 
kinson. He also served in the same capacity 
with J. W. We.stfall for two and a-half years. 
Later, he embarked in the grocery business, and 
subsequentlj- he was for thirteen years a dry- 
goods merchant. In 1875, however, he again 
opened a grocer)- and has .=ince continued in 
that line of trade. 

On the 5th of September, i860, Mr. Pace mar- 
ried Sallie J. Sweeney, daughter of Milton and 
Ann (ClarkeJ Sweeney, who were natives of 
Kentucky. Six children have been bom to them, 
two .sons and four daughters: James M., who is 
represented elsewhere in this volume; Henry J., 
who is a member of the firm of Pace & Sons; 
Nettie J., who died at the age of two and a-half 
years; Lona E., who died at the age of seven 
months; Lizzie and Hattie. 

Mr. Pace is a member of the Universalist 
Church, and his wife of the Christian Church. 
Socially, he is connected with the Odd Fellows' 
society, and in politics, he is a stalwart Republi- 
can, unwavering in his support of the men and 
measures of that party. Mr. Pace is a self-made 
man, for he started out in life empty-handed, and 
has steadily worked his way upward by industry, 
perseverence and determination to a position of 
afiluence. 



~^] 



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(TACOB L. BAILY, attorney-at-law of Ma- 
I comb. 111., was born in Fulton County, this 
Q) State, August 29, 1851, and is a son of 
Thomas and Nancy (Bottenburg) Baily, both of 
whom were natives of Virginia. The grandfather, 
Evan Baily, was al.so a native of the Old Domin- 
ion, and was of Irish descent. The Bottenburgs 
came of Pennsylvania stock. The Bailys are 
noted for longevity, and the daughter of our sub- 
ject has seen four of her great-grandmothers, two 
of whom are past ninety years of age. Evan 
Baily was killed by being thrown from a car- 
riage in Fulton County, 111., in 1877, at the age 
of seventy -nine years. His wife bore the maiden 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



name of Elizabeth McHenry. In their family 
were fourteen children, namely: Naucj-, deceased; 
Thomas; Mary A., deceased; Margaret, wife of 
E. D. C. Haines, a banker of Bushnell; Johnson, 
deceased; James, who was a Lieutenant in the 
late war, and was killed in battle in 1863; John, 
who has been called to the home beyond; Robert, 
a merchant of Lewistown, Fulton County, 111.; 
Lizzie, wife of Dr. John Bacon, of Texas; Alex- 
ander, who re.sides on the old homestead in Ful- 
ton County; Sallie, wife of Jolni Barker, of Gir- 
ard, Kan.; Mrs. Mattie O.sborn, of Texas; and 
Douglas, a merchant of Montana. In 1835, 
Evan Baily removed with his family to Fulton 
Coimty, 111., and entered one hundred and sixty 
acres of land from the Govennnent in Vermont 
Township, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. He 
there erected a log cabin and began life in true 
pioneer style. He was a prominent man, and 
represented his di.strict in the State Legislature 
for two terms. He also ser\ed as Treasurer of 
Fulton County from 1866 until 1874, and held 
other local offices. At the time of his death he 
was a candidate for County Judge on the Demo- 
cratic ticket. In religious belief he was a Uni- 
versalist. His busine.ss career was one of .success, 
and he became a prosperous farmer of the com- 
munity. Both he and his wife were laid to rest 
in the old Baily Cemetery, near the old home- 
stead . 

Thomas Baily, father of our subject, was born 
in Virginia June 19, 1829, and when five years 
old was brought by his parents to Illinois, where 
he was reared to manhood. Remaining under the 
parental roof until twenty -two years of age, he 
then rented a part of the old homestead, which he 
cultivated for three years, after which he came to 
McDonough Comity. After renting land for six 
years in Eldorado Township, he purcha.sed a 
tract of sixty acres, mo.stly covered with timber, 
but with rharacteri.stic energy he began its de- 
velopment and transformed it into rich and fertile 
fields. In 1883, he sold that farm and purchased 
one of one hundred and twenty acres in Bethel 
Tovvn.ship, which he yet owns, although in 1892 
he removed to Table Grove, where he is now liv- 



ing a retired life. He was married October 15, 
1850, to Nancy, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth 
Bottenburg. Thej- ha\'e become the parents of 
fifteen children, of whom fourteen are now living, 
viz.; Jacob; FUizabeth, wife of John Ayres; La- 
vina, wife of Edward Fleury; Ella, wife of Wes- 
ley Harri.son; Mattie, wife of W. H. Foster; 
Jane, wife of Alonzo F^jster; Mar)-, wife of Orrin 
Dunsworth; Belle, wife of Douglas Dunsworth; 
Myrtle, wife of Harrj' Robin.son; Evan, a dentist 
of Vermont; William K., a school teacher; Quen- 
ton, who is clerking; Frederick and May, at 
home; and Ida, who died Januarj' 16, 1865. The 
mother of this family died December 25, 1891, 
and was laid to rest in Bethel Cemetery. She 
was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, as is Thomas Baily. He is a Democrat 
in politic^ and has served as Supervisor, Assessor, 
Collector and School Treasurer. As he takes an 
active interest in all public enterprises, he is 
numbered among the valued citizens of the com- 
munity. 

Jacob L, Baily whose name heads this record 
acquired his early education in the public schools 
of the neighborhood, and in the winter pf 1871- 
72 attended college in Oberlin, Ohio. The fol- 
lowing )-ear he was a student in Evan.ston, 111. 
At the age of eighteen he embarked in the pro- 
fession of teaching, which he followed alto- 
gether for four years. Wishing to take up the 
study of law and make its practice his life work, 
he spent the winter of 1873-74 in fitting him.self 
for his chosen profession in Lincoln Univensity. 
He afterwards read law with W. H. Neece, of 
Macomb, and in 1876 was admitted to the Bar. 
At the same time William Prenti-ss was admitted 
to the Bar and the two gentlemen formed a part- 
nership, which continued until i89i,when Mr. 
Prentiss removed to Chicago. In October of the 
same year, Mr. Baily was joined in bu.siness by 
W. H. Holly, and the firm of Baily & Holly has 
since had a continuous existence. 

On the 1 2th of August, 1875, Mr. Baily led to 
the marriage altar Mi.ss Lois C. Foster, daughter 
of John N. and Jane Foster, early settlers of Mc- 
Donough County. Their family now numbers 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



299 



two children, Jessie and Frances. They hold 
membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and are well-known people of this connnunity. 

In his social relations, Mr. Baily is connected 
with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and is a 
Knight Templar Mason. He cast his first Pres 
idential vote for Samuel J. Tilden, and has since 
been a stalwart advocate of the Democracy. He 
takes quite a prominent part in campaign work. 
In his profession he has been eminently success- 
ful, having secured a very large practice. 



l^+^i 



""LDER JAMES SMITH GASH, ex-Po.st- 
^ ma.ster of Macomb, is one of the most popu- 
^ lar and best known citizens of McDonough 
Count}', where for many years he has lived, hav- 
ing the acquaintance of almost every individ- 
ual in the city and that of many others through- 
out this part of the vState. He is a native of Mer- 
cer County, Ky. , his birth having there occurred 
on the 30th of May, 1833. His parents, John J. 
and Man,- Thomas (Jackson) Gash, were both na- 
tives of Kentucky, and tradition says that the 
family is of Scotch-Irish lineage. His grand- 
parents, John and Ami (Wood) Gash, lived in 
Kentucky, being descended from \'irginian fami- 
lies. The father was a farmer by occupation. 
Bringing his wife and children to Illinois, he took 
up his residence in Rushville, Schuyler County, 
in 1S35, and in 1S52 removed thence to McDon- 
ough County. In March, 1856, in connection 
with Messrs. Anderson and, Strong, he established 
the first lumber-yard in Macomb, but he did not 
long continue in that busine.ss, for death termi- 
nated his earthly career in November following. 
He passed away on the old home farm a mile and 
a-half from the citj-. Among the early settlers 
of the county he is numbered, and he was also 
recognized as one of its valued citizens. His wife 
survi\-ed him for some years, and was called to 
the home beyond on the gth of December, 1873. 
They were the parents of thirteen children, of 
whom .seven are yet living. The elde.st, John J., 
is a resident of La Grange, 111. ; James S. is the .sec- 



ond in order of birth; Henry Wood, George B. 
and Edgar, all make their home in Macomb; and 
Oscar and Hattie (wife of Samuel Jameson) re- 
side in Topeka, Kan. 

Mr. Gash of this sketch was but two years of 
age when he left the State of his nativity and ac- 
companied his parents on their emigration to Illi- 
nois. He acquired his early education in a log 
.schoolhouse, but later attended the McDonough 
College, which was conducted under the auspices 
of the Presbyterian Church, where he pursued his 
.studies for twenty mouths. He is now a well- 
informed man, who keeps versed on all the ques- 
tions and i.ssues of the day. He began earning 
his own livelihood as a salesman in a retail mer- 
chandising establishment, and attheageof thirtj'- 
three years he became agent for the American 
Express Company. For a long period he filled 
that position, discharging his duties in a prompt 
and faithful manner, that won him the confidence 
of the company and of all with whom he came in 
contact. After twenty-three years' service he 
left the employ of the express company to ac- 
cept the appointment of Postmaster of Macomb, 
which was tendered him by President Harrison. 
The .same fidelit\- to duty was here displayed dur- 
ing his term of four years, which has recently ex- 
pired, he being succeeded by a man of the same 
political views as the present Chief Executive of 
the nation. 

On the 7th of August, 1856, Mr. Gash was 
united in marriage with Mary E. Sweeney. They 
are both members of the Christian Church, and 
take a prominent and active part in its work. Mr. 
Gash united with the church in 1866, and has 
since engaged in preaching to a considerable ex- 
tent, being an ordained mini.ster of the denomina- 
tion. He has accepted pa.storates with several 
different churches, Inil other bu.siness duties have 
largely occupied his time, and his ministerial 
work has been confined greatly to supplying pul- 
pits throughout this part of the vState. He is a 
great lover of music, in which he is quite pro- 
ficient. His voice is a fine proftindo basso and 
he is a most excellent choir leader. In nearly all 
public gatherings where music forms one feature 
of the entertainment his voice is heard. For 



300 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



many years he has been a member of the glee 
clubs which have been engaged in campaign 
work. In politics, he has ever been a Republi- 
can since casting his 6rst Presidential vote for 
John C. Fremont, and the principles of his party 
find in him a stalwart advocate. The Odd Fel- 
lows' society, the Knights of Pythias lodge, and 
the Patriotic Sons of America number him among 
their leading and valued members. His life has 
been well spent, and it is safe to say that few, if 
any, have more friends in McDonough County 
than James S. Gash. 



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(S" 



0R. RALPH HARRIS is probably the oldest 
physician in this part of the State. He is 
now living retired, but for many years he 
was successfully engaged in practice in Illinois. 
He now makes his home in Macomb, and is one 
of its highly respected and honored citizens. A 
native of Charlotte County, Va. , his birth occurred 
April 6, 1 812. His parents, Robert and Mary 
(Bailey) Harris, were both natives of Virginia, 
and the grandparents on both sides came from 
Ireland, though of Scotch ancestrj-. In his na- 
tive State, Robert Harris followed farming and 
blacksmithing. He ser\'ed as a soldier through- 
out the Revolutionarj' War, and held the rank of 
Captain in the Virginia troops. He was never 
wounded in battle, but on one occasion a bullet 
passed through his queue. At one time a num- 
ber of men in his regiment were taken prisoners, 
Mr. Harris among the number, but he and two of 
his comrades made their escape. They traveled 
by night through the woods, and slept in the day- 
time, for fear of detection. For some days they 
subsisted on nothing but roots and buds. One of 
the men fainted from want, and was resuscitated 
with water that was caught in the brim of the hat 
of one of his comrades, a shower ha\'ing oppor- 
tunely fallen. 

Robert Harris was twice married. He first 
wedded a Miss Jack.son, of Charlotte, Va., by 
whom he had seven children, and after her death 
he married Marj* Bailey. His family altogether 



numbered eight sons and six daughters. Two of 
the seven children born of the second marriage 
are now living: Cornelia, who is the widow of 
Philip Anderson, residing with her daughter in 
North Carolina, and the Doctor. The latter was 
but four years old when his father died, and he lost 
his mother at the age of fourteen. 

In the county of his nativity. Dr. Harris spent 
the days of his boyhood and 3'outh. When he 
was a lad of twelve his guardian told him that he 
had learning enough; but he did not think so. 
He had been bound out to learn the cabinet- 
maker's trade, and after serving for five years he 
paid $100 for his indentures. He then entered col- 
lege at Danville, K)-. , where he remained for a little 
more than two years, when his health failed him 
and he was forced to leave school. Some years 
later, however, the degree of A. M. was conferred 
upon him. He had completed nearly the entire 
course of Greek and Latin in two years. 

Young Harris then took up the studj' of medi- 
cine at home, and also studied theologj'. He en- 
tered upon the work of the ministry as a member 
of the Pennsylvania Presbytery in 1838, and was 
ordained in 1842. For a quarter of a century 
thereafter he engaged in preaching. His health 
then broke down, and he began the practice of 
medicine. In 1869, he was graduated from 
Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, and was 
then successfull)- and continuously engaged in 
practice until 1884, when he retired to private life. 
He also during that time filled various pulpits, 
but never accepted a regular pastorate, as his 
health would not permit the additional labor. 

Dr. Harris first came to Macomb in 1849, and 
took charge of McDonough College. He con- 
tinued in this city for six j^ears, as pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church, and as a teacher in the col- 
lege. In 1855, he removed to Mi.ssouri, and set- 
tled upon a farm near Cameron, DeKalb Count}-. 
He had charge of various country churches in 
that locality, and while there was injured in a 
railroad disaster, caused by the rebels having 
burned the bridge over the Platte River, nine miles 
east of St. Joseph. Out of one hundred and four 
persons there were twenty-four killed. The Doc- 
tor was taken from amid the debris, and it was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



301 



thought that he was dead, but after a time con- 
sciousness returned to him. He knew nothing of 
the accident, however, until it was all over. In 
1861, he again came to Macomb, and in 188 1 he 
made a permanent location here. 

On the 2d of October, 1834, Dr. Harris married 
Miss Martha P. Hughes, who lived near Danville, 
Ky., and was a daughter of William and Jane 
(Sneed) Hughes. They became the parents of a 
daughter, Ellen Amanda, now the wife of Ed Ma- 
guire, of Macomb, by whom she has six children, 
namely: Martha Rosalind, Mary Rachel, Sarah 
Isadora, Hattie Thomas, James Ralph and Edward 
Calvin. On the 31st of May, 1837, the Doctor 
wedded Miss Mary P. Wilson, daughter of James 
and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wilson, of Kentuck)-. 
Their marriage was celebrated in Rock Castle 
County, and was bles.sed with a family of six sons 
and four daughters, but James H. R. is now de- 
ceased. The latter married Harriet Maguire, and 
they had one child, Frank W. Robert Campbell, 
the second child of the Doctor, was a soldier of 
the Union army, and was taken prisoner by the 
guerrillas in Missouri, tied up bj- the thumbs, dis- 
emboweled and thrown into the Platte River. 
William Thomas, who is engaged in the practice 
of medicine in Keosauqua, low'a, married Miss 
Lottie Herrick, and they have a daughter, Lenna 
Pearl; Ralph Erskine, a machinist and plumber 
of Macomb, wedded Martha Jack,son, and they 
have four children: Florence Ellen, Ralph C, 
Mary Isadore and Lela. John G. is decea.sed. 
Mary E. became the wife of William Carter, and 
they had four children: Jessie, Dollie, Ruby and 
William. After the death of her first husband, 
she married Jesse York, and they became the par- 
ents of one son, Harris. Mrs. York died in Feb- 
ruary, 1892. Sarah C. is the wife of J. J. Mc- 
Dannold, of Mt. Sterling, Congressman from the 
Twelfth District, by whom she has two children, 
Malcolm and Helen. Charles, anattorney-at-law 
of Galesburg, married Miss Addie Anderson, and 
to them have been bom two children: Nina and 
Lillian. Dollie, who complets the family, is the 
wife of Ira Pillsbury, of Macomb, and they have 
three sons, George M., Ira H. and Walter E. 

During the late war, Dr. Harris served as Chap- 



lain of the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry for six 
months, and was then discharged on account of 
physical disability. His son Thomas was a soldier 
of the same regiment, and after being shot through 
the jaw at the battle of Stone River was mustered 
out of service. In his political views, the Doctor 
is a stalwart Republican. He is numbered among 
the oldest residents of Macomb, and is a man 
wlio.se upright life and sterling worth have made 
him one of the most highly esteemed citizens of 
the communit}'. 



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[^~ 



r"RANK H. MAPES, who is now connected 
r^ with the Bank of Macomb, was born in Bu- 
I reau Count}', 111., on the 25tliof June, 1865, 
and is a son of Elder George W. and Martha E. 
(Dennison) Mapes, both of whom were natives of 
New York. His father w-as born April 30, 1825, 
his mother in May, 1827, and their marriage was 
celebrated in August, 1850. They became the 
parents of a family of six children, four sons and 
two daughters, but one of its number, Ella, died 
at the age of nine years. Wheeler M., the eldest, 
is now a railroad conductor, and resides in Des 
Moines, Iowa. Charles is a traveling salesman in 
the employ of a boot and shoe house, and makes 
his home in Hutchinson, Kan. George G. is 
cashier in a bank and proprietor of a hotel in 
Moran, Kan. Franchetie is the wife of M. A. 
Hitchcock, a prominent dry-goods merchant of 
Macomb. Frank H. completes the family. 

Elder Mapes is largely a self-made man. He 
had no special advantages in his j-outh; indeed, 
his privileges were meagre, and while following 
the plow he studied the Bible. He began preach- 
ing in Walnut, Bureau County, 111., in 1857, and 
later was pastor of the Christian Church in 
Princeton, 111. Subsequently, he preached in 
Putnam and Washington, and then came to Ma- 
comb, where he remained for five years. During 
this time, and largely through his instrumentality, 
the present house of worship of the Christian 
Church was erected. At length failing health 
caused him to resign, and he removed to his farm 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in Bureau Count}', whence he afterward went to 
Clarksville, Mo. Later, he made his residence in 
Montezuma, Iowa, and in 1S90 he again ac- 
cepted a call from the church in Macomb, where 
he remained two jears. He is now pastor in 
Fairfield, Iowa. Throughout this community he 
has a wide acquaintance, and by all who know 
him he is most highly respected. 

Mr. Mapes whose name heads this record at- 
tended the public .schools in the different locali- 
ties where his parents resided, and completed his 
literarv education in Painesville Academy. Wish- 
ing to engage in the drug business, he entered 
the .store of John M. Keefer, of Macomb, and at 
length became a licensed pharmacist. For seven 
years he was engaged in business along that line, 
and for two years of that time he was the propri- 
etor of a drug store. 

On the i.st of March, 1892, Mr. Mapes led to 
the marriage altar Miss Clara Chandler, of Ma- 
comb. They are well-known young people of 
this cit}- who rank high in social circles, and their 
friends are man\-. The\- have one son, George 
Chandler, born in 1893. 

After continuing in tlie drug busine.ss in his 
own interest for two \ears, Mr. Mapes disposed 
of his store and entered the Bank of Macomb, 
with which he is now connected. In his social 
relations, he is a Royal Arch Mason, and also 
holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of 
America. In politics, he is a Republican, and 
cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Benjamin 
Harrison. 



c=1 



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(S_ 



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HON. JONATHAN HASKELL BAKER, a 
prominent early citizen of Macomb, who 
ser\-ed his fellows in various official capaci- 
ties, and was a leader at the Bar, was born in 
Walpole, N. H., May 8, 18 17. He came of New 
England lineage, hi.s ancestors having settled in 
that portion of the countrj' at so early a date that 
the exact time is not now discoverable. When 
only seven years of age he was left fatherless, and 
bound out to a fanner, with whom he remained ten 



years. At the expiration of that time, his "mas- 
ter" permitted him to enter a dry -goods store in 
Walpole as clerk, where he remained until he at- 
tained his majority. 

In the year 1838 he became thoroughly imbued 
with the idea that the then far western country 
known as Illinois was a proper field for a young 
man like him, full of energy and industry, and 
accordingly he made his way hither and .settled 
in Macomb. The journey consumed twenty-seven 
days. He was not backward about the em- 
ployment which he might obtain, so long as it af- 
forded him an honest maintenance and an oppor- 
tunity for advancement, and he set to work at the 
first thing offered, which was labor in a brickyard, 
where he continued nearly a year. His natural 
ability and his bu.siness education brought him to 
the notice of James M. Campbell, who offered him 
a position as clerk, and this he accepted. He re- 
mained with Mr. Campbell two years, and then 
formed a partnership in the grocery business with 
Jo.seph P. Updegraff, which continued a number 
of years. 

In the year 1845, Mr. Baker received the ap- 
pointment of Postma.ster at Macomb, and held that 
position four years. He engaged in the mercan- 
tile business with Charles Chandler in 1S46, and 
during the remainder of his term as Po.stmaster 
the office was kept in their store. Mr. Baker re- 
mained in this busine.ss nine years, and at the 
expiration of that time ( 1855) went into the real- 
estate, or ' ' land office, ' ' business, as it was then 
called. He was appointed County Clerk in 1858, 
to fill a \-acancy occasioned by the death of Isaac 
Grantham, and served until 186 1 . After the close 
of his term as Clerk, he engaged in the grocery- 
business with Joseph Burton, and remained in that 
line until 1865. 

Having given considerable time to the .study of 
law, at the last-named date he formed a co-part- 
nership with W. H. Neece for the practice of law, 
which continued until 1877, at which time he was 
elected County Judge. He .served the four-years 
term to which he was elected, and was re-elected 
in 1 88 1, and .served a second term. He was out 
of office four years, l)ut was again nominated and 
elected in 1889 to the same office, and served 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



303 



therein until the time of his death, which occurred 
on the 31st day of August, i8go. 

Mr. Baker was married to Miss Isabelle Hemp- 
stead on the 14th da)- of March, 1843, at Macomb. 
Of this marriage four children were born, who 
survive him, viz.: Clara A., the wife of C. V. 
Chandler, whose biography will be found else- 
where in this work; Mary C, wife of E. h- Wells, 
of Macomb; Lsabelle, wife of George A. Tunni- 
cliff, a prominent lawyer of Macomb; and Jo.seph 
H., who resides with his mother. Mrs. Baker is 
a daughter of Stephen Hempstead and Mary L. 
LeFevre, and was born in St. Charles, Mo., to 
which place her parents had mo\-ed from New 
London, Conn., a short time previous to her birth. 
At the age of eight or nine years, .she was made 
an oq^han by the death of her mother, who per- 
ished in the cholera epidemic of 1S33. She was 
soon after sent by her brother ( the father being 
absent) to McDonough County, where she made 
her home with her si.ster, Mrs. James M. Camp- 
bell, until the time of her marriage. 

The Macomh /oiima/, in .speaking of Judge Ba- 
ker, pays the following just tribute to his memory: 
' ' He has always been a faithful and efficient offi- 
cial, and, though a. strong Democrat, never carried 
partisanship into official life. He was a useful 
member of society. Indu.strious, .sober, quiet and 
unobtru.sive of demeanor, he was a pattern that 
young men may well follow. His life was full of 
years. As husband and father, neighbor and 
friend, he was a model. He leaves behind the 
record of a life well spent." 

Rev. L. J. Dinsmore, formerh- pastor of the Uni- 
versali.st Church of Macomb, speaking of Judge 
Baker's death, says: "This comes as a severe 
blow to the friends of our church in Macomb, 
where Judge Baker had been an honored and use- 
ful resident for more than fifty-three years. He 
was an honest and capable business man, widely 
known and universally respected. He had held 
important public offices for many years, and at the 
date of his death was Judge of Probate for Mc- 
Donough County. His name was intimately as- 
sociated with the early hi.story of our church in 
that portion of the State, and his personal char- 
acter illuminated his Universalist profession. He 



was a thorough gentleman of the old school, dig- 
nified in his bearing, but kindly-hearted and good 
to the poor. It was said b\- one who knew what 
he was talking about that Judge Baker had done 
more good to the people of McDonough County, 
for less money, than any other man who ever lived 
in it. * * ^ He was a man of strong 
convictions, and fearless in their expression. He 
lived and died on the high grade of thoughtful, 
.sincere and outspoken Universalism." 



HON. WILLIAM H. NEECE is probably one 
of the best known members of the Democracy 
in Illinois. For many years he has been 
prominent in politics, not as a politician in the 
commonly accepted .sense of the term, but as a rep- 
resentative of the people, true to their interests and 
their welfare. He was born Februan- 26, 1831, 
near Springfield, in what is now Logan, but was 
then a part of Sangamon County, 111. , and is a 
son of Jesse and Mary D. (Maupin) Neece, the 
former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of 
Virginia. The Neece family is of Gennan origin, 
but was founded in America prior to the Revolu- 
tionary War, for Peter Neece, the grandfather of 
our subject, valiantly aided in the struggle for 
independence. Mr. Neece now has in his po.sses- 
sion a Continental bill, the denomination of which 
is ^,250, equal to $1,250 in our currency, and 
payable in Spanish milled dollars. 

After his marriage, which was celebrated in 
Kentucky, Jesse Neece removed to Greencastle, 
Ind., in 1824. There he remained for .six years, 
and in 1830 became a resident of Sangamon 
Comity, 111., but after a short time he came to 
McDonough County, reaching his destination in 
April, 1 83 r . The journey was made with wagons, 
drawn by horses and oxen, and the trip proved a 
laborious one. In the early spring, the rich soil 
of Illinois is deep mud, through which they had 
to make their way slowly. The family bore many 
of the hardships of pioneer life, and became fa- 
miliar with all the experiences of the frontier. 
To Jes.se and Mary Neece were born ten children. 



304 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



^1 



of whom four are yet living: Mrs. Icabinda West- 
fall, of Beatrice, Neb.; Artenuis V., of Colches- 
ter, 111.; George W., of Brookfield, Mo.; and Will- 
iam H., of this sketch. The mother of this fam- 
ily died in November, 1837, after which Mr. 
Neece was again married. By his second mar- 
riage he had three children. He became a well- 
known farmer of McDonough County, and in 
connection with agricultural pursuits he for many 
years engaged in the practice of medicine. His 
death occurred on the i6th of October, 1S69, when 
the community felt that it had lost one of its best 
citizens. 

William H. Neece acquired his education in 
the common .schools of this county, and in early 
life was inured to hard labor. Dunng his youth, 
he engaged in breaking the prairie with an ox- 
team. Later he engaged in boating on the Illi- 
nois River, and worked at pork-packing. He also 
added to his income by running a threshing-ma- 
chine, and during the gold excitement in Cali- 
fornia, he crossed the plains to the Pacific Slope, 
in 1853. The journey was made with an ox- 
team. After five months, he reached Oregon, and 
another month was spent on the road to San 
Francisco, from whence he went to the Decosnus 
River. He was accompanied by his brother, 
George W. Mining, however, proved an un- 
profitable investment for Mr. Neece, and, going to 
Sacramento, he there secured a position as cook. 
In 1854, he went to Grass Valley, and engaged 
in mining in the gulches, but at length he re- 
turned home by way of the Panama route and 
New Orleans, having found that fortunes were 
not always so easily secured in California as rep- 
resented. At odd inten'als and in leisure mo- 
ments in the mean time, he had been reading law, 
and now entered regularly upon its study in the 
office of Bailey & Van Fleck. In 1858 he was 
admitted to the Bar. He also engaged in pur- 
chasing land for the firm of Baker & Co. , secur- 
ing the same through soldiers' titles. 

On the 3d of May, 1857, Mr. Neece was united 
in marriage with Miss Janette Ingals, daughter 
of Thompkins and E.sther Ingals. The lady is a 
native of Otsego County, N. Y. To them were born 
three children: Jesse T., who was educated in the 



Macomb High School and in the Northwestern 
University of Chicago, and is now engaged in 
the practice of law with his father; Dr. William 
A., a denti.st of Macomb; and Orson B., who 
died October 5, 1888. 

After his admission to the Bar, Mr. Neece 
opened a law office in Macomb, and has since 
been successfully engaged in practice. He is 
recognized as one of the best criminal lawyers in 
this part of the State, and has won a reputation 
at the Bar of which he may well be proud, for he 
stands at the head of his profe.ssion in this locality. 
He defended Miles Bond, who was charged with 
the killing of William H. Randolph, United 
States Mar.shal , and was one of the attorneys for 
Tom Johnson, arrested for the murder of Owen, of 
Henderson County. He was also retained in the 
defen.se of Albert Head, who was charged with 
the murder of his cousin, Charles O. Head, and 
defended Gick, Payne and Davis, the murderers 
of Thomas Edmund.son. Dr. Saunders was also 
tried for the same offense, and Mr. Neece assisted 
in defending him. Gick was sent to the peni- 
tentiary for life, Payne for eight years, Davis for 
one year, and Dr. Saunders was cleared. He also 
defended Frank and William Butler, of Prairie 
City, charged with the murder of a brother, and 
the decision of "guiltj'" pronounced by the Cir- 
cuit Court was reversed by the Supreme Court, 
and the defendants discharged. In connection 
with his extensive legal practice he has also been 
continuouslj- engaged in farming and stock-rais- 
ing, and operates one of the largest farms in Mc- 
Donough County. 

The official life of our subject began in 1861, 
when he was elected Alderman of Macomb from 
the Fir.st Ward. In 1863 he was dected to the 
State Legislature, and in 1869 was made a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention. Grant had 
carried the county by a large majoritj- the previous 
year, but Neece, running far ahead of his ticket, 
was sent to the convention. In 1869 he was again 
cho-seti as Representative, and took an active part 
in framing the laws under the new constitution. 
In 1872 he was nominated for the po.sition of 
State Senator. The Republican party had a ma- 
jority of about one thousand, and that he could 




W. A. COMI'TON. 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



305 



overcome this strong opposition indicates his great 
personal popularity and the confidence and trust 
reposed in him. In 1882 he was elected to Con- 
gress from the Eleventh District, comprising Rock 
Island. Mercer, Henderson, Hancock, Schuyler, 
McDonough and Warren Counties, and was chosen 
his own successor in 1884. In 1886 he was again 
the candidate of the Democrac\-, but was defeated 
by William Gest, of Rock Island, although he 
ran nineteen hundred and thirty -four votes ahead 
of the Democratic ticket in the district. In 1892 
he was prominently talked of for Governor. His 
course in public office has alwaj-s been straight- 
forward. He has the courage of his convictions, 
and one who cares to a.scertain can easily find out 
on which side he stands. He is a man of the 
people, in touch with the people, and has their 
confidence and respect, for he has labored for 
their interests and done all in his power to pro- 
mote the general welfare. 

vSociall}-, Mr. Neece is connected with the Odd 
Fellows' society. His first Presidential vote was 
cast for Franklin Pierce, and since that time he 
has never wavered in his support of the Democ- 
racy. He is void of ostentation and displaj-, be- 
ing plain and unassuming in manner — a practical 
man, with a large amount of common sense. He 
does not win friends rapidly to lose them, but al- 
waj-s retains the high regard of those with whom 
he has been brought in contact, and in the com- 
munity where he is best known his friends are the 
most numerous and of the stanchest kind. His 
life has practically been passed in McDonough 
County, and its historj- would be incomplete 
without his record. 



^-^ 



~=] 



CS" 



pCJlLLIAM A. COMPTOX, an ambitious and 

\ A / rising young lawyer, who is now success- 
V Y fully engaged in practice in Macomb, was 
bom in Scotland Township, McDonough County, 
on the 5th of March, 1864. He is a son of Henry 
and Sarah J. (Smith) Compton, the former a na- 
tive of Ohio, and the latter of Illinois. They were 
the parents of nine children, seven of whom are 



yet living, two sons and five daughters. Eliza 
J., the eldest, is the wife of Frank Starns, of Can- 
ton, 111. Mary C. is the wife of William L. Har- 
vey, of Stanberrj-, Mo. Ella \'. is the wife of 
George A. Walker, who also resides in Stanbern,-; 
Rosa A. is the wife of William F. Kelley, of Adair, 
111. John W. is located in Des Moines, Iowa. 
Ollie M. is at home. Edward and Arabel died in 
infancy. 

The paternal great-grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch was born in Ireland, about the j-ear 
1750, and his wife, whose family name was Hill, 
was born in Germany, about 1757. About 1790, 
they emigrated to this country and settled in 
Hazeltown, \'a., where their son, Henrj' Comp- 
ton, was born soon afterward. The latter was a 
shoemaker, and worked at his trade for a number 
of years in Virginia. He migrated from Virginia 
about the year 1820, and settled on a farm near 
Royalton, Fairfield County, Ohio, where his son 
Henry, the father of William A. Compton, was 
born November 10, 1828. 

Mr. Compton's maternal great-grandfather, 
Thomas Delap, was the son of a Frenchman. He 
was bom in 1781, in Kentucky, lived to a great 
age, and died in 1873, at his home near Burling- 
ton, Iowa. The maternal grandfather, David 
Smith, followed both agriculture and broom-mak- 
ing. He also reached a ripe old age, and his wife 
is still living. 

Henrj- Compton and his wife, grandparents of 
the subject of this notice, moved from Ohio about 
1846, and settled on a farm in Madison County, 
111., where the balance of their days was spent. 
In 1849, their son Henrj- returned to Ohio and 
remained one year. After living two years in 
Schuyler Countj', 111., he moved, in the fall of 
1852, to Iowa, and married Sarah J. Smith at 
Burlington, in that State, on the 25th of Septem- 
ber of that year. He remained in Burlington un- 
til the spring of 1856, and at that time moved to 
McDonough County, 111. After living one year 
en a farm near Indu.stry, he spent a year on 
what is known as the " Milton Knight farm," in 
Scotland Township. From there he moved to 
Muscatine, Iowa, where he purchased a farai, 
upon which he lived until the spring of 1861. 



3o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



when he finallj' returned to McDonough County. 
He lived on the farm of his father-in-law, David 
Smith, until 1864, at which time he bought the 
eighty-acre farm which he still owns in Scotland 
Township, and whereon he dwelt up to March, 
1893, when he laid aside business cares and has 
since lived retired in Macomb. He and his wife 
have for many years been members of the Method- 
i.st Episcopal Church, and are highly respected 
people. 

W. A. Compton who.se name heads this record 
was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, 
and acquired his early education in the district 
.schools. He afterward attended the Macomb 
Normal College, and was graduated therefrom in 
1885. His first independent eiFort in life was as 
a school teacher. He followed that profession for 
five terms, but, wishing to make the practice of 
law his life work, he studied the principles and 
standards of that profession, and was admitted to 
the Bar November 21, 1888, in .Springfield. Dur- 
ing the same winter he was filling the position of 
Principal of the public .schools of Bentley, Han- 
cock County, 111. 

On the close of the .school year, Mr. Compton 
came to Macomb, where he opened a law office 
and also began dealing in real estate. A vear 
later he was married to Mi.ss Pearl vShriner, the 
.second daughter of Levi and Harriet ('Collins) 
vShriner, of Macomb Township. Their union was 
celebrated on the 5th of March, i S90, on the twen- 
ty-.sixth anniversary of his birth. Mrs. Compton 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and is a most estimable lad\-, who has many friends 
throughout the connnunity. 

Mr. Compton holds memljership with the 
Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of 
America. He is the owner of a fine farm of one 
hundred and forty acres, .situated on sections 22 
and 28, Lamoine Town.ship, besides his residence 
at No. 432 S. Randolph .Street, a block of ground 
in the Sinnnons' Addition, a house and lot in the 
Eastern Addition, and three lots in Twyman'sAd- 
ditioti. In politics, he is a stalwart supporter of 
the Democratic party and its pri!icii)les and is one 
of the most popular and useful members of the 
party. He served as First Assistant Clerk in the 



House of Representatives during the Thirty-.sev- 
enth General As.semlily, to which position he was 
nominated by acclamation. Wlien oidy twenty- 
four years of age he was a delegate to the State 
Convention, took an active part in the deliliera- 
tions of that body, and seconded the nomination 
of Andrew J. Bell, of Peoria, for Governor. He 
is a man of splendid address and a brilliant talker, 
and stumped McDonough and adjoining counties 
for the Democratic ticket in the campaigns of 1888 
and 1892, gaining an enviable reputation as an 
orator. He is recognized as a leading young pol- 
itician of McDonough County. He was a candi- 
date for the nomination of County Judge, and also 
for Representative on two occasions. Though de- 
feated, he nevertheless gained a large following, 
and is recognized as a leader of the Democracy. 
He possesses more than ordinary ability, and his 
keen mind and quick perceptive faculties make 
him well adapted for his cho.sen ]irofession. 

0LIN EMERY, editor and publi.sher of the 
Augusta /;'<7 ;'/(•, is one of the enterprising 
and progressive citizens of Augusta, alwaxs 
alive to the be.st interests of the place. He was 
born in Blandinsville, III., on the ist of December, 
1868, and is a .son of Dr. James H. and Rhoda K. 
(Hardisty) Emer\-. His paternal grandfather, 
Henr\- Emery, was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
was a farmer by occupation. He reared a large 
family, and lived to the age of seventy-two years. 
The maternal grandfather, J. V. M. Hardisty, 
was born in Kentucky, and about 1830 emigrated 
to Illinois, locating in McDonough Count\'. He 
is now living in Blandinsville, and has reached 
the age of more than three-.score years and ten. 

Dr. Emery, father of our subject, is a native of 
Richland County, Ohio. He is numbercil among 
the early .settlers of Ihinois, whither he came in 
1840. He located near Galva, Henry County, 
and there made his home until i860. Having 
studied medicine, he began tlie practice of his 
chosen profe.s.sion in 1863, in Blandin.sville, and 
has there .since made his home. He is a success- 




CliAKI.lCS J. SC(I1-IKI.1> 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



309 



ful phj-sician, who has a high reputation, and, 
therefore receives a liberal patronage. In June, 
1893, he began the publication of the Blandins- 
ville S/ar, which he has since edited in connec- 
tion with his other business. He married Mi.ss 
Hardist}', who was born in Blandinsville, and to 
them were born eight children, five sons and three 
daughters, seven of whom are yet living, namely: 
Olin; James H. ; Lois E., wife of Elmer L. Wise; 
Otto; Roscoe D. ; Daisy R. and Mamie O. 

'ur subject is the eldest child of the family. 

.c days of his boyhood and youth were spent in 
Blandinsville, and his education was acquired in 
the public schools of his native city. He was 
reared upon his father's farm, but not wishing to 
make agricultural pursuits his life work, he turned 
his attention to other interests, and began learn- 
ing the printers' trade. In the year 1891, he 
came to Augusta and purchased the Augu.sta 
Eagle, a Democratic journal, of which he is 
both editor and publisher. This is a bright and 
newsy sheet, ably edited and conducted, and 
frcm the public it receives a liberal patronage, 
which is constantly increasing, and which is well 
deserved. In his political views Mr. Emery is a 
Democrat, and warmly advocates the principles 
of that party. He is still a young man, yet is 
recognized as one of the valued citizens of this 
community, for he is always found on the side ot 
what pertains to the best interests of the county, 
and to its upbuilding and advancement. 

EHARLES JOSIAH SCOFIELD is one of the 
most prominent attorneys in the State, and 
is now ser\-ing as Judge of the Sixth Judicial 
District of Illinois. Hancock County has no more 
highly-respected citizen, and that he has won a 
foremost place among his professional brethren is 
shown by the fact that when he was elected to his 
present office, he was the youngest Circuit Judge 
in tl '_ countn,-. He was born in Carthage, Han- 
cock County, on Christmas Day, 1853, and is a 
son of Charles R. and Elizabeth Scofield. His 
father was born in De Wittville, Chautauqua 



County, N. Y., and was a son of Darius and 
Sallie (Glenny) Scofield, the former a native of 
Stamford, Conn., and the latter of the city of 
Newry, Ireland. The mother of our subject was 
born in Kentucky, was of vScotch-Irish lineage, 
and was the daughter of Harrison and Alice Craw- 
ford. 

Charles R. Scofield died when his son Charles 
was onlj- three 5-ears of age, being then in the 
prime of life. He had studied law, and about 
1 85 1 began its practice. His ability and talent 
were rapidly wiiuiing for him prominence in his 
profession, but after five years of successful prac- 
tice he was cut off by the hand of death. After 
losing her husband, Mrs. Scofield with her two 
children went to live with her father. The sec- 
ond son is Hon. T. J. Scofield, now Assistant At- 
torney-General of Illinois. He, too, has won 
success as a lawyer, and has a large practice in 
Ouincj', where he lives with his wife and six 
children. 

The Judge spent the greater part of his child- 
hood and youth upon his grandfather's farm, 
about a mile from the city. His early education 
was acquired in the common schools, but he after- 
ward pursued a three-years course in a college, 
from which he was graduated at the age of seven- 
teen. When he was twenty years of age, the de- 
gree of A. M. was conferred upon him. Soon 
after his literar>- education was completed, he be- 
gan teaching, and for three years had charge of 
the High vSchool in Carthage. The profession to 
which his family had furnished several repre- 
sentatives attracted him, and during vacations he 
.studied law in the office of his uncle, the Hon. 
Bryant T. Scofield, one of the ablest lawyers of 
the Bar of Hancock County. In the same office 
were William C. Hooker and George Edmunds. 
At the age of twenty-one, he was admitted to the 
Bar, and a few months thereafter was appointed 
Ma.ster in Chancery, which office he held for 
nearlv ten years, or until his election to the Bench. 
When thirty-one years of age, he became one of 
the Judges of the Si.xth Judicial Circuit, and on the 
expiration of his first term of six years was elected 
his own successor. He has also held court at 
many points outside of his circuit, among them 



15 



3IO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Chicago, Galesburg and Morrison. In June, 
1893, he was appointed by the Supreme Court 
as one of the Judges of the Appellate Court for 
the Fourth District. 

On the i2th of September, 1876, Mr. Scofield 
was united in marriage with Miss Ro.se Spitler, 
an adopted daughter of Dr. Adam Spitler, of 
Carthage. Mrs. Scofield is a woman of more 
than ordinary intelligence, and is an active worker 
in the cause of Christ. As President of the Dis- 
trict Christian Woman's Board of Missions, she 
has done very efficient and satisfactory work in 
arousing and developing an interest in the mis- 
sionary field. 

Judge Scofield is a member of the Christian 
Church, and in connection with his labors as 
lawyer and Judge, he has sen-ed as pastor of the 
church in Carthage for fifteen years, his labors 
being performed without remuneration. His time 
and talent he gives to the cause, and during his 
pastorate the church membership has been in- 
creased from fifty to three hundred. He has also 
engaged to some extent in literary work, and is 
the author of an able volume, which was written 
to show some of the evils arising directly and in- 
directly from the liquor traffic. It was published 
in November, 1891, under the title of "A Subtle 
Adversary," and has had a large sale. It is fre- 
quently spoken of as "the Uncle Tom's Cabin of 
temperance reform, " and has been classed with 
Dickens' "David Copperfield" and Wallace's "Ben 
Hur," as among the greatest works of fiction in 
the English language. 

As a jurist, the Judge ranks among the best in 
the entire country. Few decisions of his are ever 
reversed, and he has the entire confidence of the 
Bar, not only in his own district, but wherever 
known. As a minister of the Gospel, he is elo- 
quent, forcible and logical. His legal studies 
have helped in the last direction. A firm believer 
in the Divine revelation, he does not hesitate to 
express his views fearlessly and intelligently upon 
disputed points among the higher and other 
critics. His Christianity none doubts, and he has 
the confidence and friend.ship of all of his religious 
neighbors without regard to creed. As a citizen, 
no one is held in higher esteem. His advice and 



counsel are sought by political friend and foe, by 
rich and poor, by the ignorant and learned, be- 
cause they know their confidence will never be 
betrayed, and any advice given will come from an 
honest heart. Socially, Mr. Scofield is a mem- 
ber of the Independent Order of Mutual Aid, and 
of the Knights of Pythias. In his political views, 
he is a Democrat, and on that ticket was elected 
to the Bench, although he received the votes of 
many of other parties. 



-S. 



-=] 



^-^l 



pQlLUAM H. HAINLINEisoneofthelead- 
\A/ ing citizens of Macomb. He is now serv- 
Y V i"g as its Mayor, and is the editor and 
proprietor of the Macomb Journal. He is also 
one of the honored veterans of the late war, and 
his loyalty to his country is as manifest in days 
of peace as it was when he followed the Old Flag 
on the field of battle. Born in Emmett Town- 
ship, McDonough County, on the 29th of July, 
1841, he is a son of John D. and Margaret A. 
(Douthitt) Hainline, both of whom were natives of 
Kentucky. The grandfather, George W. Hain- 
line, was also born in that State, and the great- 
grandfather of our subject removed from North 
Carolina to Kentucky in company with Daniel 
Boone. He was of German descent. He fought 
in the Indian wars with Boone, and lived to the 
ripe old age of eighty-five years. In 1838 the 
grandfather came to Illinois, where his death oc- 
curred in 1867. The maternal grandfather of 
W. H. Hainline was Lewis Douthitt. He, too, 
was a native of Kentucky, but because he was a 
Union man, he was driven out of that State dur- 
ing the war, and came to McDonough County. 
Later, however, he returned to his old home, 
where his last days were passed. He was a farmer 
and tanner, and owned about twenty .slaves, which 
were freed through the emancipation proclama- 
tion. His death occurred when about ninety 
years of age. 

John D. Hainline, father of our subject, came 
to Illinois in 1838, and located in what was then 
known as the Spring Creek settlement, where he 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3" 



has since made his home. Throughout life he 
has followed the occupation of farming, and there- 
by acquired a comfortable competence. During 
the time of the Mormon troubles he aided in driv- 
ing them from Nauvoo. An honored pioneer of the 
county for more than fifty -five years, he has wit- 
nessed its growth and upbuilding, and has ever 
borne his part in its development. His wife died 
in November, 1869, at the age of fifty-one, in the 
faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
They had a family of eleven children, five sons 
and six daughters, but only six of the number 
are now living, namely: \V. H., of this sketch; 
Flora A., wife of Marcellus Shryack, of Warren.s- 
burg, Mo.; Isabel, wife of Capt. B. A. Griffith, 
of Sciota; JohnQ., of Hire Township; Andrew 
J., of Macomb; and May, wife of William Stick- 
lenx, also of Hire Township, McDonough Count>-. 
His eldest brother, George L,. Haiiiline, fell dead 
by his side, shot through the head, at the battle 
of Bentonville, N. C. , March 21, 1S65. 

In taking up the personal history of our sub- 
ject, we present to our readers the life record of 
one of the native .sons of McDonough County. 
He was reared to manhood under the parental 
roof, and the common schools afforded him his 
educational privileges. He continued at home 
until 1859, when, at the age of seventeen years, 
attracted by the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak, 
he made a trip to that place, returning in the 
autumn. He then continued to engage in farm 
labor upon the old homestead until the beginning 
of the late war. Scarcely had the echo of Ft. 
Sumter's guns ceased to reverberate, when he 
offered his services to the Government, enlisting 
April 19, 1861, as a member of Company A, Six- 
teenth Illinois Infantry. After about three years 
he re-enlisted, Januarj' i, 1864, and continued in 
the .ser\-ice until after the close of the war. He 
participated in the battles of New Madrid, Island 
No. 10, the siege of Corinth, Buzzard's Roost, 
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, 
Sherman's celebrated march to the sea, and the 
Carolina campaign, ending in the engagement at 
Bentonville, which was the last and most terrible 
battle in which his regiment participated. He 
was captured at Peach Tree Creek, and was in 



Andersonville Prison for sixty days, but by a 
special exchange he was returned to his regiment. 
During the last three years of his service, he held 
the rank of Corporal. Always faithful to his duty, 
he was a valiant defender of the Old Flag and the 
cause it represented. On the 8th of July, 1865, 
he was mustered out. 

When the country no longer needed his serv- 
ices, Mr. Hainline returned home, and was soon 
afterward elected County Treasurer. The office 
was entirely unsought by him, and he was the 
first Republican ever elected to that office in the 
county. On the expiration of his two-years term, 
he became interested in the drug business with 
P. H. Delaney, but after four years he sold out, 
and in June, 1870, purchased a half-interest in 
the 'M.acomh /o/tma/, owned by B. R. Hampton. 
This connection continued until 18S1, when he 
bought out Mr. Hampton's interest. He was 
then alone in business until 1884, when a stock 
company was formed, but Mr. Haiidine has con- 
tinued as its editor and publisher. 

On the 1 6th of June, 1866, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Victoria, daughter 
of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Shleich, of Wurtem- 
berg, Germany. Two children were born to 
them, Maud L. and Mildred D. The former is 
the wife of Wade W. Meloan, a lawyer of Ma- 
comb, and they have one child, William. Millie 
is the wife of E. T. Walker, Cashier of the Citi- 
zens' Bank of Macomb, and they have a daughter, 
Caroline. Mrs. Hainline, who was a member of 
the German Reformed Church, died on the 24th of 
February, 1S74. Mr. Hainline was again mar- 
ried, January 24, 1879, his second union being 
with Miss Catherine L. Vorhees, daughter of 
Francis and Jane (Leslie) \'orhees, of King.ston, 
N. Y. They have two children, Jean L. and 
Andrew L. 

Mr. Hainline takes considerable interest in civic 
societies, and belongs to Macomb Lodge, A. F. 
& A. M.; the Knights of Pythias fraternity; Mc- 
Donough Post No. 103, G. A. R.; the Independ- 
ent Order of Mutual Aid; the Modern Woodmen 
of America; and the Home Fonnn. In politics, 
he is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party 
and its principles, is a member of the State Cen- 



312 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tral Committee, and does all in his power to aid 
in the growth and insure the success of the Re- 
publican partj'. He has been honored with vari- 
ous offices. He ser\'ed as Alderman of the First 
Ward in 1868 and 1869, was a member of the 
Board of Supervisors for three years, and in 1893 
was elected Ma\or of Macomb, which position he 
is now filling with credit to himself and satisfac- 
tion to his constituents. The standing of the 
Macombyi3?/r««/ is well known, it being recog- 
nized as one of the best papers in this part of the 
State. Its editor is also well known, and few 
citizens of McDonough County- have more friends 
than Mr. Hainline, a popular and genial gentle- 
man, who has gained the respect and good-will of 
all with whom business or social relations have 
brought him in contact. 



_=] 



-=] 



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c^- 



[^" 



^ E. LANE is one of Macomb's well-known 
I citizens. He is now ser\-ing as Count}- Clerk 
(2/ of McDonough Count}', a position which he 
has filled for some time. His life record is as 
follows: A native of Kentuckj', he was born in 
Russell County, on the ist of October, 1834, and 
is a son of Gholson and Mary (Janes) Lane, both 
of whom were also natives of the same State. He 
was only one year old when, in 1836, his parents 
emigrated to Illinois, and took up their residence 
in Industry Township, McDonough Count}-. The 
days of his boyhood and youth were quietly 
passed, and the public schools afforded him his 
educational privileges. 

Mr. Lane watched with interest the course of 
events which threatened to culminate in war, and 
after Ft. Sumter had been fired upon and the 
dissolution of the Union was threatened, he re- 
sponded to the call for troops, enlisting in April, 
1861, as a private of the Sixteenth Illinois In- 
fantry. He served in the ranks until 1862, when 
he was appointed First Sergeant of Company A, 
and contiiuied in that capacity until June 20, 
1864, when, his three-years term having expired, 
he was honorabh- discharged and returned to Ma- 
comb. He was a faithful soldier, and for a long 



period did arduous service at the front. His first 
campaign was in Missouri, and included many 
skirmishes, and the siege of Bird's Point and battle 
at New Madrid. At the latter point, the Tenth 
and Sixteenth Illinois Regiments captured five 
thousand men, with their entire equipment and 
munitions. The Sixteenth was in the reser\-e 
forces at Ft. Donelson and Pittsburg Landing, 
and marched from the latter point to Nashville, 
Tenn., where it spent the winter of 1862-63; it 
continued as a part of the Fourteenth Army 
Corps, in the Army of the Cumberland, and Mr. 
Lane was mustered out at Rossville, Ga., June 
20, 1864, having taken part in the battles of Buz- 
zard's Roost and vicinity, embracing a week's 
fighting in northern Georgia. 

Shortly after Mr. Lane's return, he was mar- 
ried, on the 2oth of October, 1864, to Miss Josie 
A. Kendrick, daughter of W. H. Kendrick, of 
this city. Unto them has been born a son, Frank 
A., who is now engaged in the practice of den- 
tistr}' in Macomb. 

Mr. Lane has been honored with various offi- 
cial positions .since his residence here. In May, 
1865, he was appointed City Marshal, Assessor 
and Collector, and was re-appointed the next 
year, serving two years. In December, 1866, he 
received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff under 
Col. Sam. Wilson, and continued to fill that of- 
fice two years, and in the fall of 1868 he was 
elected County Sheriff for a term of two \-ears. 
When that term had expired, he left Illinois and, 
in the fall of 1870, purcha.sed a farm in Carroll 
County, Mo., which he operated until 1872. On 
the 24th of December of that year, he returned 
to Macomb, and on the i6th of January following 
purchased the interest of S. L. Babcock in a gro- 
cery store. Having fonned a partnership with 
Joseph Updegraff, the firm of Updegraff & Lane 
continued in the grocery business for about a 
year, when the .senior partner retired. Mr. Lane 
was then alone for about a year, when he admit- 
ted G. W. Pace to partnership. The new firm 
successfully carried on operations until the fall of 
1877, when they sold out. 

In the spring of 1866 Mr. Lane was elected 
Constable, and was re-elected, holding the posi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



313 



tion continuously until 1890, except during the 
two years he was Sheriff. In December, 1870, 
he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by Fred New- 
land, and was re-appointed in 1882 to serv'e four 
j-ears. He is now holding the office of County 
"Clerk, to which he was elected in November, 
1890. Mr. Lane has a wide acquaintance through- 
out McDouough County, and has many friends 
in Macomb. 

(TOHN M. DUNSWORTH, Jr., deceased, was 
I born in McDonough County, 111., near Col- 
Q) Chester, March 5, 1849, and died May 3, 1892, 
respected by all who knew him. He was a son 
of Wesley and Angeline (Vest) Dunsworth, his 
father being a well-known farmer, who settled in 
McDonough County in 1830. Our subject spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth near Colchester, 
no event of special importance occurring during 
that period of his life. He acquired a good edu- 
cation in the public schools of Macomb, and when 
his life as a student was ended he embarked in 
teaching, which profession he followed for years. 
His indomitable energy and penseverance are 
shown b\- the fact that he continued his teaching 
for some time, although he was forced to almost 
crawl to the school, being a cripple. He also 
sen,'ed as County Superintendent of .Schools four 
years, and in tliat position proved a capable and 
efficient officer, who by his faithful discharge of 
duty won the high commendation of all concerned. 
About 1882, he removed to Plymouth and estab- 
li.shed \.)\ft Enterprise, an independent paper, which 
he published for nine years. 

On the 3d of September, 1885, in IJoweu, 111., 
Mr. Dunsworth was united in marriage with Miss 
Rosa A. Adams, daughter of Charles G. and 
America E. (Taylor) Adams, who were natives 
of Kentucky, from which .State they remo\ed to 
Whitcomb, Ind.. where Mrs. Dunsworth was born 
and reared. Two children graced the union of 
our subject and his wife, Leroy and Glen A., but 
the latter died at the age of eight months. 

Mr. Dunsworth was a member of the Presby- 



terian Church, and his wife holds membership 
with the Methodist Church. He was one of the 
organizers of the Old Settlers' Association of Han- 
cock, McDonough and Schuyler Counties, and 
served as its Secretarj' for some time. After his 
death, his wife filled the office for one year. He 
continued the publication of the Enterprise for 
some time and met with good success in the un- 
dertaking. His paper was ably edited, and was 
a neat, interesting sheet, which received hearty 
support throughout the community. Mr. Duns- 
worth was pleasant and genial in manner, and was 
a warm-hearted, w^hole-souled gentleman, who had 
a host of friends. He died May 3, 1892, from an 
accidental gunshot wound, at the age of forty-three 
years, one month and twenty-two daj-s. 

By the request of her husband, Mrs. Dunsworth 
has continued the publication of the Enterprise 
since his death. She is a lady of good business 
ability, and possesses the necessary qualifications 
for a successful career in the journalistic field. 
She is now ablj' assisted by James E. Ewing, who 
is ser\-ing as the local editor of the paper. He was 
born and reared in Plymouth and is well known 
throughout the county. 

Q YRON PONTIOUS, of Macomb, is recog- 
1^ nized as one of the leading members of the 
d^ McDonough County Bar. For the past four- 
teen years he has been engaged in practice in this 
city, and has rapidl\- worked his way upward, un- 
til he now stands in the front rank in his profes- 
sion in the county seat. He has a pleasant deliv- 
ery, and is a faithful, earnest and able advocate, 
who works untiringly for the interests of his cli- 
ents, and has therefore won their confidence and 
esteem. 

As Mr. Pontious has a wide acquaintance 
throughout this part of the State, we feel assured 
that his life record will prove of interest to man>' 
of our readers. A native of the Buckeye State, 
he was born in Ross County May 25, 1851, and 
is a son of Simon and Elizabeth (Bunn) Pontious, 
who were al.so natives of Ohio. The Pontious 



314 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



family originated in Holland. At an early day 
some of its representatives emigrated to Pennsyl- 
vania, and later some of its members removed to 
Ohio. In 1853, Simon Pontious came with his 
family to Illinois, and located upon a farm in Mc 
Donough County, where he carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits for a number of years. Of his five 
children, Leroy, the eldest, is now engaged in the 
lumber business in Lewistown, 111.; Lyman carries 
on merchandising in Adair; Anna M. is at home; 
Byron is the next younger; and Austin is engaged 
in farming near the old homestead. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, 
and early became familiar with all the duties of 
farm life. In his younger years he attended the 
district schools, but his early educational privi- 
leges were supplemented by study in Lombard 
University of Galesburg. On leaving that school 
in 1872, he engaged in teaching for a year, and 
then began clerking in a store in Adair. At 
length, with the capital he had acquired through 
industry and economy, he purchased an interest 
in the store, and finally became sole proprietor and 
carried on business along that line for a period of 
six years. In the mean time he began the study 
of law, reading under the instruction of Capt. 
Epperson and Maj. Barnes, of Bushnell, and in 
March, 1880, he was admitted to the Bar. In De- 
cember of the same year he opened an office in 
Macomb. 

On the 2d of April, 1873, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Pontious and Miss Ambrosia 
Woods, daughter of Morilla and Martha Woods, 
of McDonough County . Two children were born 
to them, a daughter and a son, but the former, 
Arah, died at the age of fifteen months. The 
latter, Ralph W., is now a student in Lombard 
University. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pontious hold 
membership with the UniversalLst Church, and in 
his social relations he is connected with the Ma 
sonic fraternity. 

In his poHtical views, Mr. Pontious is a sup- 
porter of Democratic principles, and during his 
residence in Adair he served as Township Treas- 
urer for four years. He has continuously en- 
gaged in practice in Macomb since coming to this 



city in 1880, and is now doing a large and lucra- 
tive business. In February', 1888, he was ap- 
pointed Master in Chancery by Judge Schofield. 
In 1 89 1 he became associated in business with J. 
Ro.ss Mickey, and this partnership still continues. 
Mr. Pontious is a pleasant and genial gentleman, 
who has many friends throughout the community 
and is highly respected b)' all. 



!^+^ 



C3_ 



G] BSALOM G. BOTTS is the proprietor of a 
LI feedmill in Plymouth. For many j-ears he 
/ I carried on farming in Hancock Countj-, and 
is one of its leading agriculturists. He has long 
been recognized as one of its representative and 
valued citizens, and is numbered among the hon- 
ored pioneers who, since an early day, ha\-e aided 
in the growth and development of the county and 
in the promotion of the general welfare. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Seth 
Botts, was a native of Virginia, and throughout 
life followed farming. His death occurred in 
Kentucky at an advanced age. Among his fam- 
ily of five sons and three daughters was Joseph 
Botts, the fatherof our subject. He too was born 
in Virginia, but the greater part of his life was 
spent in other States. In i836heemigrated to Illi- 
nois, locating in St. Mary's Township, Hancock 
County, where throughout his remaining days 
he engaged in farming and preaching, for he was 
also a minister of the Baptist Church. His hon- 
orable, upright life won him the confidence and 
esteem of all, and his death was mounied by manj' 
warm friends. He pa.ssed away in 1882, at the 
advanced age of ninety years and six months, 
and his wife died in 187 1, at the age of seventy- 
nine years. The lady bore the maiden name of 
Sabra Wilkes, and was born in Virginia, as was 
her father. He was one of the heroes of the Rev- 
olution, and had a .son who ser\'ed in the War of 
181 2. His death occurred in Kentucky at an ad- 
vanced age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Botts were 
born twelve children, six sons and six daughters, 
but only five of the number are now living: Ab- 
salom G.; James D., of Carthage; Ann, wife of 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



315 



Ira G. Rhodes, of Brighton, Iowa; Jane, wife of 
John Logan, of McDonough County; and Louisa, 
wife of Daniel Bariclo, of Nebraska. 

When a child of eight }-ears, A. G. Botts ac- 
companied his parents on their emigration to Illi- 
nois, and was reared upon his father's farm in 
Hancock Count}', remaining at home until twenty- 
four years of age. He then started out in life for 
himself, and the occupation to which he was 
reared he resumed as a means of livelihood. His 
school privileges were such as were afforded by 
the old-time subscription .schools. 

On the 8th of October, 1852, Mr. Botts wedded 
Sarah J. White, daughter, of Joseph and Maria 
(Armstrong) White, natives of Ohio. They be- 
came the parents of a family of four sons and two 
daughters, the eldest of whom is Robert. Joseph, 
who is living on St. Mary's Prairie, married Mrs. 
Gould, widow of Lewis Gould and a daughter of 
John T. Johnson. Jaj- married Miss Vernie Can- 
non, and lives on the old homestead. Ira is the 
next younger. Maria is the wife of Frank Yates, 
of Cawker City, Kan., by whom she has the fol- 
lowing children; Josie, Ivan, Ollie, Inez, Harrj- 
and Belle. Arabel completes the family, and is 
the wife of Robert Cloud, of St. Mar\-'s Prairie. 
The mother died June 4, 1890, and Mr. Botts was 
again married, November 25, 1892, his second 
union being with Mrs. Rachel Crump, widow of 
Dr. Morris Crump, and a daughter of Joseph and 
Maria (Armstrong) White. She is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and is a most estimable 
lady. 

Mr. Botts holds membership with the Farmers' 
Alliance. He voted the Republican ticket from 
1856 to 1892, since which time he has affiliated 
with the People's party. He has ser\'ed as Town- 
ship Assessor and Treasurer, was Justice of the 
Peace two terms, and is now one of the Village 
Trustees. Prompt and faithful in the discharge 
of his public duties, he has proved an efficient 
officer. For fifty-seven years he has been a resi- 
dent of Hancock Count)-. When he came here 
one could ride for miles acro.ss the prairie, with no 
fences to intercept his progress. Much of the 
land was still in possession of the Go\-ernment, 
and the work of progress and advancement was 



largely a labor of the future. Mr. Botts has 
always borne his part in the upbuilding of the 
county, atid well deserves mention among its hon- 
ored pioneers. 



_=5 



^hJh^ 



(^_ 



[=- 



(Tames Alexander anderson, dealer 

I in hardware and agricultural implements of 
v2/ Hamilton, was born in Botetourt County, 
Va., August II, 1840, and is descended from old 
Scotch, Irish, Holland-Dutch and English fam- 
ilies. He comes of good old Revolutionary stock, 
as no less than eight of his ancestors served the 
Colonies as soldiers in their struggle for independ- 
ence. On his mother's side he traces his ancestry 
back to James Paxton, of County Armagh, Ire- 
land, whose ancestors were English, and whose 
son, Samuel Paxton, emigrated to America in 
earl)' Colonial times, and settled in Pennsylvania, 
but afterward removed to Virginia. The latter's 
son, Thomas Paxton, married Betsy McClung 
for his first wife, and after her death wedded Polly 
Woods. William Paxton, a son of Thomas and 
Betsy Paxton, was the great-grandfather of the 
gentleman whose name heads this notice. He 
was a Revolutionary soldier, and married Jean 
Grigsby. The Grigsb)- farail)- removed from 
Penn.sylvania to Rockbridge County, Va., in 
1680. They were of Irish lineage. Elizabeth, 
daughter of William and Jean (Grigsby) Paxton, 
was the grandmother of Mr. Anderson. She 
married Alexander McClure, whose parents came 
from old Scotch families, the McClures and Trim- 
bles, who settled in \'irginia prior to the Revolu- 
tion. Mar)- Ann, the mother of our subject, was 
a daughter of Alex and Elizabeth (Paxton) Mc- 
Clure, and was born in Rockbridge County, \'a., 
three miles from the famous Natural Bridge, in 
18 1 3, while her father was ser\-ing as a soldier in 
the War of 18 12. 

On his father's side, Mr. Anderson traces his 
ancestry to James Anderson, who emigrated from 
Scotland and settled in Lancaster, Pa., about 
1750. In 1787 the family removed to Botetourt 
County, \'a. About 1790, James Anderson, son 



3i6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of the above, married Ann Shirkej', daughter 
of Patrick and Ann (Pogue) Shirkej-, the former 
a native of Ireland, and the latter of Holland. 
Patrick Shirkey sen-ed in the War for Independ- 
ence James and Ann (Shirkey) Anderson had a 
family of ten children, namely: James, who was 
drowned in 1839, in Craig's Creek, near where 
that stream empties into the James River; Mar- 
garet, who became the wife of Elisha Bollinger, 
both being deceased; John, who died at the age 
of eighteen years; Elizabeth, wlio married W. A. 
Williamson, and both are deceased; George R., 
who died near Indianapolis, Ind., at the age of 
seventy-nine; Sallie, who became the wife of a 
Mr. Moten, and both died in Ft. Wayne, Ind.; 
Amelia, who is the widow of Thomas Paxton, 
and is living near Troy, Iowa; William, who died 
ill the Confederate service during the Civil War; 
Ann, who is the widow of Joseph Lane, of Abing- 
don, Va.; and Matthew, who died November 22, 
1876. The last-named was the father of our sub- 
ject. On the 5th of October, 1839, he wedded 
Mary Ann McClnre, and they became the parents 
of seven children: James Alexander: William P., 
a lumber dealer and farmer of Norcatur, Kan. ; 
Elizabeth A., the wife of John Daw, a farmer of 
Montebello Township, Hancock County; Sallie 
G., who died in 1S61, at the age of fourteen 
years; Mary A., who died in 1874, at the age of 
twenty-eight; Emma F., the widow of Harrison 
C. Minnick, of Hamilton; and George A., an 
attorney-at-law, of Quincy, and a member of the 
Fiftieth Congress. 

When a lad of thirteen years, James A. Ander- 
son left Virginia with his parents, the family emi- 
grating to Pendleton, Ind., where they remained 
one year. In 1854, they came to Hancock County, 
settling near Basco, where the father purchased a 
farm. The educational a<lvantages which our 
subject received were limited to those afforded 
by the district schools. He pursued his studies 
during the winter season, and in the suiiimcr 
mouths worked on a farm, aiding in the de\-elop- 
ment and cultivation of the land. At the age of 
fourteen he began clerking, which he followed for 
a year, but at the expiration of that period he re- 
turned to the farm, where he continued until the 



spring of i860. Attracted by the discovery of 
gold at Pike's Peak, he determined to make an 
expedition to that place, and with tw^o yoke of 
oxen started on the journey. He arrived in Den- 
ver on the 23d of May of that year, and thence 
went to Fair Play, to the gold mines, where he 
remained until the ist of October. He then went 
to New Mexico, and spent the winter near Taos. 
On the nth of May, 1861, in company with three 
other men, he packed all his po.ssessions on the 
back of a Mexican burro, and w^alked back to 
Fair Play, a distance of one hundred and ninety 
miles, arriving there nine days after leaving Taos. 
On the waj' back he met with other men who 
were also returning, but although they had not a 
dollar, the)- had plenty of provisions, and these 
they shared between them, so that when they 
reached Fair Play they had neither money nor 
food, only their camp uten.sils. Mr. Anderson then 
began to work for other miners who had their 
claims opened up, and was thus employed until 
he had saved enough to go to work on his own 
claim, of which he had obtained possession the 
year previous. 

There Mr. Anderson continued until August, 

1862, when he abandoned mining, and, going to 
a place near Denver, became a cow boy. On the 
back of a bronco he lived for about sixteen 
months, and at length, on the 29th of December, 

1863, started home on a visit, reaching his desti- 
nation on the 3d of February, 1864. At several 
places on the way home he could see evidences of 
Indian hostilities, graves of victims, .smoking 
wagons, etc. This was the outbreak of the Sioux, 
Cheyenne and Arrapahoe War. After remaining 
at home for a short time and .seeing old friends. 
Mr. Anderson returned to the West, and through 
the influence of William Paxton, the Omaha mil- 
lionaire, then a poor man, he took charge of a 
mule train across the plains. He made several 
trips, and at one time went as far as Ft. Laramie. 
On the 24th of June, 1865, he returned to Omaha, 
abandoned frontier life, and again went home. 
He then took up farming, which he continued 
until 1875, when he purchased a halfinterest 
in Doty & Gordon's store at Basco, succeeding 
Mr. Dotv in the bu.siness. He retained his inter- 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



317 



est until December 20, 1877, when, on the death 
of his father, he purchased the home farm, selHng 
his share in the store to his brother Wilham P. 
With good success he carried on agricultural 
pursuits until August, 1881, when, in connec- 
tion with John Daw, he bought out Alex Watt, 
of Elvaston, and carried on general merchandising 
until February 5. i88g, when he sold out and 
came to Hamilton. Here he embarked in business 
as a dealer in hardware and agricultural imple- 
ments, and still contiinies the same. In 1890 
he built his fine residence in Hamilton, and re- 
moved into it on the 3d of December of that year. 

Mr. Anderson has been twice married. On the 
5th of October, 1875, he wedded Marj- E., daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Nancy ( Lyons) Mourning, who 
were natives of Adair County, Ky., but removed 
to this State in 1854. The union of the young 
couple was blessed with four sons, namel)-: Matt 
Mourning, George Clyde, Frank James and John 
Carroll, all of whom are at home. The mother 
died August 12, 1885. On the ist of Januar)', 
1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ander- 
son and Miss Nellie Jolidon, daughter of Francis 
J. and Dorcas (Thompson) Jolidon, who emi- 
grated to Illinois in 1S47. Her father's people 
were from France, and her mother's from Tennes- 
.see. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been born 
a son. Burns Jolidon, born October 27, 1892. 

In his political views, our subject is a stanch 
Democrat. He has been honored with a number 
of local offices, having served as Supervisor of 
Bear Creek and Prairie Townships. He was 
Chairman of the County Board of Super\'isors 
while representing the latter town.ship in 1885. 
He was appointed Po.stmaster of Hamilton in 
February, 1894, and on the 19th of March his 
appointment was confirmed, and he is now per- 
forming the duties of that office. He was made 
a Mason, December 10, 1867, in Ba.sco Lodge No. 
618, A. F. & A. M., in which he served as Wor- 
.shipful Master for several years, a position which 
he also filled in the lodge at Elva.ston while he 
affiliated there. He also belongs to Tecumseh 
Chapter No. 152, R. A. M.; Damascus Conuuand- 
er\- No. 5, K. T., of Keokuk; Montebello Lodge 
No. 697, I. O. O. F. : Puckechetuck Encamp- 



ment No. 7, of Keokuk; and the Modem Wood- 
men of America; and he is a charter member of 
Rapid City Lodge No. 286, K. P. In religious 
belief, he is a Presbyterian. In his various busi- 
ness pursuits he has won success, and by a straight- 
forward, upright cour.se has gained the confidence 
and esteem of a large circle of friends. 

^OHN BLAZER, who for many years followed 
I fanning in McDonough County, is now liv- 
(*) ing retired in Macomb, resting in the enjoy- 
ment of the fruits of his former toil. He began 
life in limited circumstances, but by well-directed, 
efforts, energy and perseverance, steadih- worked 
his way upward and acquired a comfortable com- 
petence. 

Mr. Blazer was born in Washington County, 
Pa., May 12, 1814, and is a son of David and 
Sarah (Hoy) Blazer. His father was born on the 
old homestead, which came into possession of 
George Blazer, the grandfather of our subject, 
who obtained it before the Revolution from the 
Government. The last-named participated in the 
Indian wars, and erected what was known as Dil- 
lon's Fort, an old blockhouse, which was built for 
protection against the red men. 

On the 1st of Januar}-, 1836, John Blazer and 
his brother Charles left the old homestead and 
made their way to Steubenville, where they took 
a flatboat to WHieeling. At the latter place they 
boarded a steamer for St. Louis, and thence went 
up the Illinois River on the "Helen Marr" to 
Beardstown, where they landed on the 15th of 
January. Making their way to Rushville, they 
.staid for a time with Dr. Teal, an old Revolu- 
tionar}- soldier, and then worked on the farm of 
William J. Frazer, a pioneer preacher of Mc 
Donough County. As soon as they acquired a 
sufficient capital, the Blazer brothers purchased a 
farm of Saunders Campbell, and the following 
year the father brought the other members of the 
family to the new home. He survived the re- 
mo\-al only six weeks, however, his death here 
occurring in February, 1837. J^'S wife survived 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



him for sometime, and, with two of her children, 
removed to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where her death 
occurred just after the War of the Rebellion. 
Charles Blazer, who accompanied John to Illinois, 
afterward went to New Mexico, where he died in 
the month of June, 1879. 

More than half a century has passed since John 
Blazer became a resident of McDonough Count j', 
and with its historj- he is familiar from almost the 
beginning. He has been twice married, his first 
union being with Mar\- Montgomery. The wed- 
ding was celebrated Februar>- 15, 1S52, and they 
became the parents of two children. The elder, 
James M., was born March i, 1854, was reared 
on the home farm, and in 1874 was graduated 
from the Illinois Western University, at Bloom- 
ington. For two years thereafter he continued 
to aid his father in the cultivation of the home 
farm, and in 1875 began the study of law. In 
June, 1877, he was admitted to the Bar, and for a 
number of years successfully engaged in law prac- 
tice in Macomb, but is now engaged in the real- 
estate and insurance business in Chicago. He 
was married November 20, 1878, to M. Ada 
Laughlin, of Bloomington, and they have one 
child, Marj' L. Charles H., the second son, is 
now living in East Liverpool, Ohio. The mother 
died when Charles was only six months old. 
He was then reared by an aunt in the Buckeye 
vState. Our subject was again married, on the 1 9th 
of Februar>-, 1857, his second union being with 
Marj' Ann Phillip.s. Her father, William Phil- 
lips, of Columbiana County, Ohio, was a repre- 
sentative of a pioneer family of that region. He 
was born in England, and when a child of twelve 
years came to America with his mother and step- 
father, the latter purchasing land where the town 
of East Liverpool now stands. Mrs. Phillips was 
a member of the Granville family, and was cast 
off because she married out of the nobility. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Blazer are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and their lives have 
been in harmony with their professions. They 
be^an their domestic life upon a farm, and for 
many years the luusband gave his time and atten- 
tion exclusively to agricultural pursuits. His 
land was always under a high state of cultivation, 



the fields well tilled, and excellent improvements 
indicated to the passer-bj- that the owner was a 
thrifty and enterprising farmer. At length he 
left the old home, and, in 1889, came to Macomb, 
where he has since lived retired. He has a pleas- 
ant residence on South Randolph Street, and still 
owns two hundred and fifty acres of valuable land 
in Industry Township. His possessions have all 
been acquired through his own efforts, and he 
may truly be called a self-made man. 

In early life, Mr. Blazer was an Abolitionist, 
and voted for James G. Birney. Upon the organ- 
ization of the Republican party he supported Fre- 
mont, and continued to affiliate with that party 
for some time, but is now a Prohibitionist. He 
served as School Director for many years, and 
was also Trustee, but has never been an office- 
seeker. The cause of education, however, has 
always found in him a friend, and he gave a cor- 
ner of his farm on which to build a schoolhouse. 
He is a typical and honored pioneer citizen, a man 
of integrity and sterling worth, and it with pleas- 
ure that we present to our readers this record of 
his life. 



-^^+^1=- 



WILLIAM HUEY, a representative fanner 
and valued citizen of Hancock County, re- 
sides on section 14, St. Mary's Township. 
He was bom in Boone County, Ky., October 19, 
1832, and is a son of John and Matilda (Rice) 
Huey, who were also natives of the same locality. 
The father was a farmer by occupation, and in 
1834 emigrated to Illinois, accompanied by his 
family. He located in Schuyler County, near 
Rush\411e, where he made his home for three 
years, and then came to Hancock Count}', pur- 
chasing eighty acres of land on section 18, St. 
Mary's Township. To the original tract he added 
from time to time as his financial resources were 
increased, until at the time of his death his landed 
possessions aggregated six hundred and fifty acres. 
The greater part of this was richly improved, and 
yielded to him a good income. He lived in St. 
Mary's Township throughout his remaining days, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



319 



his death occurring in 1872, when more than sixty 
years of age. His wife passed away a short time 
previous. They held membership with the Mis- 
sionary Baptist Church, and for many years Mr. 
Huey served as one of its Deacons, fiUing the of- 
fice at the time of his death. He aided in the ex- 
pulsion of the Mormons from the county, and held 
a number of township offices. He was one of the 
honored pioneers and had the confidence and high 
regard of all who knew him. . 

In the Huey family were ten sons and two 
daughters, and nine of the number are now living, 
namely: Erastus; William; Frances Jane, wife of 
Dr. Turner; Robert; Agnes, wife of Reuben Gar- 
nett; James; George; Perry and Frederick. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel 
Huey, was a native of Virginia, and removed 
thence to Kentucky, becoming one of the pioneer 
settlers of Boone County. His death was occas- 
ioned by injuries cau.sed by a tree falling upon 
him. He sensed as a soldier in the War of 1812, 
and always followed fanning as his life work. 
The maternal grandfather, Ezekiel Rice, was a 
.southern gentleman, and for many years followed 
farming in Boone County, Ky., where he died at 
a ripe old age. 

Our subject was only eighteen months old when 
he was brought by his parents to Illinois. He was 
reared in St. Man,-'s Town.ship, acquired his ed- 
ucation in its common schools, and remained at 
home with his parents until after he had attained 
his majority. B}- his first purchase of land he be- 
came the owner of a tract on section 14, where he 
has since made his home. His farm formerly was 
quite extensive, but he gave eighty acres to his 
son and has sold a considerable portion, but still 
retains possession of one hundred and fifty acres. 
This is a valuable tract, which is highly cultivated 
and improved, being supplied with all accessories 
and conveniences of a model farm. 

On the 28th of October, 1855, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Huey and Miss Margaret, 
daughter of Benjamin and Cynthia (Johnson) Tal- 
bott, natives of Champaign County, Ohio. Seven 
children have been born to them, as follows: 
Miriam M., wife of Rev. J. F. Foley, a Baptist 
minister, by whom she had two children, one 



yet living, William. Mrs. Foley is now deceased. 
L,ucy A., Sj'lvester and Cynthia have also passed 
away. Sheridan married Miss Lula Scott, and 
they became the parents of two children, one yet 
living, Blanche. For his second wife he married 
Leona Ruggles, and they make their home in St. 
Marj-'s Township. Alfred Pearlie completes the 
family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Huey and their two sons are 
members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he 
is a stalwart Republican. A representative of an 
honored pioneer family, he has witnessed almost 
the entire development of this county and is one of 
its best citizens. He is plain and unostentatious 
in manner, but possesses a noble mind, and his 
example is well worthy of emulation. Such men 
are of inestimable value to a communitv. 



-S) 



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[=_ 



(lOHN W. SHAFFER is one of the enterpris- 
I ing and progressive citizens of Plj-mouth, 
0/ and occupies a prominent position in busi- 
ness circles. He has been connected with the 
commercial interests of this town since 1855, and 
since 1869 he has been proprietor of the drug 
store which he still carries on. He is also owner 
of the brick and tile works of this place, and his 
energy and well-directed efforts have done not a 
little for the advancement and prosperitj' of his 
adopted city. 

Mr. Shaffer was born in Page County, Va., 
near Luray, October 15, 1831, and is a son of 
John A. and Mary Catherine (Woods) Shaffer, 
who were also natives of the Old Dominion. The 
paternal grandfather, who was born in the same 
State, was of German descent, and was a black- 
smith and fanner by occupation. He ser\-ed as a 
.soldier in the War of 18 12, reared a large family, 
and lived to an advanced age. The maternal 
grandfather, Benjamin Woods, was a forger in a 
large iron foundry. He al.so attained a ripe age. 
The father of our subject was a native of Virginia, 
but in an early day removed to Ohio, where for 
many years he followed farming. His death there 
occurred in 1888, at the age of seventy-seven 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



j'ears, and his wife passed away in 1889. He 
held membership with the Lutheran Church, and 
she was a member of the Baptist Church. Their 
family numbered eight children, seven of whom are 
yet living: John W.; Sarah, wife of Fletcher 
Furrow, of St. Paris, Ohio; Rebecca, wife of 
James Lar gent, of Shawnee County, Kan.; Mary 
Catherine, wife of John Brown, of Champaign 
Count>% Ohio; Abram, who is living in the same 
county; Allen, of Clarke Count}-, Ohio; and 
Philip, of Champaign County. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was in his thirteenth year at the time of his par- 
ents' emigration to Ohio. In that State and in 
Virginia he acquired his education. When a 
young man he learned the carpenter's trade, which 
he followed for some years, doing contract work. 
With the hope of bettering his financial condi- 
tion, he emigrated to Illinois in the autumn of 
1855, and located in Plymouth, where he has 
made his home continuously since, with the ex- 
ception of a few months spent in Galesburg. He 
embarked in the lumber business, which he fol- 
lowed for some years, and in 1869 bought out the 
interest of James Carl in the drug firm of Carl & 
Wade. Subsequently he purchased his partner's 
interest, and has since been sole proprietor of the 
store. He is doing a good business, and receives 
a fair share of the public patronage. He is also 
engaged in the operation of a brick and tile fac- 
tor>', and employs from five to ten men. 

On the 3d of September, 1854, Mr. Shaffer was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ann 
Proctor, daughter of William and Phoebe (Allen) 
Proctor, who were natives of Virginia. Ten chil- 
dren have been born to them, five sons and fi\e 
daughters: Arthur E., who married Abbie Cor- 
field; Edgar, now decea.sed; Theodore, of Wy- 
oming, 111., who married Florence Hoagland, by^ 
whom he has a daughter, Grace; Elnora, wife of 
David Wade, of Plymouth, by whom she has a 
daughter, Florence; Mar>- and Lillie Florence, 
both deceased; Mort C, who married Nellie Mi- 
chaels, and has a son, Randolph Clinton; Melvin, 
at home; Blanche, deceased; and Cecelia, still _ 
at home, who completes the family. 

Mr. Shaffer is a member of the Ancient Order 



of United Workmen, and his wife belongs to the 
ISIethodi.st Church. In politics, he is a supporter 
of the Democracy, and his fellow-townsmen, ap- 
preciating his worth and ability, have called upon 
him to fill various offices. He has served as As- 
sessor, Collector, Town Clerk and Village Trus- 
tee, and is now ser\-ing as Township School 
Trustee. He owns a good home and other vil- 
lage property, and in his business dealings has 
met with excellent and well-merited success. He 
has been identified with the best interests and 
prosperity of Plymouth since 1855, and is one of 
its most substantial citizens. 



-^1. 



-S) 



$+^ 



"c^- 



pQESLEY WALTON, Sr., who for many 

\ A / y^^^s ^^^ engaged in farming, but is now 
Y V living a retired life in Plymouth, claims 
Kentucky as the State of his nativity. He was 
born in Boone Count}-, September 20, 1831, and 
is a son of Frederick M. and Emily (Rice) Wal- 
ton. This worthy couple were the parents of 
eight children, five sons and three daughters, of 
whom the following are yet living: Wesley; John, 
of Latimer, Kan.; Frances, wife of Charles O. 
Walton; Matilda A., wife of S. E. Haniest; and 
Simeon M., of Plymouth. William C, of Har- 
mony Township, Hancock County, died Februar}- 
16, 1894. 

The father of this family was born in \'irginia. 
After residing for some time in Kentucky, he 
came to Illinois, in the autumn of 1835, and spent 
one winter in Adams County. He then located 
two and a-half miles west of Plymouth, where he 
purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, 
.subsequently placing the same under a high stale 
of cultivation. He also extended the boundaries 
of his farm until it comprised three hundred acres, 
and to his children he gave a considerable amount, 
helping them all to start in life comfortably. He 
was a generous and kind-hearted man, and the 
many excellencies of his character won him high 
regard. He held a number of local offices, served 
as Supervisor several terms, and was also County 
Commissioner. He held membership with the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



321 



Missionan- Baptist Church of Pljinouth, and 
passed away April 10, 18S0, at the age of seventy- 
one years. His wife still survives him, and is 
now living on the old homestead, at the age of 
eight3--two. She is also a member of the Mission- 
ars' Baptist Church. The paternal grandfather, 
William Walton, was a native of A'irginia, and 
one of the honored heroes of the Revolution. He 
reared a large family, and followed farming as a 
means of livelihood. His death occurred at the 
age of four-score years. The maternal grand- 
father, Ezekiel Rice, was also a A'irginian farmer, 
and lived to the age of seventy-five years. 

Wesley Walton whose name heads this record 
is one of the honored and highly respected citizens 
of Ph'mouth. He was a child of only four jears 
when his parents came to Illinois, and in this 
State he has since made his home. Reared in 
Hancock County, its public schools afforded him 
his educational privileges. He remained on the 
old homestead until twenty-three years of age, 
and then continued farming in his own interest, 
following that pursuit throughout his bu.siness 
career. He owns a valuable farm of two hundred 
and forty acres, pleasantly located six miles west 
of Plymouth, on section 31, St. Mary's Township, 
but in 1886 ill health forced him to abandon the 
farm, and he has since lived retired in Plymouth. 

On the 14th of September, 1854, Mr. Walton was 
united in marriage with Miss Martha L,. Brown- 
ing, daughter of Absalom and Nancy (Davis) 
Browning. The lady was to him a faithful com- 
panion for many years, but at length thej- were 
separated by death, Mrs. Walton being called to 
the home beyond on the lothof May, 1893, ^^ the 
age of fifty-six years. vShe was a member of the 
Christian Church, and a most estimable lady. 

Mr. Walton is also a faithful member of the 
Christian Church, in which he has .served as Elder 
for about twenty years, and is one of its active 
and untiring workers. His life has always been 
an honorable and upright one, and whatever tends 
to elevate humanity receives his support. The 
cause of temperance finds in him a warm friend, 
and he is a member of the Independent Order of 
Good Templars. In politics, he is a Republican, 
and has served as Tax Collector for one year. 



He is numbered among Hancock County's hon- 
ored pioneers, having for fifty-eight years resided 
within its borders. When a little boy he was one 
day found playing with )oung wolves, thinking 
they were puppies, for those wild animals were 
very numerous in the locality. He has seen deer 
in great herds, and all kinds of wild game could 
be obtained in abundance in his youth. Much of 
the land was still in jjossession of the Government, 
and the work of progress and civilization seemed 
.scarcely begun in this localit}-. In the work of 
development, Mr. Walton has ever borne his part, 
and has felt a commendable interest and just pride 
in the growth and upbuilding of the county. He 
is plain and unostentatious in manner, kind- 
hearted and true, and is highlj' esteemed by his 
neighbors and many friends throughout the 
county. 



_=] 



"=] 



^+^ 



[=- 



IJ^EHEMIAH FRANKEIN NEWMAN, who 
yl is now living a retired life in Plymouth, 
I IS claims New York as the State of his nativ- 
ity, his birth having occurred in Delaware Coun- 
ty on the ytli of May, 1824. He comes of an 
old family of the Empire State, his grandfather, 
Abner Newman, having been a New York farm- 
er. The latter reared a large family, and there 
died at the age of seventy-eight years. On the 
maternal side, our subject is of French descent, 
his great-grandfather, a native of France, being 
the founder of the family in America. His grand- 
father, Jesse Palmer, who was boni in New York, 
made farming his life occupation, and ser\-ed as a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War. In 1824, he 
was called to the home beyond, passing away at 
the age of sixty-six. 

The father of our subject, Jonas Newman, was 
born in Orange County, N. Y. , and he, too, en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. After arriving at 
mature years, he wedded Rebecca Palmer, a na- 
tive of Westchester County, N. Y., and they be- 
came the parents of four sons and two daughters. 
Our subject is now the only surviving member of 
the family. The father died at the age of fifty- 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



two years, while visiting relatives in Michigan, 
and the mother, who survived him two 3"ears, 
passed awaj- in New York, at the age of fifty-two. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads, N. F. New- 
man spent the days of his boyhood and j-outh 
in the Empire State. His parents died before he 
was sixteen years of age. He learned the cooper's 
trade in his youth, but did not long follow it, 
turning his attention to other pursuits. Having 
acquired a good education in the public schools, 
he engaged in teaching through the winter sea- 
son, and in the summer months worked upon a 
farm. In 1848, when a young man of twenty- 
four, he emigrated westward. He went to Chi- 
cago to see the western country, but after a time 
he returned to New York , where he remained un- 
til 1 85 1. In that year he again came to this 
State, and was engaged in teaching school in 
Adams County until the autumn of 1855. In the 
following spring, he went to California, for it 
seemed that he was threatened with consumption, 
and he hoped that the western trip would prove 
beneficial to his health. After six months spent 
upon the Pacific Slope, he returned to Illinois. 

Mr. Newman was married October 14, 1858, 
to Miss Mar}? R., daughter of William and Mar- 
garet (Kellough) Maxwell. Six children were 
born to them, but only one is now living, Wal- 
lace Maxwell. The mother pass>id away June 6, 
1867, and Mr. Newman was again married, April 
14, 1869, his second union being with Miss Alida 
Chamberlain, daughter of William and Mary 
(Doau) Chamberlain, natives of New York. 
There were born to them three children, only 
one of whom, Jennie P., the wife of John W. 
Ralston, now survives. The son, Wallace, mar- 
ried Miss Laura E. Carr, and is a stenographer. 
Four children grace this union, Mary M., 
Florence A., Carl M. and Sarah Louise. 

About 1858, Mr. Newman whose name heads 
this record embarked in the livery business, and 
later engaged in farming west of Plymouth for a 
short time. He then purchased fifty acres of 
land in McDonough County, but subsequently re- 
turned to Plymouth, where he again engaged in the 
livery business, and for a year or more carried on 
general merchandising. His next venture was as 



a lumber dealer, and for a number of years he 
successfully carried on operations along that line, 
but in 1 88 1 he laid aside business cares, and is 
now living a retired life, enjoying the rest which 
he has so truly earned and so richly deserves. In 
politics, he is a Prohibitionist, and his wife is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Newman are held in the highest re- 
gard throughout the community, where they 
have many friends and acquaintances. 



l^-^ 



c=~ 



. STA BIDWELL, who is now engaged in 
^ business as a dealer in agricultural imple- 
_ ments at Plymouth, has for thirtj^-nine years 
been a resident of this locality, and has therefore 
witnes.sed the greater part of Hancock County's 
development. He was born in Madison County, 
Ohio, on the 19th of December, 1830. His grand- 
father, Jo.seph Bidwell, was anativeof New York, 
and, having studied medicine, engaged in the 
practice of his chosen profession near Cleveland, 
Ohio, for many years. His death occurred in 
that locality at an advanced age. Rus.sell Bid- 
well, father of our subject, was also born in the 
Empire State, and became a stock-dealer. In 
an early day he removed to Ohio, locating near 
Cleveland, and in 1837 ^^ entered Government 
land in Illinois. Subsequently, however, he re- 
turned to the Buckeye State, where his death oc- 
curred soon after. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Mary Blout, survived him less than a 
year. She was probably a native of Virginia, 
and was a member of the Episcopal Church. 
Their family numbered seven children, five .sons 
and two daughters, but our subject is now the 
only survivor. One son died in the Mexican 
War, and one in the late Civil War. 

E.sta Bidwell, the well-known and highly-re- 
spected citizen of Plymouth, was reared on a farm 
in his native State, and acquired his education tn 
its public .schools. Believing that better oppor- 
tunities were afforded in the West, he came to Ill- 
inois in 1848, at the age of eighteen, and took 
up his residence in Canton, Fulton County, where 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



323 



he made his home until 1855, when he came to 
Plymouth. Here he has since resided, and with 
the best interests of the community he has always 
been identified. At the age of fourteen he began 
learning the blacksmith's trade, and in the years 
which have since come and gone has steadily fol- 
lowed that vocation. Being an expert workman, 
and slighting no ta.sk entrusted to him, he soon 
secured a liberal patronage, which has con.stantly 
increased and yielded to him a good income. Be- 
fore coming to Plymouth, he was for .several years 
connected with the Canton Plow Manufacturing 
Company, and after his arrival in this village, 
he was extensively engaged in the manufacture 
of plows at this place for some years. He now 
carries a full line of plows and agricultural imple- 
ments, and enjoys a fine trade. 

In 185 1 Mr. Bidwell married Miss Hannah 
Whaley, and by their union have been born nine 
children, four sons and five daughters. Mary 
Effie became the wife of Erasmus Ellis, and to 
them were born two children, but both the chil- 
dren and the father are now deceased. William 
H. and Thomas L. have also passed away. Liz- 
zie B. is the wife of Mort Monk, of Plymouth. 
Ann Eliza became the wife of George Ralston, by 
whom she had a son, Blaine, and after the death 
of her first husband she married Samuel Talbot, 
by whom she has two children. John J. married 
Emma Mourning, and they have one son, Hugh. 
Homer L. is now studying medicine in Chicago. 
Hattie, twin sister of Homer, is the wife of Charles 
McLaren, of Macomb, and they have three chil- 
dren. Charlotte completes the family. 

Hannah (Whaley) Bidwell, wife of Esta Bid- 
well, was born in Terre Haute, Ind., and is a 
daughter of Henr\- Whaley and Effie Ramsay. 
Her paternal grandfather was a Scotchman. On 
the mother's side she is connected with the Grants, 
and is a distant relative of the hero of Appomat- 
tox. She came to Illinois at two years of age, 
and resided at Canton, Fulton County, until her 
marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bidwell are faithful and consist- 
ent members of the Presbyterian Church, in which 
he has served as an Elder for many years. They 
have a pleasant home in Plymouth, and in addi- 



tion to this he owns several business houses here, 
and eighty-five acres of good farming land in Mc- 
Donough County. In politics, he is a Republi- 
can, and has served as a member of the Village 
Board for several terms. Ever alive to the best 
interests of the town, and ready to aid in its pro- 
motion, he has done all in his power to bring it 
back from the dilapidation into which it had fallen 
during Mormon times. He is recognized as one 
of its valued and substantial citizens, well worthy 
of representation in this volume. 



■=?! 



"S) 



^+^1 



(Tames M. pace, proprietor of the Willlams 
I House of Macomb, is so well known through- 
G/ owt McDonough County that he needs no 
special introduction to our readers. He was 
born in Scotland Township, on the 29th of June, 
1861, and is a son of George W. and Sallie 
(Sweeney) Pace, a .sketch of whom appears else- 
where in this work. His parents removed to Ma- 
comb when he was only a year old. When he 
attained a sufficient age he entered the public 
schools, and there continued his studies until he 
graduated from the High School of this city in 
1879. Mr. Pace then took up the study of med- 
icine under the direction of Dr. Garretson, of Ma- 
comb, but abandoning this he turned his attention 
to school teaching, which profession he followed 
for fourteen years, being Principal of the Prairie 
City Schools for seven consecutive years. He 
was a capable instructor and very successful, as is 
shown by his long-continued ser\'ice in the above- 
mentioned place. 

In 1892, our subject came to Macomb and 
joined his father and brother Henr\' in the groc- 
ery business. He still owns an interest in their 
store, which is one of the leading establishments 
of the kind in the county seat. On the 6th of 
March, 1893, he and his father and brother leased 
the hotel known as the Williams House, and he 
is now acting as its landlord. This is the most 
popular hotel in the city, and is a favorite with the 
traveling public. Mr. Pace looks after the inter- 



324 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ests and comfort of his guests, aiul has therefore 
secured a liberal patronage, which is well merited. 

On the 4th of October, 1883, was celebrated the 
marriage of our subject and Miss Lyde Jennings, 
daughter of James M. and Catherine (Davis) 
Jennings. Her parents were natives of Ohio, and 
her father is now deceased. One child blesses 
this union, a daughter, Lona Zoe. They have a 
pleasant home in Macomb, and are both widely 
and favorably known, their friends being many in 
the conmiunity. 

Mr. Pace also has other city property. He 
has made his own way in life, and his success 
therefore is the just reward of his own labors. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the 
Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the 
Modern Woodmen of America. He is quite in- 
terested in civic societies, and is a leading member 
of these various organizations. In politics, he is 
a Republican, and is now serving as clerk of the 
City School Board. The cause of education has 
always found in him a warm friend, one ever 
ready to aid in its advancement and progress. 



(S" 



0AVID P. COFFMAN is one of the prominent 
and influential citizens of Augusta, and the 
high position he occupies in business and so- 
cial circles is well merited, for his life has been an 
upright and honorable one. He is now serving 
as Super\-isor, and is succes.sfully engaged in gen- 
eral merchandising. Being both widely and fav- 
orably known in Hancock County, we feel as- 
.sured that the record of his life will prove of in- 
terest to many of our readers. 

Mr. Coffman is a native of Jacksonville, 111., 
born December 4, 1835. On the father's side he 
conies of an old Virginian family, which was 
founded in that vState at an early day. His grand- 
father died in the Old Dominion at an advanced 
age. His father, Philip Cofiinan, was born in 
Virginia, and throughout his business career fol- 
lowed general merchandising. In 1828 he came 
to Illinois, locating in Jacksonville, where he 
opened a store and carried on business for many 



years. His death occurred in that city in 1869, 
at the a.ge of .seventy. He married Mi.ss Susan 
Eckels, a native of Kentucky, whcse father spent 
his entire life in that State. Mrs. Coffman died 
many jears previous to the death of her husband. 
Both were faithful and consistent members of the 
Christian Church, and the father served as one of 
its Elders for twenty years. Their family num- 
bered eight children, four .sons and four daugh- 
ters, but oidy two are now living: our .subject 
and Catherine, wife of Robert C. Bruce, of Jack- 
■sonville. 

David P. Coffman made his home in his native 
city until twenty-eight years of age. In its pub- 
lic schools he acquired a good education, and re- 
ceived good business training in his father's store, 
where he acted as clerk. At the age of twenty- 
five he was married, on the ist of October, i860, 
the lady of his choice being Miss Helen M. Stark, 
daughter of James and Mary Jane (York) Stark, 
of Augusta. The}' have Isecame the parents of 
six children: Jcseph H., who married Miss Fan- 
nie Leach; Susan, wife of James Working, of 
Grant City, Mo., by whom she has two children, 
Sarah Helen and James Paul; James S. ; Marj' H. ; 
Anna K. and David P., all of whom are still at 
home. 

Mr. Coffman has been engaged in general mer- 
chandising in Augusta since February, 1864, at 
which time he became a member of the firm of 
J. & G. Stark. In 1889 he bought out his part- 
ners and associated with him his sons, Jo.seph H. 
and James S., under the firm name of D. P. Coff- 
man & Sons, and now carries on a growing and 
prosperous business. In 1842 James Stark came to 
Augusta and founded what is probably the oldest 
store in the county. Mr. Coffman also owns 
good farming land in Hancock County, and a 
pleasant home and business property in Augusta. 
Prosperity has attended his well-directed efforts, 
and he is now numbered among the substantial 
citizens of the community. 

In his political views, Mr. Coffman is a Repub- 
lican. Socially, he is a Knight Templar Mason, 
and for many years he has been a member of the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Coffman hold membership with the 



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



325 



Christian Church, and in church and benevolent 
work take an active interest. He has ser\-ed as 
Elder for many years, and does all in his power 
for the growth and upbuilding of the church. 
His life is in harmony with his profession, and 
he is recognized as one of Augu.sta's mo.st highly- 
respected citizens. 



Q" 



eA\'ID KEMP, who follows general fanning 
on .section 9, Chili Township, Hancock 
County, is a native of the Keystone State, 
his birth having occurred in Wa.shington County 
on the loth of May, 1844. His parents were 
Matthew and Nanc)' (Peoples) Kemp, both of 
whom were natives of Ireland. On the Emerald 
I.sle the father spent the days of his childhood, 
and when a young man, bidding adieu to friends 
and native land, sailed for the New World. Set- 
tling upon a farm in Pennsylvania, he there car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits until 1853, when he 
came to the West, hoping thereby to improve his 
financial condition. He took up his residence 
upon a farm in Adams County, where he made 
his home until 1866, when he went to Iowa. His 
death occurred in the Hawkej-e State at the age 
of sixty-two, and his wife passed away in Penn- 
sylvania at the age of forty years. 

David Kemp, our subject, was reared upon the 
old home farm until eighteen years of age, but on 
the breaking out of the Civil War he was no longer 
content to follow the plow, for he felt that his 
coujitn,- needed him at the front. Bidding adieu 
to home and friends, he enlisted, and was assigned 
to Company B, Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, in which 
he served for about four years, or after the South 
had laid down its arms. He participated in the 
engagements at Pitt-sburg Landing, Corinth, 
Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson and Bentonville. He 
escaped without being wounded or taken pris- 
oner, but on several different occa.sions the bullets 
penetrated his clothing. 

After being mustered out, Mr. Kemp came to 
Hancock County, and went to work by the day 
in the harvest fields. During the succeeding win- 
16 



ter he worked by the month as a farm hand, and 
in the spring of 1866 he began farming for him- 
-self on rented land. At length, when he had ac- 
quired sufficient capital, he purchased a partially 
improved farm in Chili Town.ship. That he af- 
terwards sold, and in 1890 bought the farm on 
which he now resides. It is a valuable tract of 
land of two hundred and forty acres, under a high 
state of cultivation, and well improved with good 
buildings and with all modern accessories and 
conveniences. In connection with general farm- 
ing he carries on stock-raising, making a specialty 
of fine hogs. 

On the 5th of April, 1866, Mr. Kemp wedded 
Miss Mar)- J. Cannon, a native of Brown County, 
111. Seven children have been born to them: 
Eva A., at home; Aldo L. , a farmer of Chili 
Township, Hancock County; Thomas R., Melvin 
D., Elbert William, Clarence C. and Marcus E., 
all of whom are still with their parents. 

On all questions of national importance, Mr. 
Kemp is a stalwart Republican, and by his ballot 
supports that party, but at local elections where 
no issue is involved he votes independent of 
party affiliations. Socially, he is connected with 
Tobias Cutler Post No. 428, G. A. R., of Bowen. 
He and his estimable wife hold membership with 
the Methodi.st Church, and are highly respected 
people of the comnuinity, who have a large circle 
of warm friends. 



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•^EORGE WASHINGTON YETTER owns 
_ and operates a valuable farm of four hundred 
J acres on section 15, Carthage Township, 
Hancock County. As he is both widely and fa- 
vorably known in thisconnnunit\-, we feel assured 
that the record of his life will be interesting to 
many of our readers, and therefore gladly give it 
a place in this volume. He was born in Lancas- 
ter Count}-, Pa., on the 26th of Januarj-, 1835, 
and is a son of William G. Yetter, who was also a 
native of the Keystone State, and of German de- 
scent. The mother of our subject bore the maid- 
en name of Lydia Rock. In the family were nine 



326 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



children, three sons and six daughters: Caroline, 
widow of James Booze; Samuel, a farmer of 
Carthage; Mary A. and Amanda, both deceased; 
Calvin, a resident of California; George \V.; Sa- 
rah, wife of J. R. Goodrich, of this township; 
Margaret, the widow of James Russell, now re- 
siding in Carthage; and Matilda, who died in child- 
hood. 

Mr. Yetter whose name heads this sketch was 

only two years old at the time of the emigration 
of his parents from Pennsylvania to Illinois. The 
trip westward was made by water and team. 
Amid the wild scenes of the frontier George W. 
was reared to manhood, and early became famil- 
iar with the hardships and difficulties, as well as 
the pleasures, known only to pioneer life. His 
education was acquired in the subscription schools, 
which were held in a log schoolhouse, to which 
he had to walk a distance of three miles. He 
continued his studies at various inter\^als, mostly 
in the winter season , until sixteen years of age. 
During the summer months he was always em- 
ployed at farm work, for he began his labors in 
the fields as soon as old enough to handle the 
plow. At the age of eighteen he began working 
in his own interest, but continued at home for a 
year as a farm hand. He then began learning 
the carpenter's trade, but followed this for only 
about six months, when, tiring of his new voca- 
tion, he returned to farm work and was employed 
by the month for a year. 

On the 2 2d of December, 1862, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Yetter and Miss Mary Briley. 
To them have been born five children, and the 
family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of 
death. Calvin and Louis follow farming in Han- 
cock County; \\'illiam is at home; Elizabeth is 
the wife of A.shford Perry, a resident farmer of 
Carthage Township; and Stella is the wife of 
Charles Kimbrough, a farmer of Carthage Town- 
ship. 

After his marriage Mr. Yetter rented land and 
engaged in farming in his own interest. He made 
his first purchase in 1865, when he bought eighty 
acres of the farm on .section 1 5 where he yet re- 
sides. To this he has added from time to time, 
until the farm now comprises four hundred acres. 



and elsewhere he owns a tract of fiftj' acres. This 
is all valuable land, and the greater part of it is 
under a high state of cultivation, his pleasant 
home being situated in the midst of well-tilled 
fields, which indicate to the passer-by the thrift and 
enterprise of the owner. Mr. Yetter also engages 
in stock-raising, and has found this branch of his 
business likewise profitable. 

In his political views, Mr. Yetter is a stalwart 
Republican, who warmly advocates the principles 
of his party, and keeps well informed on the is.sues 
of the day. He has ser\-ed as Commissioner of 
Highways, and for twentj'-one years has filled the 
office of School Director. The cause of education 
has found in him a warm friend, and he has done 
effective service in its interest. He is always 
found in the front rank, ready to aid in the promo- 
tion of all worthy enterprises. Socially, he is 
connected with the Mutual Aid Society, and, re- 
ligiously, with the Methodist Church. 



"S) 



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(3_ 



[=^ 



(TAMES RUPPLE GOODRICH, who carries 
I on general farming and stock-raising on sec- 
Q) tion 23, Carthage Township, Hancock Coun- 
ty, was born on the 30th of August, 1830, in 
Greenbrier County, Va. His father, Misheck 
Goodrich, was born in Massachusetts, and was of 
Engli.sh descent. He married Rebecca Ruddle, 
and they became the parents of fourteen children, 
five sons and nine daughters, all of whom grew 
to mature years. They were: Diana, who mar- 
ried Christopher Artz, and is deceased; Susanna 
and Sarah, who reside in California; George, 
Elizabeth, Tirzah and Marilla, who are deceased ; 
James R. , the next in order of birth; Amanda, the 
wife of William Raleigh, of Chicago, 111.; Har- 
riet, deceased; Robert and John, residents of San 
Francisco, Cal.; Ellen, who is dead; and Charles, 
the youngest, who is farming in Carthage Town- 
ship. 

The father of this family emigrated westward 
in 1839, making the journey by team, and located 
on a part of the farm upon which our subject now 
resides. He had purcha.sed this tract in 1818 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



327 



from a soldier of the War of 18 12, paying for it 
$1.25 per acre. It was located on .section 23, 
Carthage Township, and was wild prairie land, no 
improvements having been made thereon. After 
a time Mr. Goodrich bnilt a log cabin upon his 
farm, and in true pioneer style began life in the 
West. He devoted his time anxl attention to the 
cultivation of his land, and made his home upon 
his farm until his death, which occurred on the 
24th of December, 1880, at the advanced age of 
eighty -six years. He was laid to rest in Frank- 
lin Cemeten,-. With the Christian Church he 
held membership, and in politics he was a Dem- 
ocrat. His wife, who was born in 1797, survived 
him for a few years and died in 1888. She was a 
faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and was buried in the same cemetery- as 
her husband. 

James R. Goodrich was only in his ninth year 
at the time the family came to Hancock County. 
On the journey he walked across the Alleghany 
Mountains and carried a rifle. The history of 
pioneer life in this locality is familiar to him. He 
grew to manhood amid the wild scenes of the 
frontier, and acquired his education in the old- 
time subscription schools, which were lield in a 
log schoolhouse. There he pursued his studies 
at inter\'als until eighteen years of age, but his 
advantages were not of the best, and he is largeh- 
a self-educated man. He aided in the arduous 
duties of opening up a new farm, breaking prairie, 
and cultivating hitherto unimproved fields. To 
his father he gave the benefit of his services un- 
til twenty-three years of age, when he rented a 
part of the old homestead. This he operated for 
a few years, when, with the capital he had ac- 
quired as the result of his indu.stry and per.sever- 
ance, he purchased forty acres of land, a part of 
his present farm. He now has eighty-two acres 
under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
proved. 

In March, 1854, Mr. Goodrich married Miss 
Sarah Yetter, and by their union have been born 
ten children, na«iiely: William, who lives in Car- 
thage; Marj-, deceased; Matilda, wife of William 
White; Eliza, wife of Silas Stowe; Lydia, wife 01 
Alvin Swing; George, a farmer of Harmony 



Township; John, who is fanning in St. Mary's 
Township; Harvey, who is farming with his 
brother George ; Anna, the wife of Edward Fletch- 
er, a farmer of Harmony ; and Susie, who is with 
her parents. 

Mr. Goodrich is a member of the Methodist 
Church and takes an active interest in church 
and benevolent work. In politics, he is a Demo- 
crat, and has served as School Director. For 
about fifty-five years he has resided in Hancock 
County, and has witnessed the greater part of its 
upbuilding. He has seen the wild lands trans- 
formed into beautiful homes and farms, towns and 
villages spring up, and has aided the progressive 
civilization which has made this one of the lead- 
ing counties of the State. In the work of up- 
building and development he has ever borne his 
part, and well deserves mention among the hon- 
ored pioneers who were the founders of the coun- 
ty and to whom much of her prosperity is due. 



c=l 



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(S~ 



BENJAMIN BURWELL BUTLER, who car- 
ries on general farming and .stock-raising on 
section 34, Harmony Township, Hancock 
County, where he owns and operates a good farm 
of two hundred and ten acres, was born in Todd 
County, Ky., February 7, 1824. His father. 
Collier Butler, was a native of Virginia, and was of 
Irish descent. The mother bore the maiden name 
of Nancy Hale. Both parents died in Kentucky, 
and our .subject is the only surviving member in 
the family of ten children. Those who have 
passed away are James, Martha, Lucy, Sarah, 
Needham, Polly, Elliott, Andrew and Rebecca. 
Midst play and work our subject spent his boy- 
hood days upon the old home farm in his native 
State. The subscription schools of the neighbor- 
hood afforded him his educational privileges. His 
was not "the flowery path of learning, " for he 
had to walk about four miles to .school, and then 
could attend only through the winter .season, for 
his services were needed at home through the 
summer months. He early began work in the 
fields, plowing, planting and harvesting, and ere 



^,28 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



many 3-ears no department of farm work was un- 
known to him. He began life for himself on at- 
taining his majority, but remained at home until 
1850, when he bade adieu to friends and native 
State and in April of that year came to Illinois. 
The trip was made by team. On reaching Han- 
cock County, he settled in Pilot Grove Township, 
where he rented land for two years. On the ex- 
piration of that period he removed to Harmoin- 
Town-ship, where he rented land until 1865, when 
with the capital he had acquired through his la- 
bors he purchased a tract of one hundred and 
forty acres. Later he purchased two hundred 
acres, upon which he lived until 1869, when he 
removed to his pre.seiit farm, buying a tract of 
two hundred acres on .section 34, Harmony 
Township. 

On the 20th of April, 1850, Mr. Butler married 
Miss Amanda Black, daughter of James and Mar>- 
(Martin) Black, both of whom were natives of 
Virginia. In early life, however, they removed 
to Kentucky. On the paternal side the family is 
of German and Iri.sh origin. Mrs. Butler was 
one of eight children, namely; William, of Cali- 
fornia, who formerly engaged in prospecting, 
mining and stock-raising, but is now living a re- 
tired life; Amanda, wife of our subject; Joseph, a 
resident farmer of Brown County, 111.; John, de- 
cea,sed; Esther, who died in infancy; Henry, who 
is engaged in the real-estate busine.ss in the city 
of Oklahoma; Charlie, an agriculturist of Ottawa 
County, Mo. ; and Barbara, now deceased. Mr. 
Black came to Hancock County in 1850, and both 
he and his wife spent their last days in this lo- 
cality. 

Four children have been born of the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Butler, as follows: Marj-, wife of 
D. C. Barber, a resident of Denver, 111.; Henrs-, 
who died in Newton, Kan., November 29, 1893; 
Nancy, wife of Paul Bowen, Principal of the pub- 
lic schools of Alameda, Cal. ; and Eva, wife of 
Charlie Davis, a farmer of Chili Township. 

In his political views, Mr. Butler has always 
been a supporter of Democratic principles, and 
has held the offices of Road Commissioner and 
.School Director. He and his wife hold membership 
with the Christian Church, and are actively in- 



terested in its work and upbuilding. His busi- 
ness career has been one of success, and although 
he started out in life a poor boy, he has steadily 
worked his way upward, and now occupies a posi- 
tion among the substantial farmers of the county. 
He is a man of sterling worth and .strict integrity, 
and those who know him e.steem him highly. 



"SJ 



HOMAvS HARDY, who resides on section 9, 
Harmony Township, is one of the extensive 
land-owners of Hancock County, his pos- 
sessions aggregating between six hundred and 
seven hundred acres. This has all been acquired 
through his own efforts, and the improvements 
thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and en- 
terprise. He is a type of a self-made man, who 
through energy and well-directed efforts has ac- 
quired a handsome property, and won a place 
among the wealthy citizens of his adopted county. 
Mr. Hardy was born near Mendon, Adams 
County, 111., June 11, 1833, and is a son of Bap- 
ti.st and Tamer (Pallerson) Hardy. His father 
was a native of Tennessee, and was of Ger- 
man descent; and his mother, who was born in 
North Carolina, was of Irish lineage. By occu- 
pation the former was a farmer. He grew to 
manhood in his native State, was there married, 
and continued to make his home in Tennessee 
until 1829, when he emigrated with his family to 
Illinois, making the journey by team. He lo- 
cated in Morgan County, but in the spring of 1830 
removed to Adams County. The following year 
he entered from the Govennnent a tract of prairie 
and timber land, and upon the farm which he 
there developed he made his home throughout 
his remaining days. He was very successful in 
his business dealings, and his prosperity is well 
deserved. At an early age he was thrown upon 
his own resources, and began to earn his own live- 
lihood. He lived frugally, was industrious and 
enterprising, and by his well-ditected efforts he 
not only won a comfortable home, but became 
the owner of extensive landed possessions. He is 
lumibered among the honored pioneers of that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



329 



locality, for he came to this State when the Indi- 
ans were still in the neighborhood, and when 
Quincy was the nearest trading-post. In politics, 
he was a Democrat, and .served as the first Super- 
visor of Keene Township, Adams County. He 
also held other local ofRces. In his religious be- 
lief he was a Bapti.st. His death occurred in 1872, 
at the age of .sixty-five years, and his wife pa.s.sed 
away in 1875, when about the same age. 

The Hardy family numbered nine children, four 
sons and five daughters: Sarah, wife of Jackson 
Witt; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Fletcher; Thomas, 
of this sketch; Nancy, wife of Henry \V. Strick- 
ler; Joseph, who is living on the old homestead in 
Adams County; Frank M.; Louisa, wife of Jack- 
son Harris; Marj' M., wife of William Felder; 
and Baptist. All are yet living and have families 
of their own. 

Mr. Hardy whose name heads this notice was 
reared on his father's farm in Adams County, and 
attended the district schools of the neighborhood 
until twenty-one j'cars of age, thus acquiring a 
good English education. When twenty-two years 
of age he began business for himself and was en- 
gaged in teaching through the two succeeding 
winters. He then took up the occupation to 
which he had been reared, and carried on farming 
in other localities until the spring of i860, when 
he located upon the farm which has since been his 
home. His first purchase compri.sed a quarter- 
section of land, but onl}- fifty acres had been 
broken, and a small house constituted tlie im- 
provements upon the place. He at once began 
the development of the farm, and as his financial 
resources were increased he extended its bound- 
aries from time to time. He owns nearly seven 
hundred acres, and with the exception of aliout 
ten acres the entire amount is in Harmony Town- 
ship. The improvements upon the farm have all 
been placed there by Mr. Hardy. The.se include 
a good residence, barns and outbuildings, and all 
the accessories and con\eniences which go to make 
up a farm that meets tlie requirements of modern 
civilization. 

On the 24th of February, 1S58, Mr. Hardy was 
united in marriage with Miss Margaret S. Rog- 
ers, a native of the Empire State. To them have 



been born twelve children, four sons and eight 
daughters: Zuleika, Margaret T. (who died in 
infancy), Emma F., Clement V., Baptist, Sarah 
E., Delia, Mary J., Thomas, Martha E., Joseph 
and Louisa. In politics, Mr. Hardy has always 
been a supporter of Democratic principles. He 
has served as Assessor of his township, and for 
many years has been a School Director. He is a 
member of the Baptist Church, and his well-spent 
life has gained for him the confidence and esteem 
of all with whom bu.sine.ss or social relations have 
brought him in contact. He is widely known 
throughout Hancock County, and his friends and 
acquaintances are many. 



I^HJH^l-- 



(Tames M. groves, a blacksmith and dealer 
I in agricultural implements in Plymouth, was 
(2/ born in Licking County, Ohio, November 
27, 1840, and is a son of Richard T. and Susan 
(Evans) Groves, who were natives of Virginia. 
The paternal grandfather was also a native of 
Virginia, and served as a soldier in the War of 
1812, as did the maternal grandfather. He, too, 
was born in Virginia, and there engaged in hotel- 
keeping for some time. Richard T. Groves was 
one of a family of eight sons and two daughters. 
In an early day he removed to Ohio, and in 1858 
emigrated to Mercer County, Mo., settling near 
Princeton, where he spent the remainder of his 
life. His death occurred in 1872, at the age of .sev- 
enty-two years, and his wife pa.s.sed away only a 
few days previous. They were both members of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and their lives 
were in harmony with tlicir professions. Mr. 
Groves served as one of tlie church officers for 
several years, and while living in Ohio he served 
as Deputy Sheriff. In the family were three sons 
and two daughters: John C, of Richland County, 
111.; Mary Jane, wife of William Bridge, of Mer- 
cer County, Mo.; James M., of this .sketch; Dan- 
iel H., of Mercer County; and Leah C. wife of 
Charles Booth, of the same county. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
spent the days of his l)oyhood and youth. His 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



educational privileges were those afForded by the 
common schools. He was reared as an agricul- 
turist, but, not wishing to follow that pursuit, he 
learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he 
worked until after the breaking out of the late 
war. In 1862 he enlisted in his country's service 
as a member of Company A, Seventy -eighth Illi- 
nois Infantrj-, aiding in the defense of the Union 
until June, 1865, when, the war having closed, 
he was honorably discharged. He was twice 
slightly wounded in skirmishes, and at the battle 
of Chickamauga he received a \-ery severe wound. 
He took part in the engagements at Kennesaw 
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Rome, 
Jonesboro, Chickamauga and Bentonville, and 
went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the 
sea. He also participated in the Grand Review in 
Washington, and received his discharge in tlie 
Capitol City. 

Before entering the ser\-ice, Mr. Groves was 
married to Miss Elmira B. Myers, daughter of 
Jacob and Harriet (Wagle) Myers, the former a 
native of New York, and the latter of Pennsyl- 
vania. They have become the parents of seven 
children. James Madison married Miss Clara 
Black, and with their two children, Ida and Pearl, 
they are now living in Plymouth. Ida May and 
Freddie both died when about two years of age. 
Hattie, Maude, Charles and Ernest complete the 
family. 

On his return from the South, Mr. Graves lo- 
cated in Birmingham, Schuyler County, 111., pur- 
chasing a farm of eighty-five acres, to the devel- 
opment and cultivation of which he devoted his 
energies until 1876. He then embarked in busi- 
ness as a bridge contractor, and carried on bu.siness 
along that line for about eight years. He is now 
doing business in Plymouth as a blacksmith and 
dealer in agricultural implements, and along both 
lines of trade receives liberal patronage, which is 
well deserved. In addition to his business, he 
owns a good residence in Plymouth. Socially, he 
is a member of Plymouth Lodge No. 246, A. F. 
& A. M.; the Odd Fellows' society; and Augusta 
Post, G. A. R. In politics, he is a stalwart 
Republican, and while in Birmingham ser\-ed as 
Constable, Commissioner and Collector. His suc- 



cess in business is due to his own efforts. He 
started out in life empty-handed, but by industry, 
perseverance and enterprise has steadily worked 
his way upward, securing a comfortable compe- 
tence. 



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[S_ 



■"S3 



~RASTUS HUEY now follows farming on 
v) .section 17, St. Marj-'s Township, Hancock 
^ County. The name of Huey is inseparably 
connected with the history of this community, for 
the familj- of our subject came here in early pio- 
neer days, and its members have borne a promi- 
nent part in the work of advancement and public 
improvement. His parents, John and Matilda 
( Rice) Huey, were both natives of Boone County, 
Ky., and came of old southern famihes, of whom 
further mention is made in connection with the 
.sketch of William Huey, on another page of this 
work. The father was one of twelve children, 
and was reared as a farmer. Throughout life he 
followed agricultural pursuits, and for many years 
was a leading farmer of this locality. He came 
to Illinois in 1833, and after three years spent in 
Schuyler County, took up his residence in Hancock 
County, where his remaining days were pa.ssed. 
All who knew him respected him for his sterling 
worth and excellencies of character, and his death, 
which occurred at the age of seventy-two years, 
was deeply mourned by many friends. His wife, 
a most estimable lady, pa.ssed away four \ears 
previous, dying at the age of sixty-two. Of 
their family of ten .sons and two daughters, the fol- 
lowingareyet living: Erastus; William; Frances, 
wife of Dr. James H. Turner; Robert, of Mc- 
Donough County; Agnes, wife of Reuben Garnett; 
James, of St. Mary's Township; Perry C. and 
George, who also live in the .same township; and 
Frederick Gilmore, of Clarke County, Mo. 

Our subject was a lad of six summers when, 
with his parents, he became a resident of this lo- 
cality. Upon the old Huey farm he was reared, 
and his entire life has been passed within four 
miles of his present home. When a young man 
he studied medicine, but never engaged in the 
practice of his profession, preferring to follow the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



331 



pursuit with which he had been familiar from 
earliest boyhood. After arriving at years of ma- 
turity, he began farming in his own interest, and 
his well-directed efforts have been crowned with 
success, for he is now owner of two hundred acres 
of valuable land, constituting one of the finest 
farms of the township. 

Mr. Huey was joined in wedlock February i, 
1858, with Martha vSusan Dale, daughter of Luns- 
ford Dale, a native of Kentucky. Seven children 
have been born to them. Ida is the wife of I. N. 
Jeffries, by wiiom .she has two children, Ormer 
and Ra3\ Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries make their home 
with her father. John R., who married Mi.ss 
Helen Holbert, by whom he has three children, 
resides near Colmar, in McDonougli County. 
William E. married Miss Ryle, and is located in 
Hancock County. Fannie is the wife of Walter 
Cannon, and they live on a farm in St. Mar},-'s 
Township with their daughter Nellie. Walter and 
Olivia are yet at home; and one child died in in- 
fancy. The mother died June 10, 1891, in the faith 
of the Baptist Church, of which .she was a member. 
Mr. Huey belongs to the same church, as do his 
brother and three of his children. In politics, he 
is a Democrat, but has never been an office-seeker. 
He came to Hancock County fifty-seven j'ears ago, 
when it was an unbroken wilderness, and when 
there were only three houses between his father's 
home and Carthage. He has taken a ju.st pride 
in the growth and development of his adopted 
county, and by his support and co-operation he 
has aided in its advancement and upbuilding. 



e^^^i 



(=^ 



jILLIAM FIELDING BAYNE, M. D., has 
for nearly half a century been engaged in 
the practice of medicine in Macomb, and 
for many years has been numbered among the 
most prominent physicians of McDonough Coun- 
ty. He was born in Shelby County, Ky., on the 
2d of January, 1827, and is a .son of William and 
Barbara (Blankcnbaker) Bayne, the former a na- 
tive of Culpeper County, Va., and the latter of 
Bourbon County, Ky. His maternal grandfa- 



ther, Nicholas Blankenbaker, was one of the 
heroes of the Revolution who served under 
Washington during the struggle for indepen- 
dence. The Bayne family was founded in Amer- 
ica about 1660, by five brothers of that name, 
natives of Scotland, who cro.ssed the Atlantic and 
settled along the Potomac. The representatives 
of the family in America are their descendants. 
The grandfather of our subject bore the name of 
George Bayne. 

The Doctor's father, William Bayne, followed 
the vocation of farming throughout the greater 
part of his life, and was quite successfiil as an 
agriculturist. At length he left Kentucky to be- 
come a resident of the new State of Illinois. The 
journe}- hither was made by wagon, and the 
territor}- through which they passed was so un- 
improved that in order to cross the streams they 
had to build rafts on which to float their goods 
across. The)- first took up their residence in 
Adams County, and thence removed to Han- 
cock County, settling near Augusta, where the 
father died in 1854. In the family were nine 
children, of whom six grew to mature years, 
while three of the number are yet living, the Doc- 
tor and two sisters. 

In the usual manner of fanner lads William F. 
Bayne spent the days of his boyhood and youth. 
He remained under the parental roof mitil he had 
attained his majority, when, wishing to engage in 
some other pursuit than that of farming, he be- 
gan working at the carpenter's trade. With 
a view to entering the medical profession and 
making its practice his life work, he began study- 
ing with Dr. G. H. Young, of Adams County, 
and when he had become quite proficient he 
opened an office in Barry, Pike County. This 
was in March, 1854. In the following September 
he came to Macomb, where he has .since engaged 
in practice, with the exception of that period 
which he spent among the boys in blue during 
the late war. 

Dr. Bayne has been twice married. He first 
wedded Martha Herndon, who sur\'ived their 
marriage a little less than a year. On the 24th 
of October, 1854, he wedded Lydia J. Fream, 
who has been to him a faithful companion and 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



helpmeet on life's journey. They became the 
parents of se\en children, but only two are now- 
living, George Grant, and Nellie May, wife of 
Frank Knight, who follows farming near Ma- 
comb. 

After the breaking out of the late war, the 
Doctor expressed a wish to enter the ser\dce, and 
his wife loyally responded that if he felt his coun- 
trj' needed him, and that it was his duty to go, 
she would put forth no effort to prevent it. He 
enlisted on the 2d of August, 1861, and became 
Captain of Company B, Tenth Missouri Infan- 
try. He was engaged in service in Missouri, 
Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, and partici- 
pated in the battles of Corinth, luka, Jackson, 
Champion Hill, Thompson Hill and Vicksburg. 
At the battle of Corinth a piece of his ear was 
shot away. On the 26th of June, 1863, Capt 
Bayne resigned on account of failing healtli, and 
crossed the mountains in the hope of being bene- 
fited thereby. He was greatly improved, and 
during his western trip his weight was increased 
from one hundred and twenty-nine to one hun- 
dred and eighty-four pounds. He returned home 
in the fall of 1864. 

Dr. Bayne is one of the most prominent citizens 
of Macomb, and has been closely identified with 
its upbuilding and development for half a cen- 
tury. He has aided in the promotion of a num- 
ber of its leading enterprises, and thus added 
materially to the prosperity of the city. He was 
one of the leading factors in the organization of 
the Tile and Sewer Pipe Works, and is now Presi- 
dent of the company, which position he has held 
for eleven years, having been elected in 1883. 
This is an important indu.stry, which constantly 
employs from forty to sixty-five men. Shipments 
are made chiefly to the We.st, from Manitoba to 
Kansas City, Denver and other points. The 
largest shipments, however, are made to St. Paul 
and Minneapolis. 

In politics, the Doctor has taken an active in- 
terest. In the campaign of i860, he labored un- 
tiringly in the interest of the Republican party, 
and was Captain of a company of Wide- Awakes. 
He was well fitted for the drill work connected 
therewith, for he had studied tactics with his fa- 



ther, who was a leader of militia in Kentucky. 
The Doctor continued to vote with the Republi- 
can party until 1884, since which time he has 
been a Prohibitionist, and was a delegate to the 
National Prohibition Convention of 1892. He 
served as Major of Macomb for one term. For 
about twelve years he has filled the office of Alder- 
man, and for manj- years has been a member of 
the School Board. Socially, he is connected 
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and 
is a faithful and consi,stent member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. 



-=) 



^-^ 



[=" 



I ARKIN SCOTT, one of the honored pioneers 
I C of Hancock County, now living on section 
|_y 31 , Harmony Township, has since 1835 been 
a resident of this community. Almost sixty years 
have since passed, and during this long period he 
has not only witnessed the growth and develop- 
ment of the community, but has also aided in its 
advancement and progress. The community rec- 
ognizes in him a valued citizen, and it is there- 
fore with pleasure that we present to our readers 
this record of his life work. 

Mr. Scott is a native of Ashe County, N. C. He 
was born Januarj- 3, 18 12, and comes of a family 
of Scotch origin. His parents were Samuel and 
Mary (Edwards) Scott, both natives of North 
Carolina. In their family were ten children, five 
sons and five daughters: Levi, John, Solomon, 
Larkin, Sibert, Sallie, Frances, Susan, Nancy and 
Margaret. 

Our subject is now the onl\' surviving member 
of the family. He spent the first four years of 
his life in North Carolina, and then accompanied 
his parents on their removal to Kentucky. A 
year later they came to Illinois, making the jour- 
ney by team in the autumn of 181 7. This State had 
not been admitted to the Union, and it was con- 
sidered in the far West. The father located in 
Madison County, but after twoyears removed to 
Morgan County, in 1820. The land was not then 
surveyed, but he made a claim near where the 
city of Jacksonville now stands, and when it came 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



333 



into market purchased it from the Government. 
He erected thereon a log cabin, i6xi6 feet, and 
they lived in true pioneer style. They had been 
in Morgan Couuty for three months before Larkin 
Scott saw a white person save the members of his 
own family. The Kickapoo and Pottawatomie 
Indians still lived in the neighborhood, but they 
were usuall}' peaceable, occasioning the settlers 
little trouble. Thus amid the wild scenes of the 
frontier, surrounded by few of the evidences of 
progress and civilization, our subject was reared 
to manhood. 

Two and a-half miles from his home was the 
.subscription school which Mr. Scott attended. 
His educational privileges, however, were meagre. 
He was onlj- fourteen years of age when his father 
died, and much of the farm work devolved upon 
him. He continued to engage in the cultivation 
of the old homestead and remained with his mother 
until about twenty years of age, when he rented 
land in Morgan County and began farming for 
himself. There he continued until 1835, when 
became to Hancock County, and purchased eighty 
acres of land on section 31, Harmony Township, 
paying the usual Government price of $1.25 per 
acre. He erected a log cabin, i6xiS feet, but the 
primitive home has long since been replaced by a 
commodious and substantial residence, and other 
good improvements have been made. The farm 
now comprises two hundred and eight3'-fi\-e acres 
of valuable land and is one of the best in the 
neighborhood. 

On the 4th of December, 183 1, Mr. Scott was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Sarah Foreman, and 
to them have been born eleven children, namely: 
William W. ; Samuel; Rebecca, decea.sed; L,ouisa; 
Hettie; Mary, who died January 23, 1894; Larkin; 
John A. ; Sarah, deceased; Joshua V., and Walter, 
al.so deceased. The family is one of prominence 
in the communitj', and its members have many 
warm friends. The parents are both members of 
the Second Adventist Church, and Mr. Scott 
serA^ed as a local preacher of the same for a quar- 
ter of a century. In politics, he has been a stanch 
Republican since the organization of the party. 
He has sensed as Overseer of the Poor and High- 
way Commi.ssioner, di.scharging his duties with 



promptness and fidelity. He enli-sted in the Black 
Hawk War in 1831, and did service as Corporal 
during that struggle. Mr. Scott is one of the 
oldest residents of Illinois, having since Territorial 
days been numbered among its citizens. He lived 
within its borders before many of the leading cities 
of the State had sprung into existence, when Chi- 
cago was known onlj- as Ft. Dearborn, and when 
the State was thought to be on the extreme western 
frontier. He has seen the advent of the railroad, 
the telegraph and telephone and has witnessed the 
onward march of progress which has brought with 
it an advancement and prosperity which make 
Illinois one of the leading States of the Union. 



_=) 



€+^ 



[^" 



^ACOB KRIEG, who carries on general farm- 
I ing on section 16, Carthage Township, is 
Q) numbered among the early settlers of Han- 
cock County. He has here resided since 1856, 
and during all these years has made his home 
upon his present farm. He now owns one hun- 
dred and two acres of good land, and is engaged 
in general farming and stock-rai.sing. The place 
is neat and thriftj' in appearance, and the practical 
and progressive spirit of the owner has made him 
one of the leading agriculturists of the commu- 
nity. 

Mr. Krieg is a native of the Keystone State, his 
birth having occurred in Euphrates, Lancaster 
County, on the 1 6th of March, 1815. He is ason 
of John Krieg, who ivas born in Peimsylvania, 
and was of Genuau descent. The mother bore 
the maiden name of Sarah Gorgas. In the Krieg 
family were eleven children: Cyrus and John, 
both of whom are now deceased; Jacob, our sub- 
ject; Allen, who is extensively engaged in farm- 
ing in Miami County, Ind.; Mary, decea.sed; Sam- 
uel, a retired farmer, now living in Manchester, 
Ind.; Martin, who has also passed away; Levi, 
a mechanic residing in Indianapolis, Ind.; Will- 
iam, deceased; Benjamin, who follows agricultu- 
ral pursuits near Disco, Ind. : and Philip, a farm- 
er of the same locality. 



334 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of Jacob Krieg. He spent 
his early days in the usual manner of farmer lads, 
and acquired his education in the district schools 
of the neighborhood, which he attended at vari- 
ous inter\-als until sixteen j-earsof age. He con- 
tinued upon the old homestead until the age of 
nineteen, when he began working at the carpen- 
ter's trade, serving a two-years apprenticeship. 
He followed that business in the Keystone State 
until 1836, when he removed to Stark County, 
Ohio, where he engaged in carpentering until 
1839. In that year he went to Cincinnati, but 
remained only a short time in that city. Going 
to Seven Mile, Butler County, Ohio, he there con- 
tinued until 1S56, during which time he followed 
carpentering and fanning. 

In the mean time, Mr. Krieg was married. On 
the 13th of October, 1842, he was joined in mar- 
riage with Miss Jane Ray, a native of Ohio. Six 
children have been born of their union, namely: 
Laura M., wife of Francis M. Haines, a farmer 
residing near Colchester, 111.; Francis R., who is 
proprietor of the Carthage Flouring Mills, and a 
leading business man of that city; John C, who 
is still living on the old home farm; Thomas B., 
an agriculturist of McDonough County; Charles 
O. , who is engaged in farming in Hancock Coun- 
ty; and Elanor vS., who completes the family. 

As before stated, the year 1856 witnessed the 
arrival of Mr. Krieg in Hancock County. He 
has seen much of the growth and progress made 
in this locality, and has always aided in its devel- 
opment, for he takes a w^arm interest in every 
thing pertaining to the welfare of the community. 
He has always followed farming, and in his un- 
dertakings has met with a well-merited prosper- 
ity. When he started out in life he determined 
to secure for himself, if possible, a comfortable 
home and property. He began making his own 
way in the world empty handed, but he has stead- 
ily pressed forward, overcoming the difficulties 
and obstacles in his path, until he reached the 
goal which was before him. He is now in comfort- 
able circuin.stances, and is supplied not only with 
the necessities, but with many of the luxuries of 
life. He cast his first Presidential vote for Will- 



iam Henrj' Harrison, and was an advocate of the 
Whig party until its dissolution, since which time 
he has been a stanch supporter of Republican 
principles. 



"SJ 



^+^ 



[^_ 



*ySAAC S. BARTHOLOMEW, one of the rep- 
I resentative and leading agriculturists of Han- 
X cock County, who resides on stction 20, 
Prairie Township, is a native of Adams County, 
111. He was born near Camp Point, on the 21st 
of October, 1838, and is a son of Gillead and Sa- 
rah (Roseberry) Bartholomew. His father was a 
native of Virginia, and was of English descent. 
By trade he was a millwright. Emigrating west- 
ward in an early day, he became one of the pio- 
neer settlers of Adams County, and there spent 
the remainder of his life. He passed awa}' in 
March, 1861, and his wife, who sur\-ived him 
about twenty-three years, was called to her final 
re.st in 1883. This worthy couple were the par- 
ents of seven children, namely: Lenuiel and Eliz- 
abeth, both deceased; Martha, wife of Joseph 
Hanks, a farmer of Adams Count)-; Isaac S., of 
this notice; and Emma, Gillian and Johnnie, also 
deceased. 

Mr. Bartholomew whose name heads this rec- 
ord is a self-educated and self-made man. His 
school privileges were quite limited, and his ad- 
vantages in other directions were also meagre. 
Much of his boyhood was spent at work in his fa- 
ther's flouring and saw mill, and he became thor- 
oughly familiar with the milling business. At 
the age of twenty-two he left home and began life 
for himself. After his father's death he took 
charge of the mills, which he operated until the 
spring of 1S65, when he sold out and removed to 
Hancock County, locating in Durham Township, 
where he purchased a farm. For two years he 
devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of 
that land, and then purcha.sed the farm on which 
he now lives, an eight>-acre tract on section 20, 
Prairie Township. Here he carries on general 
farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Bartholomew has been twice married. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



335 



1861, he was joined in marriage with Miss Annie 
Adams, and they became the parents of five chil- 
dren, three sons and two daughters: Annie, who 
is now deceased; Gillead, a resident farmer of 
Prairie Township; Isaac, a minister of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, who is now located in 
Livermore, Iowa; Mattie, wife of Otis French, 
who is engaged in farming in Bear Creek 
Township, Hancock County; and Addie, who is 
now deceased. The mother of this family passed 
away April i, 1872, and for his second wife Mr. 
Bartholomew chose Miss Sarah J. Gib.son, a most 
estimable lady. Three children grace this luiion, 
namely: Josie, who is still living at home; Ed- 
ward and Grace, who are also under the parental 
roof. The family has a wide acquaintance in this 
community, its members rank high in social cir- 
cles, and the home is noted for its hospitality. 

In his political views, Mr. Bartholomew is a 
Democrat, but has never sought or desired the 
honors or emoluments of public office, his time 
being devoted to the enjoyments of the home and 
to his business interests. He is a thrifty and 
progressive farmer, who always keeps abrea.st 
with the times and has a well-developed and 
highly-cultivated tract of land. His place is well 
improved with good buildings, and its neat ap- 
pearance indicates the careful supervision of the 
owner. Although Mr. Bartholomew has led a 
busy life he has yet found time to devote to pub- 
lic interests, and his support is ever given to those 
enterprises which are calculated to prove of pub- 
lic benefit. 



^+^ 



-S] 



ELAYTON McGILL, a representative farmer 
of Chili Township, Hancock County, resid- 
ing on section 34, is one of the worthy citi- 
zens that Ohio has furnished to this community. 
He was born in Clermont County, of the Buckeye 
State, December 17, 1842, and is the only child 
of Alexander and Sarah (Carpenter) McGill. 
His father was a native of New York, and when 
a young man removed to Ohio, where he followed 
agricultural pursuits. After his marriage he em- 



igrated with his family to Illinois, locating in 
Adams County, four and a-half miles northwest 
of Camp Point. This was in 1852. There he 
remained until his death, which occurred at the 
age of sixty years. He was of Irish descent, for 
his parents were both born on the Emerald Isle. 
The mother of our subject was a native of Cler- 
mont County, Ohio, and there died at the early 
age of twenty-two. 

In taking up the personal history of our sub- 
ject we present to our readers the life record of 
one of the well-known and highly-respected 
farmers of this locality. He was a lad of only 
eight years when he became a resident of Adams 
County, 111., and upon the old home farm in that 
count}- he remained until the nth of August, 
1862. Although he had not then attained his 
majorit}-, he could no longer resist the impulse to 
enter his countrj-'s service, and enlisted among the 
boys in blue of Company G, Seventy -eighth Illi- 
nois Infantry. He followed the Old Flag until 
its supremacj^ was acknowledged throughout the 
vSouth, when, the war having closed, he was 
honorably discharged, on the 7th of June, 1865. 
He participated in the battles of Mission Ridge, 
Resaca, Rome, Ga., and Atlanta, and at the last- 
named received a wound in the right leg, which 
caused him to be taken to the hospital, where he 
was confined for four months. After the battle 
of Nashville, he returned to his regiment and 
served as a private until the close of the war. 

Returning to his home in Adams Countv, Mr. 
McGill engaged in farming with his father until 
1869, when he came to Hancock County and pur- 
chased the farm upon which he now resides. He 
has placed his land under a high .state of cultiva- 
tion and has one of the valuable farms in the 
neighborhood. He owns altogether six hundred 
and fortj- acres of rich land in Hancock and Ad- 
ams Counties, and the well-tilled fields yield to 
the owner a golden tribute in return for the care 
and labor bestowed upon them. 

On the 4th of March, 1869, Mr. McGill mar- 
ried Miss Sophrona A. Gay, of Adams County, 
and by their union were born nine children. 
With the exception of one who died in infancy, 
all are still under the parental roof and in order 



336 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of birth are as follows: Sidnej' A., Lola V., Ettie 
and Hattie (twins), Vienna, Eunice, Ava and Fay. 
In his political views, Mr. McGill is a stanch Re- 
publican and takes an active interest in everj-- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of his partj- and 
its upbuilding, being always well informed on the 
issues of the day. He has been honored with 
several local offices, having served as Road Com- 
missioner for two terms and as School Director, 
while at this writing, in the spring of 1894, he is 
ser\'ing his fifth year as Supervisor of Chili 
Township. He is a member of Tobias Butler 
Post No. 428, G. A. R., of Bowen, and though 
not a member of any church he contributes to the 
support of the same and to all worthy public en- 
terprises calculated to advance the general wel- 
fare. Aside from his agricultural interests Mr. 
McGill has other business connections, and is 
now the efficient President of the Farmers' Bank 
of Bowen, in which he is a stockholder. The 
greater part of his po.ssessions has been acquired 
through his own efforts. He is a man of good 
business and executive ability, and his keen judg- 
ment and sagacity, supplemented by an enter- 
prising spirit, have brought him prosperity and 
made him one of the substantial citizens of Han- 
cock Countj'. 



3<'t''S' 



(pIMEON B WALTON, one of the progressive 
?\ and public-spirited citizens of Hancock 
VS' County, is now living a retired life in Den- 
ver. As he is so widely known in this commun- 
itj- we feel assured that the record of his life will 
prove of interest to many of our readers, and 
therefore gladly give it a place in this volume. 
Mr. Walton was born in Ma.son Count}-, Kj'., in 
the year 1818, and is a son of William and Bar- 
bara Walton, both of whom were natives of Vir- 
ginia. The Walton family is of Scotch- Irish 
lineage. His mother's people were among the 
first families to locate in Mason County, Ky., 
settling there when the Indians still lived in the 
neighborhood. When a young man William 
Walton removed to Kentucky, and was there 



married. He ser\-ed as a private in the War of 
18 12. As a means of livelihood he followed 
farming during the greater part of his bu.siness 
career, and he also practiced medicine to a limi- 
ted extent in his own neighborhood. On leaving 
Mason County, Ky., he removed to Boone Coun- 
tj-, that State, where his death occurred in 1864, 
at the age of seventy-six years. His wife passed 
away in 1838. 

This worthy couple were the parents of thir- 
teen children, namely: John, Meredith, Fred- 
erick, Marj-, Ann, Su.san, Tabitha, Simeon B., 
Amanda, Eliza, William, Mis.souri and Lucy. 
Our subject is now the onh- one living. No event 
of special importance occurred during his child- 
hood. He was reared upon his father's farm, and 
attended the subscription schools, which were held 
in the old-time log schoolhou.se, with its slab .seats, 
puncheon floor and huge fireplace. The .school 
was four miles from his home, so that the path of 
learning did not alwa\s seem to liim a flowery 
one. He remained at home and to his father 
gave the benefit of his services until twenty-three 
years of age, when he started out in life for him- 
self and began working for $9 per month. He 
was thus employed for two 3-ears. 

Mr. Walton continued to make his home in 
Kentucky until 1840, when he started on horse- 
back for Illinois. With the exception of two days 
when a companion rode with him, he traveled the 
entire distance alone. At length he arrived in 
Hancock County, and worked in Augusta Town- 
ship for his brother the first summer. After his 
marriage he took up his residence in Harmony 
Township. For one season he worked by the 
month as a farm hand, and then on horseback 
he returned to his native State; but after a short 
time he fitted up a wagon aiid team and again 
came to the We.st. This time he made a perma- 
nent location. He purchased two hundred and 
forty acres of land in Harmony Township, part 
timber and part prairie, and began opening up a 
farm. The land was all wild, and the only im- 
provement upon the place was a small log cabin. 
From sunri.se to sunset, Mr. Walton in those 
early days could be found in the fields, clearing 
and developing his land, which in course of time 



»l 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



337 



was placed under the plow. The new and fer- 
tile soil yielded a ready return for his labors, and 
his financial resources were thereby greatly in- 
creased. He made many excellent impro^•e- 
nients upon his farm, and it became one of the 
valuable and desirable places of the neighborhood. 

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, 
Mr. Walton chose Miss Elizabeth Stark, daugh- 
ter of James and Jessie (Drone) Stark. Their 
marriage was celebrated January 20, 1842. The 
ladj- was born in Auchtermechty, Scotland, 
March 24, 1823, and came to America with her 
parents in 1836 on a sailing-ves.sel, which after a 
^"oyage of seven weeks dropped anchor in the har- 
bor of New York. The}- at once came west to 
Illinois, and the father made a claim near Au- 
gusta, Hancock County, entering land from the 
Government. His death occurred in July, 1837, 
and his wife died when Mrs. Walton was only 
eleven years of age. There were no schools in 
the neighborhood when Mrs. Walton came here, 
and the nearest trading-point was at Rushville. 
She well deserves mention among the pioneer set- 
tlers of the county, for since a very early day she 
has watched the growth and development of the 
entire community. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Walton were born seven chil- 
dren. WiUiam, George and David are all engaged 
in farming in Harmony Township: Ezekiel is now 
living on the old homestead; Margaret is the wife 
of Dr. Rayburn, a practicing physician of Den- 
ver, 111.; Mary E. is the wife of William Black, 
a farmer of Harmony Township; and Ella is the 
wife of Joel H. Todd, a practicing physician of 
Marj-ville, Mo. 

For many years Mr. Walton engaged in gen- 
eral farming and .stock-raising. His landed pos- 
sessions now aggregate three hundred acres, in- 
cluding the old homestead. He continued upon 
the farm until 1890, when he removed to Denver, 
where he has since lived a retired life. He and 
his wife are both members of the Christian 
Church, and their many excellencies of character 
have gained for them the high regard of all with 
whom they have been brought in contact. Their 
friends are many throughout the community, and 
all who know them respect them. Mr. Walton 



cast his first Presidential" vote for William Henry 
Harrison, and since the organization of the Re- 
publican party has been one of its stalwart .sup- 
porters. He started out in life for himself with 
about a thousand dollars given him by his father 
and a determination to succeed. That he has 
succeeded is due not to favorable circumstances, 
but to industry and enterprise. He has made the 
most of his opportunities, and in his declining 
years, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he is 
enjoying a rest which he has so truly earned and 
richly deserves. 

l)<"T'> fa "' -a 

|ILLIAM A. VANCE, deceased, was born 
in Washington County, Pa., on the i8th 
of April, 1835, and died on his farm in Han- 
cock County, in June, 1884, respected b}- all who 
knew him. He was a leading citizen of the com- 
munity, and his sterling worth and excellencies 
of character won him the high regard of all. 

Mr. Vance was a son of Joseph Vance, and was 
reared on his father's farm. His school privileges 
were somewhat limited, but through experience, 
reading and ob.servation he gained a practical 
business knowledge. He started out in life for 
himself on attaining his majoritjs and, bidding 
good-bye to his old home in the Keystone State, 
he emigrated westward to Illinois, taking up his 
residence in Hancock County. Locating in Chili 
Township, he purchased between three and four 
hundred acres of partially improved land. With 
characteristic energy he began its cultivation and 
development, and continued the operation of that 
land until 187 1, in which year he removed to 
Harmony Township. Here he purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of good laud, upon 
which he made his home until his death. He was a 
successful farmer, who thoroughly understood 
his business, and by clo.se attention to all details, 
combined with industry and good management, he 
won a well-d«:served and comfortable competence. 

On the 1 8th of May, 1863, Mr. Vance was uni- 
ted in marriage with Miss Lydia Dick, and by 
their union were born five children, namely: 



338 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Joseph, who died on the 21st of August, 1864; 
Sherman D., who carries on general farming in 
Harmony Township, Hancock County; Adeline, 
whe died in infancy on the 7th of January, 187 1; 
Thomas, at home; and James H., who died on 
the 9th of May, 1877. 

Throughout life, Mr. Vance was a supporter of 
the Republican party and its principles, and al- 
though never an office-seeker he was deeply inter- 
ested in what pertained to the welfare of his party, 
and did all in his power to promote its growth and 
insure its success. He was ever a valued and pub- 
lic-spirited citizen, and the best interests ever 
found in him a warm friend. His loyalty to the 
Government was manifested during the late war 
by a year's service in the Union army. He was 
a prominent and influential citizen of Harmony 
Township, and all who knew him esteemed him 
highly, for his life was a straightforward and hon- 
orable one. He passed away in June, 1884, and 
his death was deeply mourned by many friends. 

After the death of her hu.sband, Mrs. Vance was 
again married, and is now the wife of Jacob F. 
Sliger. They reside on the old home farm in Har- 
mony Township, and are well-known and repre- 
sentative people of the community. 



^-^ 



-S) 



[=" 



~ NOCH RAMSEY, one of the wealthy farm- 
^ ers of Hancock County, has largely through 
^ his own efforts won his well-deserved pros- 
perity. He now lives on section 34, Harmony 
Township, where he moved about 1 85 1 . He then 
owned only a quarter-section of land, but to this 
he has since added until his landed pos.se.ssions 
now aggregate about two thousand acres. Young 
men would do well to .study the methods which 
he has pursued, and his habits of diligence, in- 
dustry and enterprise. 

Mr. Ramsey was born near Charleston, Clarke 
County, Ind., Januarj- 30, 1824, and is a son of 
Samuel and Eleanor (Kime) Ramsey, who were 
natives of KeiUucky. The father was of Scotch- 
Irish descent, and his mother was of German 
lineage. Nine children blessed their union: Han- 



nah, who is now the widow of George Browning, 
a resident farmer of Harmony Township; Enoch, 
of this sketch; Henry, who died October i, 1875; 
Betsy A., who died March 8, 1S30; James M., who 
died Juty 17, 1834; Samuel F., who passed away 
September 8, 1886; Sarah J. and Eleanora, who 
are still living; and Adeline, who died August 
27, 1847. 

On leaving his native State Samuel Ramsey 
removed to Clarke County, Ind., where he was 
married and made his home until 1836. He then 
removed to Logan County, but in the autumn of 
that year he came to Hancock County, 111., and 
settled in Chili Township. Here he purchased 
sixty acres of land, but after a year he removed 
to Harmony Township, and bought a partially 
improved tract of one hundred and sixty acres on 
section 25. He at once began opening up a farm, 
and soon furrows were turned upon the hitherto 
unbroken land, and fertile fields took the place of 
the once wild prairies. He continued to engage 
in agricultural pursuits until his death. A man 
of excellent business and executive ability, he was 
highly successful in his undertakings, and al- 
though he started out in life a poor boy he became 
one of the substantial farmers of his adopted 
county. In politics, he was a Democrat until the 
campaign of i860, when he supported Abraham 
Lincoln, and continued to affiliate with the Re- 
publican party throughout his remaining days. 
He was one of the first vSupervisors of Harmony 
Township, aided in organiziiig the school districts, 
and took a prominent part in ever\tliing that 
pertained to the welfare of the community and its 
upbuilding. Both he and his wife were members 
of the Christian Church, and the poor and needy 
found in them faithful friends. Mr. Ramsey, who 
was born Novembers, 1797, died on the old home- 
stead on the 23d of March, 1861, and his wife, 
who was born October 5, 1800, was called to her 
final rest December 19, 1873. 

The family to which Enoch Ramsey belongs 
was one of prominence in the conmiunity. 
He spent the greater part of his life in Hancock 
County, and has .seen much of its growth and up- 
building, for he was a lad of thirteen years at the 
time of the emigration westward. Upon the old 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



339 



homestead farm he was reared to manhood, and in 
the subscription schools he acquired an education. 
He had to walk a distance of a mile and a-half to 
the schoolhouse, which was a log structure and was 
furnished in the primitive manner of those days. 
He earl)- began work in the fields, and soon be- 
came familiar with farm life in all of its details. 
He worked on his father's farm until twenty-seven 
j^ears of age, and then began life for himself, hav- 
ing received very liberal assistance from his father, 
who gave each of his children a good .start in life. 
He purchased one hundred and sixtj' acres of land 
on section 34, Harmony Township, a tract of raw 
prairie, and with the exception of one 3ear has 
.since made his home thereon. The farm when it 
came into his possession was entirely unimproved, 
but he at one began its development and soon had 
placed it under a high state of cultivation. He 
placed upon it good buildings, divided it into 
fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, and 
all the accessories of a model farm were there sup- 
plied. His efforts were attended with success, and 
as his financial resources were increased the bound- 
aries of his farm were extended, until it now com- 
prises six hundred acres. He has altogether in 
Harmony Township thirteen hundred and sixty 
acres, and is the owner of nineteen hundred and 
ninety acres in the county, the greater part of 
which is highly improved. In connection with 
its cultivation he has also been extensively en- 
gaged in stock-raising. 

On the Sth of May, 1853, Mr. Ramsey was 
united in marriage with Miss Marj' J. Bettisworth, 
daughter of Evan and Rosalia Bettisworth, and a 
native of Virginia. To them have been born 
seven children: Samuel, who died September 20, 
1855; Enoch M., a farmer residing in Hutchinson, 
Kan.; Eleanora E., who became the wife of Henry 
J. Butler, and died December 10, 1879, leaving a 
daughter, Jennie; Tazvvell T., who died May 22, 
1864; Hattie R., at home; Mary J., who died Au- 
gust 27, 1866; and Maltie H., who is still under 
the parental roof. The granddaughter, Jennie 
Butler, is also living with them. 

In politics, Mr. Ramsej- has always been a sup- 
porter of the Democratic party, and has served 
his township as Super\-isor, Treasurer, Collector 



and Road Commissioner. A prompt and efficient 
officer, he has ever discharged his duties in a faith- 
ful manner, that has won the commendation of all 
concerned. In his business career he has pros- 
pered greatly, his success coming to him as the 
result of judicious management, industrj- and en- 
terpri.se. He has always been generous with his 
means in .support of public interests which are 
calculated to prove of public benefit, and is re- 
cognized as one of the valued citizens of the com- 
munit}-. Almo.st his entire life has been passed 
in Hancock County, where he has manj- friends, 
and in its history he well deserves mention as one 
of the honored pioneers. 



-^1. 



~S] 



^-^[ 



(lOSEPH MOCK, who carries on general farm- 
I ing on section 4, Chili Town.ship, is a native 
G/ of Kentucky, his birth having occurred on 
the 5th of April, 1835, in Bourbon County. His 
parents, Abraham and Cynthia (Wilson) Mock, 
were also natives of that State, and the father was 
of German and French descent. Their family num- 
bered six children, three sons and three daugh- 
ters: Emily, now the wife of E. Rice; Samuel, who 
died in 1859; Joseph, of this sketch; Henr>'; Mar- 
garet, wife of John Robinson; and Cynthia, wife of 
Cain Hummel. The father of this family followed 
the vocation of farming, and both he and his wife 
always resided in their native State. 

Joseph Mock was reared under the parental roof 
in the usual manner of farmer lads. Through the 
winter he attended the subscription .schools, 
which were held in a log schoolhouse, three miles 
from his home. In the summer he worked upon 
the farm. He was only eleven years of age at the 
time of his father's death, and thus earlj' in life 
he was cast adrift upon the world to make his own 
way as best he could. He began earning his live- 
lihood by work as a farm hand, receiving $5 per 
month for his services. He continued his resi- 
dence in Kentucky until 1851, when he came to 
Adams County, 111. During the succeeding eleven 
years of his life he engaged in fanning in that lo- 
cality, and in 1862 he came to Hancock County, 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



locating upon land in Chili Township, which he 
had previously purchased. This was an eighty- 
acre tract on section 4, and though wild and unim- 
proved he soon transformed it into rich and fertile 
fields. He now owns one hundred and twenty 
acres of valuable land, and his place is well im- 
proved with all modern accessories and conven- 
iences. 

In 1862, Mr. Mock was united in marriage 
with Miss Eleanora Kennedy, daughter of Charles 
and Cornelia (Gates) Kennedy. The lady was 
born in Ohio, on the 23d of Januarj-, 1834. Three 
children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mock, 
namely: Elmer, who now carries on farming in 
Chili Township; Ona, at home; and Wilson, who 
died July 28, 1884. The first-named married 
Theresa Cunningham. 

Since attaining his majorit\-, Mr. Mock has been 
a supporter of the Democratic party and its prin- 
ciples, but the greater part of his time and atten- 
tion has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, in 
which he has met with good success. Though 
he has not amassed wealth, he has won a comfort- 
able competence and a plea.sant home, and is now 
numbered among the substantial and representa- 
tive citizens of the communitv. 



t=i 



~Si 



^+^1 



|ILLIAM WILSON, a farmer residing on 
section 9, Carthage Township, Hancock 
County, was born in Rock Castle County, 
Ky., near Mt. Vernon, November 22, 1835. The 
Wilson family is of Irish origin, and was founded 
in America during Colonial days. The father of 
our subject, James Wilson, was a native of \'ir- 
ginia. After arriving at j-ears of maturity he was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Stewart, a 
native of Kentucky. By this union were born 
fifteen children, seven sons and eight daughters. 
Twelve of the number grew to mature years, and 
nine of the family are yet living. Sarah is now 
the widow of Stephen Thompson, who was a 
resident of Texas; Mary is the wife of Dr. Ralph 
Harris, a retired minister living in Macomb, 111. ; 
Delphia is the wife of Sidney Proctor, a farmer of 



South Mound, Kan.; James carries on agricultural 
pursuits in Mi.s.souri; Allen is a retired grocery 
merchant of Carthage: Annie L. is the wife of 
William Williams, a merchant of Colorado; Will- 
iam of this sketch is the next younger; Martha is 
the wife of Harry Taylor, a farmer residing in 
Ferris, 111. ; Joshua is an agriculturist of Webb 
City, Mo.; and Samuel is a farmer living near 
Keokuk, Iowa. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads William 
Wilson spent his boyhood days. He remained in 
his native State until fourteen years of age, and 
then accompanied his parents on their emigration 
to Illinois in 1849. The family located in Carth- 
age Township, Hancock County, where the par- 
ents spent their remaining days, the death of the 
father occurring in 1852, while the mother passed 
away in 1S62. 

In this county our subject grew to manhood, 
and in the district .schools of the connnunity his 
education was acquired. He remained with his 
father until his death, after which he took charge 
of the home farm and cared for his mother until 
.she too was called away, in 1862. He then em- 
barked in the li\'ery business in Carthage, where 
he remained until 1869, when he purchased the 
farm on which he now resides. He first bought 
one hundred and forty-five acres on section 9, 
Carthage Township, and to this he has since add- 
ed, until now two liundred acres of rich land yield 
to him a good income. He carries on general 
farming and stock-rai.sing, and his well-directed 
efforts are crowned with succe.ss. The many im- 
provements upon his place, and the valuable land 
under a high .state of cultivation, make this one 
of the best farms in the neighborhood. 

On the 1 2th of May, 1864, Mr. Wilson was unit- 
ed in marriage with Mi.ss Lydia Deuel, and to them 
were born eight children, namely: Ida, wife of 
Frederick Soules, who is living in Keokuk, Iowa; 
George C, Ellen, Eva, William, May and Lulu, 
all of whom are still with their parents; and Alice, 
who died on the 2i.st of July, 1881. She was the 
youngest of the family. The mother passed away 
on the 19th of July of the same year, and was 
laid to rest in Moss Ridge Cemeterj- in Carthage. 
She was a member of the Methodist Church, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



341 



a most estimable woman, whose loss was deeph- 
mourned throughout the community. 

We find in Mr. Wilson a public-spirited and 
progressive citizen, who, through the long years 
of his residence in Hancock Comity, has been al- 
ways interested in the development of the com- 
munity and the promotion of those enterprises 
which are calculated to prove of public benefit. 
In politics, he supports the Republican party and 
its principles, but has never been an office .seeker. 



=1 



"E3 



^+^ 



C=_ 



RUFUS LEACH, who is now occupying the 
responsible position of Postma.ster of Ma- 
comb, was born six miles north of this city, 
on the 6th of September, 1851, and is a represent- 
ative of one of the pioneer families of the county. 
His father, Rufus Leach, ,Sr., was born in New 
Jersey, but in early childhood, with the family of 
his father, John H. Leach, born July 18, 1786, 
and Sally (Parkist) Leach, born November 12, 
1786, and the families of two uncles, emigrated to 
Trumbull County, Ohio, where he grew to man- 
hood. In 1838, he came to McDonough County, 
111., and engaged in fanning, locating on fine 
prairie land about six miles north of Macomb. 
April 9, 18-10, he was united in marriage with 
Lois Sarles, and to them were bom four children, 
nam^ely: Harriet, widow of W. M. Lipe: John H., 
Albert J. and Rufus. The father died August 
14, 1 85 1, about one month before the subject of 
this .sketch was born. The mother still survives. 
She was the second time married, March 15, 1853, 
this time to William McDaniel, and to them three 
children were born: Mary A. , James H. and Will- 
iam C. The daughter died in 1858. Lois (McDan- 
iel) Leach has been for many years a member of 
the Christian Church, and is widely known, loved 
and respected in the community in which she has 
so long made her home. She came to Illinois 
when a little girl from New Albany, Ind. At 
the date given above, she was married at the home 
of her sister, Mrs. Lewis Spangler, in Fulton 
County, 111., the Rev. W. K. Stewart, of the 
Presbyterian Church of this city, performing the 

17 



ceremony, and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Spangler and 
George Boughman signing the marriage certifi- 
cate as witnesses. 

Abner Leach, the father of John H. Leach, 
was a native of Su.ssex County, N. J., and was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War, up to the time 
of his death being on the pension roll of the Gov- 
ernment, in recognition of valiant services ren- 
dered in those trying times. James H. Sarles, 
maternal grandfather of Rufus Leach, Jr., was 
also in the service of his country, in the War of 
181 2. Mr. vSarles was a shingle-maker by trade, 
and in the early days of McDonough County 
shaved many thousand shingles for the pioneers 
who came to this spot to build new homes for them- 
.selves and their children. Mr. Sarles died about 
1861, and his remains were interred in the Stickle 
Graveyard. The remains of Rufus Leach, Sr., 
rest in the same cemetery. The family of Rufus 
Leach, Sr. , was a large one, consisting of father, 
mother and eleven children, as follows: John H. 
Leach, Sally (Parkist) Leach, Charles, Abra- 
ham, Rufus, Nancy, David, Mary Ann, Hiram, 
Celia, Caroline, Betsey and Margaret. Lois Sarles 
was one of a family con.sisting of father and moth- 
er, James Har\'ey and Ruth (Parsels) Sarles, 
and the following children: Abelard, Harriet, 
Sarah Ann, Man,\ Lois, James Har\-ey and Nancy 
Jane. 

From the time he was eight years of age, Rufus 
Leach has resided in Macomb. He began earn- 
ing his own livelihood when fourteen years old, 
and has since been dependent on his own efforts. 
It was in October, 1865, that he entered the office 
of the Macomb Eagle, to learn the printer's trade, 
which he has followed more or less continuously 
since. He afterward worked in the office of the 
Western Light for about two years, and was en- 
gaged in Monmouth and Gale.sburg for two years 
more, when he entered the office of the Macomb 
Journal, with which he was connected seventeen 
years. His faithfulness to his employers' inter- 
ests was manifested by his long-continued service. 

In December, 1890, with Thomas J. Dudman, 
he purchased the Macomb Eagle establishment, 
and continued in partnership one year, at the end 
of which period he retired from the business, but 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



remained with the Eagle in the capacity of fore- 
man until his appointment as Postmaster. He 
took charge of the postoffice February 20, 1894. 

On the 8th of January, 1879, Mr. Leach was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Hannah J. Inman, 
widow of Randolph Inman, and a daughter of 
Felix and Abigail Navert. By their union have 
been born four children, two sons and two daugh- 
ters: Arthur S., Ernest R., Lois A. and Lena B. 
The parents are both members of the Christian 
Church, and Mr. Leach is now serving as Church 
Clerk. They have a pleasant home in Macomb, 
and have many friends in thecomnuuiity. 

In his political affiliations, Mr. Leach is a Dem- 
ocrat, and by President Cleveland was appointed 
Postmaster. He has but recently entered upon the 
duties of the office, yet his course thus far gives 
evidence that his administration will be satisfac- 
tory to the public. He also served as President 
of the School Board for one year, to which posi- 
tion he was appointed by C. I. Imes, Maj'or of 
the city, and it was during his incumbency of this 
position that the First Ward school building was 
erected. He is an honored and active member of 
the Knights of Pythias, having served three terms 
as Chancellor Commander, and twice as delegate 
to the Grand Lodge; and of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, in which he has passed all the 
Chairs, and is a popular citizen of Macomb, where 
the greater part of his life has been passed. 

61 NDREW JACKSON DALE, who now re- 
Ll .sides on section 13, Carthage Township, 
I I Hancock Count\-, claims Kentucky as the 
State of his nativity. He was born in Woodford 
County, on the 28th of October, 1818, and is 
a son of James B. and Polly (Dawson) Dale. 
When Andrew was only two years of age his 
parents removed to Indiana, making the jour- 
ney by team, and located in Fayette County. 
Later they removed to Elkhart County, where 
the father entered land from the Government and 
began the development of a farm. The year 1834 
witnes.sed his arrival in Illinois. For a year he 



operated rented land in Morgan County, and in 
1835 he came to Hancock County, settling on a 
farm on section 24, in what is now Carthage 
Township. He here made a claim of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, partly timber and partly 
prairie land, and with characteristic energy be- 
gan opening up a farm. 

In the Dale family were eight children, six 
sons and two daughters, but only two of the num- 
ber are now living: George W. , who is engaged 
in mining in Nevada; and our subject. The latter 
was a young man of seventeen when he came to 
Illinois. His educational privileges were limited 
to those afforded by the district schools, and his 
advantages in other directions were likewise mea- 
gre. His training at farm labor, however, was 
not limited. He early began work in the fields, 
and soon became familiar with all the details of 
farm life. He continued under the parental roof 
until twenty-five years of age, and then started out 
in life for himself 

In February, 1845, Mr. Dale was united in 
marriage with Miss Nancj' N. Davis, and by that 
union were born eight children, namely : Sylvester, 
Wesley and Thomas, all of whom are now de- 
ceased; William, who is living in Kansas City, 
where he is serving on the police force; Mary, 
wife of Reuben Jacoby, a resident of Carthage; 
Lillie, wife of J. C. Jacoby, who is also living in 
Carthage; Squire; and Maretta, who completes 
the family. The mother was called to her final 
rest November 17, 1871, and her remains were 
interred in Webster Cemetery. Her loss was 
deepl}' mourned, for .she was a most estimable lady, 
and had the high regard of all who knew her. 
The family is one of prominence in the conunu- 
nity, and its members have many friends through- 
out the county. 

Mr. Dale has led a busy and useful life, devot- 
ing the greater part of his time and attention 
to agricultural pursuits. He has also aided in 
the development of this community, and is num- 
bered among the honored pioneers who laid the 
foundation for the present prosperity and advanced 
condition of the county. The best interests of 
the community have ever found in him a friend, 
and he is always ready to aid in the promotion of 



II 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



343 



those enterprises which are calculated to prove of 
public benefit. He cast his first Presidential vote 
for William Henry Harrison, and supjiorted the 
Whig candidates until the organization of the 
Republican party, when he joined its ranks. 



"S) 



^-^l 



(TJAMUEL P. McGAW, who is successfully 
/N engaged in merchandising in Elvaston, was 
\~/ born on the 5th of October, 1827, in Abbey- 
ville, S. C. His parents were John and Agnes 
McGaw. They too were natives of vSouth Caro- 
lina, and Mr. McGaw was of Irish descent. 
Their family numbered six children. Sarah, who 
is now decea.sed: vSamuel P., our subject; John 
B., a fanner who resided in Wllsonville, Xeb., 
where he died in February, 1894; Louisa, widow 
of Wilson Hopkins, and the Matron of the Buf- 
falo Orphan A.sylum, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Rev. 
James A. P., who is pastor of a Presbyterian 
Church in Kansas City, Mo.; and Agnes, who 
died in 1838. 

In taking up the history of Samuel P. McGaw 
we present to our readers a sketch of one of the 
best- known citizens of Hancock County. He 
was reared upon a farm, and received onlj- such 
educational advantages as were afforded by the 
district schools of the neighborhood. In 1835, 
his parents emigrated westward with their family 
and took up their residence in Oquawka, Hender- 
son County, 111. The father and mother both 
died when our subject was only eleven years of 
age. He then went to live with his grandfather 
in Warren County, 111., and there continued to 
make his home until the fall of 1842, when he re: 
turned to Henderson County, and for three years 
lived with an uncle. During this period he en- 
gaged in farm work through the summer months, 
while in the winter season he worked at the tailor's 
trade. 

On the expiration of that period, Mr. McGaw 
returned to Oquawka, and was employed in a 
tailoring establishment for a year. He then 
bought out his employer and engaged in business 
along that line in his own interest until 1852, 



when he disposed of his store, for in the autumn 
of that year he had been elected Sheriff of Hen- 
derson County for a term of two years. On his 
retirement from office he purchased land and 
embarked in farming, which he followed until 
1862, when his farm labor was interrupted by his 
.sen^ice in the Union army. 

In that year, in connection with his brother 
John, Mr. McGaw raised and organized what be- 
came Company K of the Eighty-fourth Regiment 
of Illinois \^olunteers. His brother was cho.sen 
Captain of the company, but our subject went to 
the front as a private. The first engagement of 
importance in which he participated was at 
Prairieville, Ky. This was followed by the bat- 
tles of Stone River and Chickamauga. At the 
latter, which occurred September 20, 1863, he was 
wounded by a minie-ball in the left arm, and was 
taken to the field hospital, but for five days after 
receiving the injury no medical aid was given 
him. In the following November he was re- 
moved to Nashville, and on the ist of January, 
1864, he returned to his home in Henderson 
County, having been granted a thirty-days fur- 
lough. On the expiration of that period he was 
discharged, being mustered out with the rank of 
Sergeant, February 25, 1864. 

While residing in Oquawka, Mr. McGaw 
served as clerk in the post-office for a jear, and 
he also had charge of the Poor Farm of Hender- 
son County for a year. In the spring of 1866 he 
came to Hancock County, and purchased one 
hundred and .sixty acres of land in Montebello 
Township; but the following year he purchased a 
quarter-.section in Prairie Township, and upon 
that tract made his home for twenty years. He 
was a successful agriculturist, and his well-kept 
farm was one of the best in the neighborhood. 
In 1887, he purchased a store in Elvaston, and 
has since been engaged in general merchandising. 
He carries a good .stock, and by his fair and hon- 
est dealings, his courteous treatment, and his 
earnest desire to please his customers, he has 
built up an excellent trade. 

In 1851, Mr. McGaw was united in marriage 
with Miss Elvira J. Hopkins, who died April 15, 
1855. They were the parents of two children; 



344 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Sarah L., wife of Thomas J. Rudell, the present 
Postmaster of Elvaston; and John, who died in 
infancy. Mr. McGaw was again married, in No- 
vember, 1856, his second union being with Eliza- 
beth P. Leslie. They have had a family of eight 
children: Francis, who is now pastor of the Pres- 
byterian Church of Augusta, 111.; James W., a 
resident farmer of Prairie Township, Hancock 
County; Alice A., wife of George Hersman, a 
farmer of Brown County, 111.; Albert G., who is 
now attending college; Mary A., at home; Clar- 
ence and Clara, twins, who died in infancy; and 
Grace E., who is a student in a college in Rock- 
ford, 111. 

Mr. McGaw exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, and has been 
honored with a number of local offices. He has 
served as Justice of the Peace and Supervisor, was 
Collector and School Trustee, and in April, 1889, 
was appointed Postmaster of Elvaston, which po- 
sition he held through the Republican adminis- 
tration. He holds membership with the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and is an Elder and lead- 
ing member of the Presbyterian Church of Elvas- 
ton. Mr. McGaw well deserves the high regard 
in which he is held, for his career has been a 
straightforward and honorable one, well worthy 
of emulation. He is true to every public and 
private trust, has always been foithful to his 
official duties, and is a man of firm convictions. 



REV. JACOB SHULL, a local minister of the 
United Brethren Church, and one of the 
substantial farmers of Hancock County, now 
living on section 19, Prairie Township, claims 
Ohio as the State of his nativity. He was born 
on a farm in Hamilton County, near Cincinnati, 
on the 2 1 st of December, 18 15, being a son of Sam- 
uel P. and Catherine (Shupe) Shull. The family 
is of German origin, and was probablj' founded in 
America during early Colonial days. The father 
of our subject was a native of Pennsylvania. The 
Shull family numbered eight children, six of 
whom, three sons and three daughters, grew to 



mature years. They were Elizabeth, John M., 
David, Rebecca, Jacob and Mary A. 

Our subject is now the only surviving member 
of the family. He was born and reared on the 
old home farm in the Buckeye State, and the ed- 
ucational privileges he received were those af- 
forded by the subscription schools. His father 
died when he was twelve years of age, and by the 
death of his mother he was left an orphan at the 
age of sixteen. Thus thrown upon his own re- 
.sources to make his way in the world unaided, he 
.started out as a farm hand, and during the first 
nine months of his service received only $50. He 
continued working b}- the month for four years, 
and then rented land, which he operated until 
the spring of 1 84 1. That year witnessed his re- 
moval to Switzerland, Ind. He there purchased 
a tract of partially improved land, and continued 
its further development and cultivation until 1862, 
when he removed to Decatur County, Ind., where 
he remained for a few years. His next place of 
residence was in Dearborn County, Ind., and he 
there continued until his removal to Illinois. 

Mr. Shull has been three times married. On 
the 5th of March, 1835, he wedded Miss Lucinda 
Cale, and to them were born twelve children, 
namely: Rebecca, George W., Ilinda, Fabius, 
Alonzo, William J., Mar\- K., Lucinda, Azia (de- 
cea.sed), Azia (the second of that name), Ulys.ses 
P. and Erasmus. The mother of this family was 
called to her final rest in 1858, and the following 
year Rev. Mr. Schull was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth Kile. They became the parents 
of two children: Emily E., and Lavina A., who 
is now deceased. Mrs. Shull passed away in 
1863, and in 1867 Mr. Shull led to the marriage 
altar Mrs. Nancy E. (Smith) Ludwig. Their 
family numbered six children: Eveline, Simon P., 
Albert E., Isalene, William J. and Isadore. 

Rev. Mr. Shull continued to reside in Indiana 
until 1867, when became to Hancock County, 111., 
and located in Prairie Township upon the farm 
which has since been his home. He purchased 
three hundred and twenty acres of arable land on 
section ig, and now has his place under a high 
-state of cultivation. This is one of the valuable 
farms of the neighborhood, for the fields are well 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



345 



tilled, and it is improved with all modern acces- 
sories and conveniences. Mr. Sluill carries on 
general farming, and has been very successful in 
his undertakings. He maj' trul)- be called a self- 
made man, for he started out in life empty-handed, 
with nothing to depend upon save a determina- 
tion to succeed. He has steadily worked his way 
upward, overcoming the difficulties and obstacles 
in his path by enterprise and industry, and now 
occupies a place among the substantial citizens of 
his adopted county. In politics, he is a Prohibi- 
tionist, and while living in Indiana held the office 
of County Commissioner. For many years he has 
been a member of the United Brethren Church, 
and is now ser\'ing as one of its local mini.sters. 
He has long taken a prominent part in church 
and temperaiice work, and his influence is ever 
exerted in behalf of the right. His life has indeed 
been an honorable and upright one and worthy 
the emulation of all. 



e^-^^- 



^EORGE M. BROWNING, deceased, was 
l_l born in Davidson County, Tenn., on the 
\^ 25th of March, 1820, and was a. son of David 
and Vashti Browning. He was born and reared 
upon his father's farm, and the first fifteen years 
of his life were spent in the State of his nativit)'. 
He then accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to Illinois. They made the journej' west- 
ward with ox-teams, and after many long days 
upon the road they reached Hancock County, 
locating in Augusta Township. This was in 
1835. The county was then new and unimproved, 
and it seemed that the work of civilization and 
progress had hardly been begun. Much of the 
land was still in the possession of the Govern- 
ment, and the settlements were widely scattered. 

Mr. Browning acquired a verj^ limited educa- 
tion. He conned his lessons in a log schoolhou.se, 
the school being conducted on the subscription 
plan, but this he attended only through the winter 
season, for his labors were needed upon the farm 
during the summer months. His father died soon 
after coming to this county, and he operated the 



homestead for his mother until twenty-one years 
of age. He then remo\'ed to the farm which con- 
tinued to be his home throughout his remaining 
da}-s. He located on one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 35, Harmony Township, of which 
only twenty acres had been broken, while a small 
house constituted the only improvenient thereon. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, 
Mr. Browning chose Miss Hannah Ramsey. 
Their marriage was celebrated on the 25th of No- 
\eniber, 1841, and was blessed with a familj' of 
eleven children. Four of the number, however, 
died in infancj-. Adeline became the wife of 
Benjamin F. Spicer, and died August 15, 1865, 
leaving a daughter. Rose Browning. The mother 
was laid to rest in the Browning Cemetery. 
George M. is a farmer of Harmony Township. 
Hannah J. is the wife of James A. Thompson, 
also an agriculturisst of Harmony Township. Me- 
linda A. is the wife of Eldridge Mayberry, a resi- 
dent of Kansas. Eleanora V. is the wife of 
Thomas M. Orton, and they make their home in 
Denver, 111. Sarah is the widow of John J. Black. 
John J. carries on agricultural pursuits in Shelby 
County, Mo. 

In the year following their marriage, Mr. and 
Mrs. Browning removed to the farm upon which 
the lady now resides. He at once began its fur- 
ther development, and soon the greater part of the 
land was placed under the plow. He made it a 
highly cultivated tract, and placed thereon many 
excellent improvements, which stand as monu- 
ments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner. 
He carried on general farming and stock-raising, 
and both branches of his business proved to him 
a profitable source of income. Thus he acquired 
a comfortable competence and left to his family a 
pleasant home. 

Socially, Mr. Browning is connected with the 
Masonic fraternit}-, and was a member of tke 
Christian Church. In politics, he was a suppor- 
ter of Democratic principles, and served as Town- 
ship .Supervisor, Road Commissioner, Assessor 
and School Director. Always faithful to the trust 
repo.sed in him, he proved a capable and efficient 
officer, and was a public-spirited and valued citi- 
zen. The cau.se of education found in him a warm 



346 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



friend, and other enterprises and interests of merit 
received his heart}- support and co-operation. All 
who knew him respected him for his sterling 
worth and strict integrity, and his loss was deeply 
mourned throughout the community. He passed 
away November 22, 1893, and was laid to rest in 
the home cemeten-. 



_^] 



^-^ 



c^ 



y yiOSES SCOTT, a retired farmer, now resid- 
y ing on section 25, Harmony Township, 
(9 Hancock County, claims Kentucky as the 
State of his nativity. He was born in Boone 
County, near Burlington, on the 2d of February, 
18 16, and is a son of William and Mary (Kyle) 
Scott. He was the eldest, and is the only .sur- 
viving member of their family, which numbered 
three children, the others being William and Lu- 
cinda. 

Our subject was born and reared on the old 
homestead farm, and acquired his education in 
the subscription schools of the neighborhood. 
Although his privileges in that direction were 
limited, his training at farm labor was not meagre, 
for in early life he began work in the fields and 
soon became familiar with everjthing connected 
with agricultural pursuits. He continued under 
the parental roof until he had attained his ma- 
jority, and then began farming in his own inter- 
ests. He lived in Kentucky until 1850, when he 
determined to seek a home elsewhere, believing 
that he might thereby better his financial condi- 
tion. Bidding adieu to his native State he started 
for Illinois, making the journey by water. 

At length, Mr. Scott arrived in Hancock Coun- 
ty, where he has since made his home. He lo- 
cated on section 25, Harmony Township, on the 
farm where he now li\'es, and purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of prairie land, then 
but partially improved. The only buikling then 
upon the place was a small log cabin, which 
furnished him .shelter for .several years until he 
could replace it by a more modern residence. 
The land he placed under the plow, and in course 
of time gathered abundant harvests in return. 



As the years passed the once wild land took on 
the appearance of a highly cultivated tract, and 
his farm became one of the best in the neighbor- 
hood. 

On the 20th of October, 1836, Mr. Scott was 
united in marriage with Miss Harriet Rice. Unto 
them have been born a family of thirteen chil- 
dren, seven of whom are yet living, while six 
have passed away. They are: William, who is 
now deceased; Mary, wife of Morrison B. Baker; 
Matilda, wife of Joseph Black, a resident of Brown 
County, 111.; Perry A., who resides in Harmony 
Township; Taylor, who makes his home in St. 
Mary's Township, Hancock County; Lucy, wife 
of David Walton; Elijah, who carries on agri- 
cultural pursuits in this locality ; David, who is 
living in Chili Township; Calvin, Bird and Martha 
H., all of whom are now deceased; and one child 
who died in infancy. The mother of this family 
passed away Februarj- 2, 1886, and was laid to 
rest in Scott Cemeterj-. 

vSince the organization of the party, Mr. Scott 
has been a stalwart Republican, and does all in his 
power to advance the growth and insure the .suc- 
cess of his party. He has served both as School 
Director and Super\-isor. He is a public-spirited 
and progressive citizen and manifests a com- 
mendable interest in everything pertaining to the 
welfare of the community. His life vocation has 
been that of farming, but he is now living a re- 
tired life, .spending his declining days in the en- 
joyment of the fruits of his former toil. He pos- 
sesses a comfortable competence, which has been 
acquired through his own industry and enter- 
prise. 



^hH 



>Q- 



"HOMAS NEWTON GILLIS, who is en- 
gaged in grain-dealing in Bovven, is num- 
bered among the early settlers of Hancock 
County, having for many years made his home 
within its borders. He was born December 9, 
1835, in East Tennessee, near Greenville, and 
was the youngest in a family of six children, 
whose parents were John and Mary (Register) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



347 



Gillis. The father was a native of Delaware, and 
in that State spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth. When a young man he removed to Ten- 
nessee, and in 1844 removed to Keokuk County, 
where his death occurred in August, 1845. He 
had taken a claim and partially improved it. 
His wife sur\-ived him only about six weeks, and 
thus the five orphan children were left largely de- 
pendent upon their own resources. One of the 
sous, however, was at that time a young man, and 
he kept the family together for several years. 
Only two of the children are now living, a brother 
of our subject being a resident of California. 

Thomas N. Gillis was a boj- of only ten years 
at the time of his parents' deaths. He made his 
home with his brother in Iowa until 1852, when 
they went to Adams County, 111., locating upon 
a farm, to the cultivation and development of 
which they devoted their time and attention for 
two years. During the two succeeding years 
they engaged in merchandising in Coatsburg, 111., 
after which they again resumed farming, follow- 
ing that pursuit until the spring of 1865. In 
that year, our subject opened a general mercan- 
tile store in Denver, but after four j-ears he sold 
out on account of failing health. Coming to 
Bowen, in connection with his brother he pur- 
chased a flouring-mill here, which he operated for 
two years, when he al.so dispo.sed of that. He 
then again resumed farming, which he carried on 
until 1877, since which time he has been engaged 
in grain-dealing in Bowen. He built a good el- 
evator and is now doing a most successful busi- 
ness. 

In August, 1859, Mr. Gillis was joined in 
marriage with Miss Rebecca E. Hayworth, who 
resided in Adams County, just across the line 
from Hancock County. Two children have been 
born unto them, a son and daughter. William 
T., the elder, has for twelve years engaged in the 
hardware business in Bowen, and is recognized as 
one of the leading merchants and most progre.ss- 
ive citizens. May is now the wife of Thomas E. 
Morgan, a resident of Peoria, 111. 

In his political views, Mr. Gillis was formerly 
a Republican, but is now a supporter of the Pro- 
hibition party. He has served as Town Clerk, 



but has never been an office-. seeker, preferring to 
give his entire time and attention to his business 
interests. He has met with excellent success in 
his undertakings, his industry and well-directed 
efforts bringing him a comfortable competence. 
He holds membership with the Methodist Church, 
and has been one of its active members for many 
years. He has long served as Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school Association of the township, 
and is now one of the Church Trustees. His hon- 
orable, upright life has won him universal confi- 
dence and esteem, and his friends throughout the 
community are many. 



[=" 



GlUGUST J. BEGER, one of the representa- 
Ll tive young business men of Nauvoo, is now 
/ I a member of the firm of Atchinson & Beger, 
dealers in drugs, books, stationery, wall paper, 
paints and oils. This firm now has a good trade, 
which has constantly increased from the begin- 
ning. They carry a full and complete stock of 
everything found in their line, and by straight- 
forward dealings and courteous treatment of their 
customers they have secured a liberal patronage. 
Our subject was born on the 17th of April, 
1862, in this city, and is the seventh in a family 
of nine children whose parents were August C. 
and Wilhelmina { Mester; Beger. His father was 
a native of Hanover, Germany, and remained in 
that country with his parents until twenty years 
of age. In his youth he learned the barber's 
trade, which he followed for some years. He 
left his native land in 1846, and crossing the briny 
deep landed at New Orleans, where he worked at 
his trade for about two years. Leaving the 
Crescent City on the expiration of that period, he 
then made his way to St. Louis, where he en- 
gaged in business as a barber until 1850. That 
year witnessed his arrival in Nauvoo, where he 
opened a shop, but conducted the same only for a 
short time. Removing to Burlington, Iowa, he 
there engaged in business, and also in San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. In 1855, however, he returned to 
this city and, planting a large vineyard, has since 



348 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



devoted his entire time and attention to its cul- 
tivation. He now makes about ten thousand 
gallons of wine annually. He is a well-read and 
intelligent man, and has a large circle of friends 
in this community. His wife is also a native of 
Hanover. 

The childhood and youth of our subject were 
spent in his parents' home, and in the common 
schools he acquired an education. Wishing to 
become a druggist, he began learning the busi- 
ness in a store in Nauvoo, and later attended the 
School of Pharmacy of Chicago. At the age of 
seventeen he began clerking in a drug store, and 
was thus employed until 1885, when he purcha.sed 
a half-interest with Robert Atchinson in his pres- 
ent store. 

On the i6th of May, 1886, Mr. Beger was uni- 
ted in marriage with Miss Christina Risse, daugh- 
ter of Hon. John B. Ri.s.se, of Carthage, whose 
sketch will be found elsewhere in this work. 
Three children have been born to them, two sons 
and a daughter, Oscar L., Frank B. and Ursalina. 

In hii political views, Mr. Beger is a Republi- 
can, and socially is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America. He is now serving as 
Treasurer of the Nauvoo Fruit Company, which 
was established in 1.893, and is now doing a good 
business. He is still a young man, but he pos- 
sesses business and executive abilitj- of a high or- 
der, and as a result is enjoying a lucrative trade. 



-^3. 



"S) 



^■^ 



[^_ 



HENRY TUCK, who is engaged in farming 
on section 32, St. Mary's Township, Han- 
cock County, is a native of England. He 
was born in Bradford January 23, 1821. His fa- 
ther, Solomon Tuck, was born in the same coun- 
trj', and was a son of Solomon Tuck, Sr. , a native 
of England, who died at the age of eight3--five 
years. In early life lie was a clothier, but after- 
wards became a broker. His famih- numbered 
eight daughters and two sons, and his son Solomon 
also became a clothier. The latter always made 
England his home, although he .spent one year 
with his son Henry in America. He was joined 



in wedlock with Anna Henton, a native of Eng- 
land, and they became the parents of seven chil- 
dren, six of whom grew to mature years, while 
three are now living: George, who makes his 
home in Adelaide, South Australia; Eliza, of 
London; and Henry, of this sketch. The father 
died in Bradford at the age of seventy years, and 
his wife passed away in 1825. She was a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and he held member- 
ship with the Congregational Church. Their son 
John served for about fourteen j-ears in the reg- 
ular army of England. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, one of the highly-respected fanners of 
Hancock County. He spent his boyhood and 
youth in his native land, and there learned the 
shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a num- 
ber of years. In 1845, he bade adieu to home and 
friends and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, 
landing in New York, where he spent a few 
months. He then removed to Boston, and in 
that and other eastern cities made his home until 
his marriage. 

In October, 1848, Mr. Tuck wedded Mi,ss Eu- 
nice Perr>-, daughter of Jo.shua and I'rsula 
(Wight) Perry, who were natives of Norway and 
Sweden, Me. Ten children have been born of 
this union: George Henrj-, of Plymouth, who 
married Anna Bell; Alice Jane; Nathan Hazen, 
who married Alice Moore, and resides on .section 
28, St. Mary's Township, with their four children: 
Edness Fern, Lawrence Herbert, Horace and 
Marj' L. ; Charles Sumner, deceased; Angela 
Maria; Ida, deceased; Charles Sunnier, the sec- 
ond of the name; Edward Paysoii, who married 
Anna Mara Newman, and is living in Redland, 
Cal. ; William O.sgood, a practicing physician of 
Plymouth, who married Cora A. Sapp, by whom 
he has one child, Newell H.; and Benjamin F. 
Perry. 

Mr. Tuck has been a resident of Illinois since 
1855. In that year he located in Jacksonville, 
but in 1S56 came to Plymouth, where he worked 
at his trade, and also engaged in business as a 
shoe dealer. He continued operations along that 
line until 1879, when he sold his store and re- 
moved to his farm three miles west of Plymouth, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



349 



where he is now living a retired life. He owns 
three hundred and ten acres of good laud, and in 
connection with its cnltivation is engaged in cat- 
tle-raising. Starting out in life for himself emptj'- 
handed, he has steadily worked his way upward, 
and by his well-directed efforts has acquired a 
handsome competence. He is a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his 
wife holds membership with the Congregational 
Church. He exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, but has never 
been an office-seeker, preferring to give his entire 
time and attention to his business interests. Such 
is the record of one of Hancock County's leading 
farmers and representative citizens. 



"^i 



(Joseph M. duns worth, one of the self- 
I made men of Hancock County, who now 
Q) owns and operates a good farm of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres on section 17, Harmony 
Township, was born near Middletown, McDon- 
ough County, 111., September 4, 1833. His fa- 
ther, Thomas Dunsworth, was a native of Ten- 
nessee, and was of Irish descent. After arriving 
at years of maturity, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Nancy Hall. He continued to make 
his home in his native State until 1827, when he 
removed to Johnson County, 111., becoming one 
of its pioneers. The year 1830 witnessed his ar- 
rival in McDonough County. There he entered 
one hundred and twenty acres of land from the 
Government, built a log cabin, and began life in 
true pioneer style. His nearest trading-posts 
were at Quincy and Keokuk. It was long dis- 
tances to market and mill, and the homes of the 
settlers were widely scattered. Mr. Dunsworth 
at once began to cultivate and improve his land, 
and transformed much of tlie raw prairie into 
rich and fertile fields. His death occurred quite 
early, however, he passing away in 1843. He held 
member.ship witli the Ma.sonic fraternity. His 
wife survived him about twenty years, and was 
called to her final rest in 1863. 

In the Dunsworth family were thirteen chil- 



dren, seven sons and six daughters: James (de- 
ceased), Soockey, Wealthy, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, 
Abigail, John, Nancy, Thomas, Joseph, Martha 
(widow of John M. Reans, and a resident of Chris- 
tian County, 111.), and one child who died in in- 
fancy . 

Joseph M. Dunsworth spent the days of his 
boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer 
lads. He was educated in a log schoolhouse, 
furnished in primitive style, to which he had to 
walk a distance of three and a-half miles. The 
school was conducted on the old sub,scription 
plan. His father died ere he was ten years of 
age, but he remained at home with his mother 
until the age of twenty-six. He is familiar with 
the history of pioneer life in this section of the 
State, for his was a frontier home, and with his 
family he shared in all the hardships and difficul- 
ties of such a life. He began fanning for himself 
in McDonough County, and there remained until 
1876, which year witnessed Iiis arrival in Han- 
cock Count}-. Here he purchased a tract of 
eighty acres on section 17, Harmony Township. 
The only impro\-ement upon the place was a small 
house.- The boundaries of his farm he has since 
extended, until it now comprises one hundred and 
sixty acres. He carries on general farming and 
stock-raising, and his business has proven a prof- 
itable one. 

On the 2 1st of June, 1861, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Dunsworth and Miss Elizabeth 
Timberlake, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth 
(Russell) Timberlake. The lady was born in 
Dorr County, Ky., and when a maiden of twelve 
summers was brought by her parents to McDon- 
ough County. Thirteen children were born of 
this union, but six of the number died in infancy. 
Those .still living are, William, Daniel, Walter, 
Maggie, Clarence, Arthur and AUetta. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunsworth are members of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and they take 
an active interest in all charitable and benevolent 
work. The poor and needy find in them friends, 
and they encourage and aid all worthy enter- 
prises. Since ca.sting his first Pre.sidential vote 
for Franklin Pierce, Mr. Dun.sworth has been a 
supporter of the Democracy. He started out in 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



life for himself a poor boy, but has overcome the 

difficulties and obstacles in his path, and his ear- 
nest labors and well directed efforts have achieved 
for him a success of which he is well deserving. 



-=l^H^P-= 



EONRAD NAGEL, deceased, was formerly a 
resident of Warsaw. Germany gave to Han- 
cock Coiuity many of her best citizens, 
among whom is numbered the gentleman whose 
name heads this record. He was born in Ober 
Be-ssengen, September 13, 1837, and died in War- 
saw June 7, 1893. He was a lad of only thirteen 
years when he came to this country with liis fa- 
ther, John Nagel, and the family. The father 
died shortly after his arrival here, leaving the 
care of the family to his widow and older children. 
In his youth our subject learned the baker's 
trade. During the war, when what is known as 
the Black Hawk Cavalry was stationed near 
Warsaw, it fell to his lot to bake bread for the 
troops, the largest contract he had had up to that 
time. During the latter part of the war he was 
engaged in the grocery business, and in 1864 he 
located in the premises until recently occupied by 
his son. He ranked among the most successful 
business men of Warsaw, and became one of her 
wealthiest citizens, his fortune having been 
ama.ssed by his own endeavors. In any enter- 
prise that had the promise of reasonable success, 
he was always willing to venture his means, and 
to .such public projects he was willing to give his 
hearty support. When it was proposed^ to locate 
the soldiers' home at Warsaw, the project found 
in him an advocate ; when it was proposed to .se- 
cure any manufacturing plant, he was ready to 
aid. His good will was always manifest toward 
such undertakings, and none regretted more sin- 
cerely than he that Warsaw was not chosen as 
the place for the building of the Soldiers' Home. 
On the 28th of July, 1858, Mr. Nagel married 
Magdeleua Brehm, and to tliem were born eight 
children, but only one is now living. Five of the 
number died in infancy, and Helen, who became 
the wife of Hen.son Simp.son, died May 3, 1893. 



The son, Frank L., who was born November 29, 
1870, graduated from the Conservatory of Music 
in Moberly, Mo., and then engaged in teaching 
for about two years in Pueblo, Colo. He comple- 
ted his studies in Dresden, Germany, in 1891, 
and is now a teacher of music in Ogden, Utah. 
Helen, before mentioned, was born June 13, 1874, 
and after attending Rockford Seminary, she also 
studied music in Dresden, Gennany, becoming 
very proficient both in instrumental and vocal 
music. She became the wife of Henson Simpson, 
July 6, 1891, and died in 1893, in York, Neb., 
leaving one child, who is now cared for b\- Mrs. 
Nagel. Otto E., who was born November 17, 
1865, and was educated in Elmhur.st, 111., and 
Canton, Mo., went to Leavenworth, Kan., in 
1882, spending about a year in that place. The 
succeeding year was passed in his old home in 
Warsaw, after which he returned to Leavenworth, 
but later returned to this place. For a time he 
engaged in the milling business, but afterwards 
opened a grocery, which he conducted until his 
death, which occurred at Warsaw March 19, 1894. 
In 1889, he was elected City Marshal, and filled 
the position for two years. In politics, he was a 
Republican. On the 21st of October, 1890, he 
led to the marriage altar Louisa Berlin, and to 
them were born two children, but one died in in- 
fancy. The other bears the name of Mabel. Mrs. 
Nagel, widow of the subject of this notice, is a 
daughter of Daniel Brehm, who lived and died in 
Germany. After his death his widow and two of 
her children sought homes in America, whither 
three of her family had previoush- emigrated. 
Mrs. Nagel here grew to womanhood. She is a 
most estimable lady, and her many excellencies of 
character have brought her the high regard of all 
with whom she has come in contact. 

Mr. Nagel was a member of the Evangelical 
Church, and was most zealous in church 
work. He contributed most liberally to its sup- 
port, and if ever there was not enough money 
rai.sed to pay the pa.stor he made up the deficit. 
It seemed that he could not do too much for the 
church, and charities and benevolences found him 
alike generous. In politics, he was a stalwart 
Republican, and he twice served as a member of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



351 



the City Council. In 1875, he served as Mayor 
of the city, and for several years was its Treasurer. 
In all of these positions he discharged his duties 
with a promptness and fidelity that won him 
high commendation. In the home circle he was 
a kind and indulgent husband and father, and did 
everything in his power to enhance the happi- 
ness and promote the welfare of his wife and 
children. His loss throughout the community 
was deeply mourned, and his memory will ever be 
a hallowed one while liis friends and familj- live. 



[S~ 



(lOSEPH F. OCHSNER, who carries on mer- 
I chandi.sing in Nauvoo, is a wide-awake and 
V2/ enterprising business man, who is now enjoj-- 
ing a good trade in the hardware and implement 
business. He has one of the largest stores in 
the city, well stocked with a full line of general 
hardware, and bj' his fair and honest dealing and 
courteous treatment he has secured a liberal 
patronage. 

Mr. Ochsner has the honor of being a native of 
Hancock County. He was born in Warsaw, April 
27, 1865, and is the sixth in a family of nine chil- 
dren whose parents were Jo.seph and Helen 
(Schenk) Ochsner. His father was born and 
reared in Germany, and there learned the black- 
smith's trade. At the age of nineteen, he bade 
adieu to friends and native land, and, emigrat- 
ing to America, settled in War.saw, where he 
made his home until 1828. The year of his ar- 
rival was 1822. At that time the Indians .still 
lived in this locality, the greater part of the land 
was yet in possession of the Government, and the 
work of progress and civilization seemed hardly 
begun. In 1848, Mr. Ochsner went to California, 
where he engaged in mining for a time, and then 
carried on the hotel business. He left his family 
in Warsaw, and made five trips home, four of 
them overland and one by water. His business 
ventures proved ver>' successful in the West. 
Later he engaged in blacksmithing in Sacra- 
mento, and was one of the founders of that city. 
He built the first hotel and blacksmith-shop there, 



and was also the builder of several other structures. 
He was well acquainted with Capt. Sutler, who 
discovered the first gold in thcState. His labors 
were very successful and at one time he was worth 
a million dollars, but in the later years he lost 
some of his property. He continued on the Pa- 
cific Slope for seven years, and then returned to 
his family in Wansaw, where his death occurred 
at the age of seventy-five. He took an active part 
in driving out the Mormons from this region, for 
his stock had been stolen by that people and other 
property destroyed. He was a prominent and 
influential citizen, and all who knew him held him 
in high regard. 

Joseph Ochsner, Sr. , was twice married, the 
mother of our subject being his second wife. She 
was born in Germany, and is still living at the age 
of sixty-three years, her home being in Nauvoo. 
Five of the children are also living: Marj', who is 
in a large establishment in Chicago; Theodore, 
who is engaged in the grocery business in Nauvoo; 
Ernestine; Gertrude and Joseph F. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
spent his early boyhood days under the parental 
roof, and the public schools of the neighborhood 
afforded him his educational privileges. At the 
age of sixteen he began learning the cooper's 
trade, and afterward engaged in the bakerj- and 
confectionery- business. Coming to Nauvoo about 
1881, he began clerking in a general store, and 
two years later he brought his mother and the 
family to Nauvoo. He not only supported them, 
but educated his younger .sisters, who were thus 
well fitted for the practical duties of life, and are 
now holding responsible positions in Chicago. 
Our subject continued to act as salesman in a 
general store for five years, and then opened a 
hotel, which he placed in the care of his brother, 
while he continued to act as clerk for a year. He 
then devoted his time to the hotel business for a 
year, after which, with the capital he had acquired, 
he opened an implement store. In 1892, he added 
a stock of hardware, and has since been engaged in 
business along that line. 

On the loth of January, 1889, Mr. Ochsner led 
to the marriage altar Miss Julia Moffitt, daughter 
of J. J. Moffitt, who was the first white child born 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in Hancock County, and is now one of the oldest 
settlers. In his political views, Mr. Ochsner is a 
Democrat, and in religious belief is a Catholic. 
He started out in life for himself at an earlj- age, 
empty-handed, and not only provided for his own 
maintenance, but supported the family. He has 
steadily worked his way upward, overcoming the 
difficulties and obstacles in his path, and his pros- 
perity is certainly well deser\^ed. 



c=ri 



^-i^l 



-S) 



(TOHN TANNER, of Nauvoo, is one of the 
I honored pioneer.s of Hancock County, whose 
(2/ residence here, dating from November, 1847, 
covers a period of forty-seven years. He has, 
therefore, witnessed the greater part of the growth 
and development of the county, and in the work 
of public advancement he has ever taken an act- 
ive interest. He is a friend to all worth)- enter- 
prises, giving his support to whatever he believes 
will prove of benefit to the community. 

A native of Switzerland, Mr. Tanner was born 
January- i, 1826, unto John and Ferrena (Lew) 
Tanner, both natives of Switzerland. In that 
country they spent their entire lives, and the father 
followed farming. His death occurred at the age 
of seventy j'ears, and his wife passed away at the 
age of forty-eight. Their family numbered four 
children, of whom John is the youngest. He re- 
mained at home until seventeen years of age, and 
then began learning the turner's and wagon- 
maker's trades, which he followed for three years 
in his native land. At the age of twenty, he de- 
termined to seek a home in the New World, 
hoping thereby to better his financial condition, 
for he had heard much of the privileges and op- 
portunities here afforded young men. Accord- 
ingly he set sail, and after a voyage of forty-three 
days landed at New Orleans. 

On reaching this country', Mr. Tainier came at 
once to Illinois, and made his first location in 
Highland, Madison County, where he worked in 
a wagon-shop for a time. As before stated, he 
came to Nauvoo in November, 1847, and during 
the succeeding five years of his life he worked at 



his trade in the employ of others. On the expira- 
tion of that period he built a .shop of his own, and 
has since been engaged in the manufacture of 
wagons in Nauvoo, with the exception of the time 
spent in the late war. 

On the loth of March, 1865, he enlisted in re- 
sponse to the call for troops, and was assigned to 
Company G. Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry-, in 
which he served one year. He was a valiant sol- 
dier, and did dutj- with his command until after 
the cessation of hostilities, when he was honorably 
discharged and returned to his home in Nauvoo. 
He is now a member of Nauvoo Post No. 207, 
G. A. R., and thus keeps up his friendship with 
many of his comrades of the days gone by. 

On the 17th of August, 1852, Mr. Tanner was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Stauder, 
of this cit\', and to them have been born six chil- 
dren, but three died in infancy. Those living 
areJohnF. , a business man of Ferris, 111.; George, 
who resides in Nauvoo; and Sophia, at home. 

In his political views, Mr. Tanner is a stalwart 
Democrat, and has been honored with a number 
of local offices. He was Alderman of the city for 
several years, served as Maj'or for three years, 
and has been a member of the School Board for 
nine years. He has led a busj- and useful life, 
and in the community where he has so long re- 
.sided has made many warm friends. 



c=1 



^H^ 



IS_ 



QHINEAS KIMBALL, one of the honored 
L^ pioneers of Hancock County, and a repre- 
ss sentative citizen of Nauvoo, claims Vermont 
as the State of his nativitj'. He was born May 
I, 1822, and is of Scotch and Irish lineage. The 
family was founded in America during Colonial 
days, the grandfather of our subject crossing 
the Atlantic in 1747. The father, Capt. Phineas 
Kimball, was a native of the Green Mountain 
State and there spent his entire life. By trade, 
he was a tanner, and in connection with that pur- 
suit he al.so followed farming. He served as 
Captain of a militia company, and started with 
his troops for Plattsburg during the War of 1812, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



353 



but ere reaching the field was ordered to return. 
A prominent and influential citizen, he was hon- 
ored with several offices, and was sent as a Repre- 
sentative to the State Legislature. A devout 
Christian, his upright life was one well worthy of 
emulation. He married Abigail Coulton, who 
was born in \'ermont in 1788, and came of a New 
England family of English extraction, which for 
several generations had resided in this countrJ^ 
Her death occurred in 1858, at the age of seventy 
years, and Captain Kimball passed away when 
about eighty-seven years of age. 

Our subject was the eighth in order of birth in 
their family of ten children. He remained at 
home until nineteen years of age, and with his 
father learned the tanner's trade. The 5-ear 1842 
witnessed his emigration westward. Leaving 
Vermont, he traveled toward the setting sun un- 
til he had reached Hancock County, 111., which 
he chose as the stage for future action, locating 
here in the month of September. His brother 
Hiram had come to the West in 1837, and was a 
merchant at this place. Phineas began clerking 
for his brother, and was thus employed until 1849, 
when, attracted bj' the discovery of gold in Cali- 
fornia, he crossed the plains with an ox-team and 
engaged in mining and trading on the Pacific 
Slope. He also kept a hotel in Sonora, and in 
his different ventures met with good success. He 
returned from the West in 1851, and, going to his 
old home in Vermont, bought the homestead which 
had formerly belonged to his father, and built a 
flouring and saw mill. That enterprise proved 
a profitable one, but later he lost heavily through 
the Mormons, who, when forced to leave here, 
were unable to pay him. He had sold to them 
about $20,000 worth of goods on credit, and the 
bill was never paid. A portion of his time he 
spent here, and the remainder in looking after his 
business interests in Vermont, until his marriage, 
when he located permanently in Nauvoo. 

On the ist of October, 1855, Mr. Kimball wed- 
ded Miss Louisa Bartholomew, daughter of Eras- 
tus Bartholomew, of Vermont. She died April 
13, 1865, leaving one child, May Louisa, now 
the wife of J. B. Swartz, of Ft. Madison, Iowa. 
Mr. Kimball was again married, July 25, 1867, 



his second union being with Miss Bernardine Ick- 
ing, daughter of Bernard and Antoinette (Spiek- 
erman) Icking, who were natives of Germany, 
but are now deceased. Seven children have been 
born of this union: Augusta B.; Phineas; Ethan; 
Ida; Annie E., who died at the age of .seven; 
William B. and Eva, who is known as Latta. 

On questions of national importance, Mr. Kim- 
ball supports the Democratic ticket, but at local 
elections votes for the man whom he thinks best 
qualified for the office, regardless of party affilia- 
tions. He has never sought, nor will he accept, 
political preferment. He is a member of no 
church, but his family are members of the Catho- 
lic Church. In his business career, Mr. Kimball 
has met with reverses, but he has overcome these 
by enterprise and determination, and, making the 
most of his opportunities, he has steadily worked 
his way upward to a position of wealth and afflu- 
ence. He now owns about seven hundred and 
forty acres of valuable land, a part of which lies 
within the corporation limits of Nauvoo, while 
the remainder is adjacent to the town. He deals 
quite extensively in horses and cattle, and this 
branch of the bu.siness also yields to him a good 
income. He owns a large estate at the old home 
in Vermont, and his home in Nauvoo is one of 
the most beautiful residences on the banks of the 
Mississippi. He may truly be called a self-made 
man, for his success in life is due to his own 
efforts. 



^-^ 



r:^ 



REV. ALBERT BLASBERG, the pastor of 
the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Nauvoo, 
is a western man, claiming Iowa, as the 
State of his nativity. He was born in Maxfield, 
Bremer County, February 24, 1859, and is a 
son of William and Caroline Blasberg. His fa- 
ther was a native of Prussia, and on emigrating 
to this country, about 1857, located in Bremer 
County, Iowa, upon a farm. He has since been 
a resident of that locality, and has now reached 
the age of seventy-three years. His wife was 



354 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



also bom in Prussia, and is still living in Iowa. 
This worthy couple were the parents of ten chil- 
dren, of whom our subject is the sixth in order 
of birth. 

Early in life Albert Blasberg became familiar 
with all the duties and labors of the farm. He 
remained at liome until fourteen years of age, and 
then entered the college of the German Iowa 
Synod, at Galena, 111., where he pursued his 
studies for two years. The college was then re- 
moved to Mendota, 111., where he remained as a 
student for a similar length of time, and was then 
graduated. Later he was for four years a stu- 
dent in Wartburg Seminary^ in Mendota, and was 
then graduated from that institution. It was his 
desire to enter the work of the ministrj' and de- 
vote his life to the cause of Christianity, so when 
his educational preparations were completed he 
accepted a call and became assistant pastor of the 
church in Mitchell, Iowa. A year later he went 
to Shell Rock, Iowa, where he had charge of a 
church, and also taught school for one year. 
During the five succeeding years of his life, he 
was stationed at Council Bluffs, Iowa, having 
charge of three congregations, and then went to 
Brazilton, Crawford County Kan., where he re- 
mained for three years. At that place there were 
two congregations under his care, and he was 
also instrumental in establishing a church in 
Lehigh, Kan. In December, 1891, he came to 
Nauvoo as pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, and also took charge of the parochial 
school at this place. The church was organized 
about 1 860, and the present hou.se of worship was 
erected in 1875. The church now numbers about 
thirty members. There is an average of about 
fifteen pupils in the .school and thirty in the Sun- 
day-school. 

On the 2d of August, 18S3, Mr. Blasberg led 
to the marriage altar Miss Rosie Schuetz, a na- 
tive of Mendota, and to them have been bom five 
childreti, but Paul, the eldest, died at the age of 
six years. Those still living are Aurelia \V. B., 
Emanuel W. E., Esther J. M. and Ruth E. G. 
Mrs. Blasberg is a daughter of Simon and Mar- 
garet (Kes.sel) Schuetz. Her parents were na- 
tives of Bavaria, Germany, and in that country 



their marriage was celebrated. In 1854, the^' 
emigrated to the New World, and after living for 
a year in New York, removed to Mendota, 111., 
where thej- .still reside. The father has now 
reached the age of eighty-two years, and the 
mother is seventy-three years of age. He was a 
stone-mason bj- trade. 

On subjects of national importance. Rev. A. 
Blasberg votes the Democratic ticket. His entire 
time and attention are given to the work of the 
ministry, and his influence for good is widely felt 
in this locality. He has not only the love of his 
congregation, but has also gained the respect of 
those of other denominations. 



"^ 



(JUSTUS R A HN (decea.sed), was one of the 
I worthy citizens that Germany furnished to 
G/ Hancock County. He was born on the 6th 
of October, 18 10, in Hes.sen, on the banks of the 
Rhine, and was the second in a family of four 
children, whose parents were John and Madeline 
(Stump) Rahn. They too were natives of Ger- 
many, and the father was a carpenter by trade. 
He .spent his entire life in his native land, his 
death there occurring at the age of thirty-five 
years. His wife afterwards came to the United 
vStates, and her last days were spent in La Harpe, 
where she died at the age of sixty-eight years. 

Our subject was onl)' about three years old at 
the time of his father's death. He reniained at 
home with his mother, and in early life became 
familiar with all the duties and labors connected 
with the farm. After he had attained to years of 
maturity, he was married, Mi.ss Elizabeth Sabel, 
of Germany, becoming his wife. Their wedding 
was celebrated in February, 1835, and ten years 
later they bade adieu to the Fatherland and .sailed 
for America, but Mrs. Rahn died while en route, 
and was buried in the .sea. She left a family of 
four children to mourn her loss: George, who died 
at the age of fifty-six years; Frederick C, who is 
now engaged in farming and stock-raising in Col- 
orado; John, who died in Iowa in 1882; and Myra, 
wife of J. Ort, a retired farmer of Nauvoo. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



355 



On landing, Mr. Rahn at once made his way to 
Hancock County, 111., and settled upon a farm 
near La Harpe, where he carried on agricultural 
pursuits for four years. He was again married, in 
1843, his .second union being with Mi.ss Clara 
Weigel, of Philadelphia, who died in Sonora 
Township, Hancock County, in 1854. In 1S56 
Mr. Rahn led to the marriage altar Miss Barbara 
Goodman, a native of Germany, who died in 1881. 
By their union were born five children: Joseph, 
who now carries -on farming in Lyons, Neb.; Ad- 
die, who is employed as a clerk in a general mer- 
cantile store in Nauvoo; Eliza, at home; Albert, 
who is also clerking in Nauvoo; and Edward, who 
completes the family. 

Removing from La Harpe to Sonora Township, 
Mr. Rahn there cultivated and improved a farm, 
continuing its development for many years, but at 
length he laid aside business cares and removed 
to Nauvoo, where he lived retired until his death, 
which occurred February 9, 1894. His well-di- 
rected efforts, his industry and perseverance, 
brought him a comfortable competence. For many 
years he supported the Democratic party, but for 
some years prior to his death was an advocate of 
the People's party. He never had occasion to 
regret his emigration to America, and Hancock 
Count}' numbered him among its best citizens and 
honored early settlers. 



=1^+^^-= 



PjR. ARCHIBALD ELLIOTT McNEALL, 
jnl one of the leading physicians and honored 
iQ) pioneer .settlers of Bowen, was born near 
Go.shen, in Clermont County, Ohio, on the 20th 
of October, 1827, and is a son of Arthur McNeall. 
His father was a native of Lancaster County, and 
was a descendant of the Scottish Highlander of 
the same name who was a leader of the Rebel- 
lion of 1745, in the struggle of the house of Stuart 
against the British crown. The Doctor's mother 
bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Boyer, and 
was born in Washington County, Md. , of Ger- 
man parentage. The parents emigrated to Ohio 
in 181 1, and settled in the then small town of 



Cincinnati, where they made their home until 
1828, in which year they removed to the town of 
Goshen. There the father engaged in merchan- 
dising until advanced years forced him to retire 
from active business life. He and his wife were 
ardent followers of John We.sley in their religious 
belief, and all of the children accepted the same 
faith save the Doctor. During their last years 
the parents came to Illinois, where their remain- 
ing days were passed amidst the loving care and 
attention of their children. The mother was called 
to the home beyond July 3, 1865, and the father 
pa.ssed away the following April. They died in 
the faith which had been their hope and comfort 
through life, firmly relying upon the promises of 
an eternal home and happiness. 

There were four sons and five daughters in the 
family. Dr. A. B., who was a physician of Col- 
umbus, Adams County, 111., died at the age of 
.seventy-three; Rev. M. M. is now living in Bowen, 
at the age of eighty-two; Mrs. Elizabeth Brunson 
makes her home in Bowen, at the age of seventy- 
nine; Mrs. Matilda Myer died in Chicago, at the 
age of seventy-six; Mrs. Permelia Hall is living 
in Barry, 111., at the age of seventy ; Arch E. is 
the next in order of birth; David F. is living in 
Bowen, at the age of sixty; Mr.s. Susan Belt died 
in 1844, at the ageof twenty-.seven; and the ninth 
child died in infancy. 

Dr. McNeall whose name heads this record was 
educated in the common .schools of Ohio, and in 
a private select school conducted by Prof. Gaines, 
near Goshen. He began the .study of medicine 
in 1846 with Dr. Isaac N. Thacker, and com- 
pleted a college medical course of lectures in the 
spring of 1850 at the vStarling Medical College of 
Columbus, Ohio. In February, 1868, he was the 
recipient of an honorary degree of medicine con- 
ferred upon him by the faculty of the Iowa Medi- 
cal College of Keokuk. 

Before Dr. McNeall began practice, however, 
he was married. In Dayton, Ohio, September 
22, 1849, he wedded Mi.ss Martha A. Deal, a na- 
tive of West Charleston, Miami County, Ohio, 
who died October 20, 1867. There were three 
children born of that union, two sons and a daugh- 
ter, but all are deceased. On the iilhof No- 



356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



vember, 1868, in Keokuk, Iowa, the Doctor was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Hutchin- 
son, of that city, and a native of Washington, 
Pa. Four children graced this union, three sons 
and a daughter, all of whom are yet living. 

Our subject began the practice of his profession 
in the .spring of 1850, in the place of his nativity, 
but in October, 185 1, removed to Adams County, 
111. The following year he located in New Hart- 
ford, where he successfully engaged in practice 
until vSeptember, 1862, when he enlisted in the 
Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. At the organiza- 
tion of the regiment he was chosen bj* the unani- 
mous vote of men and officers as Surgeon, and 
subsequently was commissioned as such by Gov. 
Richard Yates. In that capacity he labored un- 
tiringly, and that he acquitted himself with credit, 
is shown by the complimentary resolutions which 
were passed, when, on account of physical disabil- 
ity, he was forced to resign. The fjllowing paper 
was then drawn up: 

Fourteenth Division Ho.spital of the Thirteenth 
Army Corps of Mis.si-ssippi, in the rear of Vicks- 
burg, July 4, 1863. 

Arch E. McNeall, M. D., 

Senior Assi.stant Surgeon Ninety-ninth 

Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry-. 
Dear Sir: — 

It is with pleasure that I hand you the en- 
closed resolution. It is with the prompting of 
friends and surgeons who appreciate your worth. 
You leave us with the respect and confidence of 
every surgeon belonging to the division, as well 
as their regrets. Hoping to hear of your restora- 
tion to health, I am your .sincere friend, 

William H. White, 

Surgeon of the Twenty-second Iowa Infantry 
and Chairman Division Operating Board of Sur- 
geons. 

The resolution read: 

Having learned that our associate. Arch E. 
McNeall, .Senior Assistant Surgeon of the Ninety- 
ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, owing to 
causes beyond his control, finds it necessary to 
leave the army, therefore, 

Rcsolird — That we consider him a gentleman 
of fine feelings, of noble sympathies, a true friend, 
and one of the most accomplished surgeons and 
physicians of the army. That we regret his de- 
parture and his loss to the department. 

H. P. Strong, Medical Director; William H. 
White, Surgeon Tvveuty-second Iowa Infantry; 



George P. Rex, Surgeon Thirty-third Illinois In- 
fantry; Alfred B. Lee, Assi.stant Surgeon Twen- 
t)'-second Iowa Infantry; William L. Orr, Sur- 
geon Twenty-first Iowa Infantry; J. H. Ledlie, 
vSurgeon Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry; Henry 
Tantis, Assistant vSurgeon Thirty-third Illinois 
Infantry; O. Peabody, Surgeon Twenty-third 
Iowa Infantry; Elwin May, Senior A.ssistant Sur- 
geon Thirty-third Illinois Infantrj-; J. P. Bigelow, 
Senior Assistant Surgeon in charge of the Eighth 
and Eighteenth Indiana Regiments. 

After the Doctor's return to civil life, he re- 
moved to Hancock County, in 1865, and pur- 
chased the farm which was originally owned by 
Peter C. Bowen, a part of the original town 
of Bowensburg. Locating thereon, he has made 
it his home the greater part of the time since, and 
has engaged in the practice of his profession. 
With the hope of benefiting his health, however, 
in 187 1 he went to Greenwood County, Kan., 
where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, 
but after four years' experience, with unsatisfac- 
tory results, he returned to his fonner home in 
Hancock County. He now has a large practice, 
to which he devotes his entire time and atten- 
tion. 

In 1845 the Doctor became a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and in 1875 joined the Odd 
Fellows' lodge, but has withdrawn from both. 
He thinks for himself on all subjects and is a man 
of broad and liberal views. In politics, he has 
ever been a stalwart Republican since the organi- 
zation of the party. In the days when the sub- 
ject of abolition was much agitated, he began vot- 
ing in the interests of humanity against oppression, 
and has ever labored in the interests of the peo- 
ple against the monopolists. In 1864 he was the 
Republican candidate for the Legislature in the 
district composed of Pike and Greene Counties, 
111., and although not elected he ran far ahead of 
his tjcket. In 1874 he was the Republican candi- 
date for the Legislature of Kansas, but he with- 
drew his name, for the nominating convention 
pas.sed resolutions instructing him how to vote on 
certain i.ssues, and he did not wi.sh to accept an 
office where he was not perfectly free to follow 
the dictates of his own good judgment. He is 
ever a zealous worker for those interests which 
he believes will prove of public good, and this 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



357 




element of his character led hira to secure the ele- 
gant and commodious school building of Bowen. 
This was greatly opposed by many, but his un- 
tiring labors were successful, and Bowen now has 
a school which is a credit to the town. The Ex- 
celsior Flouring Mills of this place were for twelve 
years or so an unprofitable investment, but at 
length Dr. McNeall became interested in them, 
and as the result of his good business ability, en- 
terprise and well-directed efforts, he made of this 
one of the leading industries of the place, which 
paid to the proprietors a good income. They were 
recently destroyed b\- fire, however, and the Doc- 
tor thereby suffered a heavy loss. His untiring 
industry- and perseverance, and the progressive 
.spirit which characterizes everything he under- 
takes, makes him a most valuable factor in the 
realm of citizenship. 



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~S3 



QrOF. AMOS HENRY WORTHEN, the 
U' celebrated geologist of Illinois, was for manj- 
fD years a citizen of Warsaw, and this volume 
would be incomplete without a sketch of his life. 
The result of his deep researches, given to the 
world in many volumes, made him known through- 
out the countn-, and gave him a prominence 
among the leading professional men of the United 
States. His childhood was quietly passed. He 
was born October 31, 18 13, in the town of Brad- 
ford, Orange County, Vt., and was the eleventh 
in a family of twelve children, whose parents were 
Thomas and Susanna (Adams) Worthen. The 
father came of an old Massachusetts family, and 
shortly after his marriage he removed to Bradford, 
purchasing a farm upon what was known as the 
South Road, where he continued to reside through- 
out his remaining days. He was born August 24, 
1765, and died October 21, 1851. His wife, who 
was born December 24, 1768, was the eldest child 
of Abraham Adams, who was descended from 
Henrj- Adams, a native of England. The latter 
crossed the Atlantic to America, and, locating in 
what is now Quincy, Mass., became the founder 
of the family which numbered among its members 



many celebrated personages, including two Pres- 
idents of the United States. Mrs. Worthen pos- 
sessed more than average ability, was a woman 
of great energy- and force of character, and through- 
out her life the closest .sympathy existed between 
her and her son Amos. Her influence was un- 
doubtedly one of the potent factors in the life of 
the geologist. The parents and their children 
are all now deceased. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Amos 
Worthen spent his youth. Through the winter 
season he attended the district schools, and in the 
summer months he aided in the labors of the farm. 
Through his work and the .sports which the sur- 
rounding fields and forests afforded, he was well 
de\-eloped physically, and in the public schools he 
laid the foundation for an excellent mental devel- 
opment. His literary education was completed 
in Bradford Academy, which has since been 
merged into the Bradford High School. While 
there, pursuing his studies, he lived with his sister 
Mary, wife of Capt. Ellis Bliss, an extensive 
farmer of the Connecticut Valley. Shortly after 
leaving school, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah B. Kimball, of Warren, N. H., the 
event being celebrated Januar}- 14, 1834. Forfifty- 
three years they traveled life's journey together, 
and the help and support which the husband gave 
the wife were equaled by her encouragement and 
sympathy for him. They became the parents of 
a daughter and six .sons. The fonner died in 
childhood, but the sons are all yet living, namely: 
Fay S., George B., Thomas A., Amos H., 
Charles K. and John B. 

vShortly after his marriage, Mr. Worthen de- 
cided to seek a home in the then far West. His 
brother Enoch had already removed to C\-nthiana, 
Ky., and thither he resolved to go; but his resi- 
dence in that place was of .short duration, for in 
the year following he was employed as a school 
teacher in Cumminsville, near Cincinnati, Ohio. 
There he remained until June, 1836, when he 
came to Illinois, and cast in his lot with the early 
settlers of Warsaw. In 1842 he went to Charles- 
town, Mass., and there .spent two years, but with / 
the exception of this period he was a continuous 
resident of Warsaw from 1836 until his death. 



358 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Forming a partnership with Mr. Kimball, a brother 
of his wife, Mr. Worthen engaged in merchan- 
dising, following that pursuit until 1855. As a 
merchant, his career was not as successful as 

I many, although he managed to provide well for 
his familj'. The reason for this was that his at- 
tention had been largely attracted to the rich 
geological deposits of the Mississippi Valley, and 

L he began the study of the same. Through life 
he was a lover of natural science, and the taste 
which had hitherto lain comparatively dormant 
was now called into action. 

A limitless field for study and observation was 
afforded Mr. Worthen in the Mississippi Valley 
forests, and the broad prairies of this locality, 
which is especially rich in the rocks and fossils of 
the lower carboniferous age. He began at once 
the study of the geologic formation of this great 
region, and the collection of its fossils and miner- 
als. As his vision broadened, his love for the 
study increased, and resulted in giving to the 
world some of its most valuable works on geology. 
He soon established a system of exchanges with 
correspondents in the East, and thereby received 
books and minerals and zoological specimens nec- 
essary for the prosecution of his studies. Trans- 
portation between the East and West was then in 
its incipiency, and the postage on letters was 
twenty-five cents. All of his exchanges, there- 
fore, had to be sent down the Mississippi, around 
the Gulf and Atlantic to Boston and the East. 
The books which are now of such valuable assist- 
ance to students were not then in existence, and 
few aids could be obtained in the study of natural 
science, but Mr. Worthen, undaunted, prosecuted 
his studies, and his home and store were filled with 
collections very valuable to a naturalist. 

In 1851 Mr. Worthen began attending the 
meetings of the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science, and was one of its mem- 
bers until his death. In this and in other ways 
he became acquainted with the geologists through- 
out the country, and thus secured able assistance 
in his work. In 1853 he was invited by Dr. J. G. 
Norwood, then State Geologist, to assist him in 
his work; and in 1855 he was appointed Assistant 
to Prof. James Hall, then State Geologist of Iowa, 



with whom he continued his labors until 1857. 
He aided largely in constructing the geological 
section along the Mississippi River from Lansing, 
Iowa, to St. Louis, Mo. On the 22d of March, 
1858, he was appointed State Geologist of Illinois 
by Gov. Bissell, and at once entered upon the 
duties of the office. His previous labors were the 
school in which he was fitted for this work — a 
work for which he was eminently adapted, and to 
which he gave the best years of his life. The 
magnitude of the task before him he quickly com- 
prehended, and he sought the assistance of men 
skilled in various branches of scientific work. 
From then on he labored untiringly in his chosen 
field, his only recreation being his attendance 
upon scientific meetings. His outdoor sports in 
early life, however, had given him the physical 
strength to meet the demand which he now placed 
upon his resources. His whole soul was wrapped 
up in his work, and he desired no greater happi- 
ness than was afforded him by study of this 
chosen theme. He met with difficulties, and it 
often seemed that the work must be suspended, 
because the Legislature was loath to make the 
appropriation necessary for its prosecution. On 
one occasion there were no funds provided, but 
he continued his work with such evident sincerity 
of purpose that the appropriation was again made 
when the Legislature once more convened. His 
reports were published from time to time, and sci- 
entific men accepted them gladly as valuable con- 
tributions to their literature. More than twenty 
years ago the Academy carefully investigated the 
results of his labors, and decided the question of 
their merit in his favor by electing him to its 
membership. His works now have an acknowl- 
edged place among the standard volumes. One 
of the most important subjects which he has 
treated is the paleontology of this region. His 
works are now considered indispensable to every 
.student of this theme. Fossils were collected by 
him from all the formations, from the Potsdam 
sandstone to the upper coal measures, and his 
work embraces the description and illustration of 
two hundred and ninety-seven species of verte- 
brates, ten hundred and seventy-three species of 
invertebrates, and two hundred and fifty-six spe- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



359 



cies of plants. Xearlj- fifteen hundred of these 
species were first made known to the scientific 
world through the publications enumerated in 
his works. Only the scientist can readily appre- 
ciate how priceless are his volumes. 

As his work was being completed Mr. Worthen 
found that old age was coming upon him, but he 
retained his mental vigor, and his health was also 
unusually good until his final sickness. He 
passed away May 6, 1888, and his death was 
mourned throughout the country, for he had 
many friends, even among those whom he had not 
met personall}-. He was of a kindl}' and generous 
disposition, and his manner was free from all os- 
tentation and display. His six sons acted as pall- 
bearers at the funeral, and the remains of the 
honored State Geologist were laid to re.st in Oak- 
land Cemeten.', two miles south of Warsaw. 



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■^EORGE .\ND MICHAEL BAUMERT are 
__ the members of the firm of Baumert Bros. , 
^ editors and publishers of T/ie Independent, 
of Nauvoo. The former was born in this city, 
April 20, 1858, and the latter was born May 20, 
1869. The parents were Michael and Mar\- 
( Schini) Baumert. The father was a native of 
Germany, and in 1852, bidding adieu to his old 
home, he sailed for America. Locating in St. 
Louis, Mo., he there spent two years, and in 1854 
came to Nauvoo. He is a .stone-mason and brick- 
layer by trade, and, embarking in business along 
those lines, he thus carried on operations until 
1890, when he became interested in the real-es- 
tate and loan business which he .still conducts. 
He serv'ed in the late war for se\-eral months, and 
has long been a loyal and highly-respected citi- 
zen of this community. His wife, who was also 
born in Germany, is yet living in Nauvoo. 

George Baumert was reared and educated in 
this city, and here learned the printer's trade, 
which he has followed throughout his business 
career. In 1876, he went to St. Louis, where he 
was employed in a printing-office for three and 
a-half years, after which he returned to Nauvoo, 



and formed a partnership with W. D. Hibbard, of 
this place. They purchased The Indepcndenl, 
and Mr. Baumert has since been a half-owner in 
this paper. In May, 1884, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Fannie Knaust, daughter of Con- 
rad Knaust, now a retired lumber merchant. 

The junior member of the firm spent his boy- 
hood days midst play and work, and the public 
schools afforded him his educational privileges. 
At the age of thirteen he began learning the 
printer's trade in the office of T/ie Independent, 
and since that time he has been continuously con- 
nected with newspaper work. In i886, he went 
to Ft. Madison, Iowa, where he was employed in 
a printing-office until 1889. In the autumn of 
that year he became half-owner of The Independ- 
ent, which has since been conducted by the firm 
of Baumert Bros. As the name indicates, the 
paper is independent in politics. The office is 
supplied with the latest steam pres.ses and all 
modern improvements. This is the largest pa- 
per published in the county, being an eight-col- 
umn, eight-page folio. It is well edited, the 
publishers being men of ability in their line. 

The Baumert family is one of prominence in 
this community. The father, who enli.sted in 
March, 1865, as a member of Company G, 
Twentj'-third Illinois Infantry, and was stationed 
at Richmond, Va., guarding Libby Prison, is 
now Commander of the Grand Army post of this 
place. The sons are wide-awake and enterpris- 
ing citizens, and the best interests of the commun- 
ity receive their hearty support and co-operation. 



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CS_ 



^OHN M. KENDALL, one of the honored 
I pioneers of Hancock County, and the pro- 
(2/ prietor of the leading hotel in Nauvoo, ranks 
among the best citizens of this place, and it is 
with pleasure that we present to our readers this 
record of his life. A native of England, he was 
born in Liverpool, on the 12th of December, 1836, 
and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Miniken) 
Kendall, who were also natives of the same coun- 
try. The father was killed in Liverpool when 



36o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



our subject was a small child, after which the 
mother brought her family to America. They 
bade adieu to their native land in 1842, crossed 
the Atlantic, and took up their residence in Nau- 
voo, where Mrs. Kendall spent her remaining 
days, her death occurring in 1850. 

Our subject is the eldest of three children. He 
was only six years of age when he became a resi- 
dent of this city, and when a youth of thirteen he 
was left an orphan. Thus thrown upon his own 
resources, he has made his own waj^ in the world, 
and whatever success he has achieved is due en- 
tirely to his own efforts. He was reared in Xau- 
voo, and during his youth played with Joseph 
Smith and Brigham Young, and other boys who 
afterward became leaders of the Mormons. He 
was quite intimately acquainted with the widow 
of Joseph Smith, who returned to Nauvoo in 1850, 
and here made her home until her death. 

John M. Kendall began earning his own liveli- 
hood by working as a farm hand, and in that ca- 
pacity was employed in Hancock County until 
the autumn of 185 1, when he went to Henry 
County, where he again worked on the farm b_\- 
the month. His educational privileges were quite 
meagre. He could attend school only through 
the winter season, when there was not much 
work upon the farm. He is therefore largely 
self-educated, but through business experience, 
reading and observation, he has become a well- 
informed man. In the spring of 1855 he returned 
to Hancock County, and here worked until 1858. 
He then began following the river, and was em- 
ployed during the greater part of the time in the 
Government service until November, 1864, when 
he enli.sted in the Union anny, becoming one of 
the boys in blue of Company E, One Hundred 
and Eighteenth Illinois Infantrj-, in which he 
ser\-ed until the close of the war. He was always 
found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the 
Old Flag and the cause it represented, and was 
never wounded or taken prisoner. When the war 
was over and the South had laid down its arms, 
he returned to Hancock County, and in Nauvoo 
Township began fanning, which pursuit he suc- 
cessfully followed until the autumn of 1892, when 
he became proprietor of the hotel. 



On the 9th of December, 1868, Mr. Kendall 
was united in marriage with Miss Katie Smith. 
of Nauvoo, and to them have been born three 
daughters: Lulu K., Maud M. and Atha R., all 
of whom are still with their parents. 

Mr. Kendall holds membership with the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen, and also with 
Nauvoo Post No. 207, G. A. R. In politics, he 
is a Democrat, and warmly advocates the princi- 
ples of his party. He has ser\'ed as Tax Collector, 
but has devoted the greater part of his time and 
attention to his business interests. His close at- 
tention to the details of his business and his en- 
terprise and perseverance have won for him suc- 
cess. He has ever been a loyal and public-spir- 
ited citizen, and in the community where he has 
so long resided he is both widely and favorabh- 
known. 

(TOSEPH NELSON, one of the leading lum- 
I ber-dealers of Nauvoo, occupies a prominent 
(2/ position in business circles. He has been 
connected with the interests of this place for some 
years, and his straightforward career has won 
him the confidence and esteem of all with whom 
he has been brought in contact. He has the 
honor of being a native of Nauvoo, for he was 
born here September 15, 1849. His father, George 
Nelson, was a native of Canada, and was of French 
and Irish extraction. He came to Illinois about 
1841, and located in Nauvoo Town.ship, Hancock 
Countj-, where he engaged in farming until his 
death. Although he was not regularly a Mor- 
mon, he was well po.sted on the scriptures of that 
sect, and on account of his sympathies with that 
people he was called Jack Mormon. His death 
occurred in 1850, at the age of fifty-seven years. 
His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Nelson, was a na- 
tive of England, and on crossing the Atlantic lo- 
cated in Hancock County at an early day. Her 
death here occurred in 1849, 0"b' 3 ^w days 
after the birth of our subject. In the family were 
only two children, Jo.seph being the younger. 
Mr. Nelson whose name heads this record was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



361 



only about a j-ear old when bj' the death of his 
father he was left an orphan. He then went to 
live with a Mr. Landis, who was a friend of his 
parents, and who took onr snbject and his elder 
brother to his home, for they had no relatives in 
this locality who were in a po.sition to care for 
them. After a short time, however, Joseph was 
taken to the home of Mr. Landis' father-in-law, 
with whom he lived for about fifteen years on a 
fann near La Harpe. There he worked at farm 
labor during the greater part of the j-ear, attend- 
ing school for only a short period during the win- 
ter season; his education, therefore, was verj- lim- 
ited. When a j-outh of sixteen he started for the 
army, intending to become a Ihiion soldier, but 
before he enlisted word was recei\-ed that Lee had 
surrendered and the war was therefore practically 
over. He had only $5 in money and a sack con- 
taining a small amount of clothing. With his 
gun, dog and grip he started on foot from La 
Harpe to Nauvoo, and on reaching this place 
hired out as a farm hand, being thus employed 
for a year and a-half On the expiration of that 
period he went to Missouri, where he was em- 
ployed as engineer in a sawmill. He purchased 
a part interest in a mill, and continued his con- 
nection therewith for two years, being mostly en- 
gaged in cutting railroad ties. Being injured by 
heavy timber falling upon him, he abandoned 
the sawmill business and returned to Nauv^oo, but 
for about two months he was incapacitated for 
any labor. 

As soon as able, with the desire to obtain a bet- 
ter education, Mr. Nelson entered Ft. Madison 
(Iowa) Academy, where he pursued his studies for 
three years. When his money gave out he worked 
his way through school by manual labor in the 
mornings and evenings. On leaving the academy 
he engaged in teaching for two terms in Hancock 
County, after which he spent a term in pursuing 
a teacher's course in the Normal College of Car- 
thage. Forming a partnership with Dr. Hamil- 
ton, he then purchased the Nauvoo Independent, 
and a year later he bought out his partner, be- 
coming sole proprietor. For six years he edited 
and published the Independent, and the invest- 
ment proved a profitable one, but at length he 



sold out, and for one year carried on a livery 
business in this place. He then engaged in the 
lumber business, and although he began opera- 
tions on a small .scale, he is now enjoying an ex- 
tensive trade. 

On the 2d of October, 1879, Mr. Nelson was 
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Knaust, 
and to them have been bom six children: Letitia, 
born July 6, 1880; Nellie, December 20, 1881; 
Orvil, November 9, 1883; Joseph, April 21, 1887; 
Jesse, July II, 1889; and Ralph, May 15. 1893, 
all of whom are still with their parents. 

In his political views, Mr. Nelson is a Repub- 
lican, and warmlj- advocates the principles of his 
partj-. His fellow-townsmen, appreciating his 
worth and ability, have frequently called upon 
him to serve in positions of public trust. He has 
been Citj' Clerk of Nau\-oo for three years, and 
has served as School Director for the long period 
of nine years, and still occupies that position. He 
has ever taken a warm interest in the cause of 
education, and does all in his power for its ad- 
vancement. Socially, he is a member of the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his bus- 
iness he has prospered, and his success is certainly 
well deserved, for he is honorable and upright in 
all his dealings. His many excellencies of char- 
acter, and his sterling worth, have gained him the 
high regard of the entire community. 

Mr. Nelson possesses considerable mechanical 
genius, and on the 8th of August, 1893, was 
granted a patent on a very useful invention known 
as the " Deadfall Animal Trap," which is meet- 
ing with a very ready sale. 



nOHN J. RHEINBERGER. of Nauvoo. who 
I is extensively engaged in the cultivation of 
(2/ grapes, is numbered among the native citi- 
zens of this place. He was born on the 8th of 
April, 1861, and is a representative of one of the 
early and leading families of Hancock County. 
His father was born in F'uerstein, Lichtenstein, 
Germany, June 4, 1S27, and bears the name of 
Alois Rheinberger. In his native land he ac- 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



quired a good education in the common schools 
and college, and at the age of seventeen he 
crossed the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel. He made 
his first location in Dayton, Ohio, where he 
worked for about three years. He then returned 
to Germany, and was married to Margaret Pros- 
ser, who was a native of the canton of Graubuentm , 
Switzerland. Bringing his bride to the New 
World in 1850, he located in Nauvoo, and em- 
barked in agricultural pursuits, which he still fol- 
lows. He and his estimable wife are well-known 
residents of Nauvoo, and are held in high regard 
by all. 

The Rheinberger family numbered ten children: 
Jo.sepha, wife of Arnold Masberg, of Nauvoo; 
Alois J., who is living in Winona, Minn,, Ferdi- 
nand J., who is engaged in the drj'-goods busi- 
ness in partnership with his brother in Winona; 
Christina, who died in infancy; There.sa, wife of 
T. V. Moffit, who is a member of one of the old- 
est families of Hancock County; John J., of this 
sketch; Frank D., who is employed as a com- 
mercial salesman in the New England States; 
Mary F. A., wife of Henry J. Blake, of Warsaw; 
Charles Augustus, an attorney, who died at the 
age of twenty-two years; and Anna, wife of Will- 
iam J. Heintz, of Quincy. 

John J. Rheinberger acquired his education in 
the public schools, and remained at home until 
twenty years of age. He then learned the cabi- 
net-maker's trade, and after mastering the busi- 
ness followed the pursuit in Des Moines, Iowa, 
St. Paul, Minn., and at other points. He was 
thus employed until 1887, when he returned to 
Nauvoo and became owner of a large vineyard. 

On the 28th of Januar\-, 1889, Mr. Rheinberger 
led to the marriage altar Mi.ss Wilhelmina A. 
Risse, daughter of Hon. John B. Risse, who is 
represented on another pa,i;e of this work. Two 
children grace the union of this young couple, 
Joseph B. and Harold A. 

Mr. Rheinberger takes quite an active intere.st 
in politics, and by his ballot supports the Dem- 
ocratic party. He and his family are members of 
the Catholic Church. He is recognized as one of 
the leading young business men of Nauvoo, and 
his thrift and industry are bringing him prosper- 



ity. He has many friends in the community, 
including many who have known him from boy- 
hood, a fact which indicates an honorable and 
well-spent life. 



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^ 



(DGJlLLIAM HERRING, a retired farmer who 
I A/ ^^'^^ "°^^ ^^'"^ a.side business cares, and is 
V V enjoying the comforts which a carefully 
acquired competence brings him, makes his home 
in Denver. He was born in Brown County, 111., 
on the 7th of December, 1835, and is a son of John 
G. and Lucinda (Rusk) Herring. The Herring 
family is of Irish extraction. The paternal grand- 
father of our subject served in the War of 181 2. 
The father was born in Alabama, was reared upon 
a farm, and when a young man came to Illinois, 
locating in Sangamon County. He there married 
Miss Rusk, a native of Kentucky, who accompan- 
ied her parents to this State during her girlhood. 
She came of a family of German lineage. After his 
marriage, Mr. Herring removed to Brown County, 
and there engaged in farming until 1859, when he 
came with his family to Hancock County. Pur- 
chasing a farm in Chili Township, he there car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which 
occurred in 1876. His wife sur\-ived him some 
j-ears, and passed away April 19, 1889, at the age 
of seventy-eight years. Their family numbered 
ten children. 

Wdliam Herring, who was the second in order 
of birth, remained under the parental roof until a 
j'oung man of twenty-three, when he began farm- 
ing for himself in Pike County, 111., where he con- 
tinued to reside until 1865. He then sold that 
farm and came to Hancock County, where he pur- 
chased a tract of land, upon which he made his 
home luitil 1889. He was an enterprising and 
successful agriculturist, and the neat and thrift}- 
appearance of his place indicated the careful sup- 
ervision of the owner. He placed many improve- 
ments upon his land, and the farm was complete 
in all its appointments. 

On the 22d of April, i860, Mr. Herring wedded 
Miss Rachel Ingram, who was born November 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



363 



14, 1839, in Pike Count}-, 111., and is the eldest 
in a family of six children, whose parents were 
Emerj' and Perlina (Kingston) Ingram. Her 
father was born and reared in Tennessee upon a 
farm, and when fifteen j-ears of age removed with 
his parents to Pike Count}-, where he embarked 
in agricultural pursuits for himself He then 
gave his time and attention to the cultivation of 
his land until his death, which occurred in 1890. 
He was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and his wife was 
of English lineage. She was born in Virginia, 
and died October 7, 1891. By their marriage, 
Mr. and Mrs. Herring became the parents of three 
children, two sons and a daughter: Nelson, who 
died at the age of twenty-two; Frances Ann, wife 
of George T. Harrison, a farmer of Hancock 
County; and Harvey, who is engaged in the oper- 
ation of a farm, and is a resident of Denver, 111. 

Mr. Herring of this sketch, who is a supporter of 
the Democratic part}-, served as School Director 
for a number of years, and has also filled the office 
of Pathmaster. He holds membership with the 
Second Adventi.st Church, and his wife is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. Having carried on 
agricultural pursuits until 1889, he then rented 
his farm to his son and has since lived retired in 
Denver. He yet owns, however, one hundred 
and eighty-four acres of valuable land in Chili 
Township, besides his pleasant village home. 



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^h{h^1=- 



61 BRAHAM SHOUP, one of the practical and 
Ll enterprising fanners of Harmony Township, 
/ I Hancock County, now lives on section 10, 
where he owns and operates one hundred and sixty 
acres of land. This farm is under a high state of 
cultivation, and well improved. Its owner is a 
native of Crawford County, Pa., born on the 27th 
of April, 1808. His parents were Michael and 
Mary (Kaler) Shoup, and he was one of their 
family of eleven children, lunnbering six sons 
and five daughters. 

In the usual maimer of farmer lads, Abraham 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and his 
education was acquired in the .sub.scription schools, 



which were held in the old-time log schoolhouse, 
with its puncheon floor, slab seats and huge fire- 
place. He continued under the parental roof un- 
til he had attained his majority, when he pur- 
chased a small farm and began life for himself. 
There he lived until 1837, which year witnessed 
his emigration westward. The trip from Penn- 
.sylvania to Illinois was made by team, and after 
many days of travel he located in Fulton County. 

Previous to his removal from the East, Mr. 
Shoup was married. On the 7th of January-, 1829, 
he wedded Miss Elizabeth Plank, and to this 
worthy couple were born six children: Mary, 
John, Ellen, Michael P., Walter and Elizabeth. 
In 1842 Mr. Shoup was again married, his sec- 
ond union being with Sarah A. Crittendon, by 
whom he had eleven children: Elizabeth (de- 
ceased), Abraham M., Henry W., Solomon J., 
Julia, Martha, Eva, Franklin P., Lillie and 
Stephen S. (twins), and William. 

On coming to Illinois, Mr. Shoup rented land 
near Canton, Fulton County, and there engaged 
in farming for two years. He then remo\-ed to 
Cuba, in the same county, and purchased a farm 
of eighty acres of ■ unimproved prairie land, upon 
which he erected a log cabin. He lived in true 
pioneer .style, and from morning till night devoted 
his time and energies to the cultivation and de- 
velopment of the hitherto barren tract. Much of 
it was transformed into rich and fertile fields, and 
he lived upon that farm until 1851, when he came 
to Hancock County. Here he purcha.sed eighty 
acres of land in Carthage Township. This was 
also wild, not a furrow having been turned or an 
improvement made thereon, but with character- 
istic energy he began its improvement. In 1867 
he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres in Harmony Town.ship, but after living upon 
it for two years, bought one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 10 of the same township, and re- 
moved to the fann which has .since been his home. 
Industry and enterprise have been numbered 
among his chief characteristics through life, and, 
as the result of his perseverance, good manage- 
ment and well-directed efforts, he has won a com- 
fortable competence. His success is well de- 
served, for he .started out in life a poor boy, and 



364 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



has depended oiilj' upon his own resources. In 
his political views, Mr. Shoup has always been a 
Democrat, having supported that part)- since cast- 
ing his first Presidential votefor Andrew Jackson. 
He has held the offices of School Treasurer, Town- 
ship Trustee and School Director, and in all has 
discharged his duties with a promptness and 
fidelity that have won for him high commenda- 
tion. 



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QORNELIUS MATTHEW ERWIN, one of 
I ( the leading merchants of Bowen, who is now 
\J dealing in lumber and agricultural imple- 
ments, has the honor of being a native of Illinois, 
for he was born in Littleton, on the 24th of May, 
i860. He was the third in order of birth in a 
family of eight children, whose parents were 
George \V. and Agnes (Corey) Erwin. The 
family dates its ancestry back to the time when 
the Pilgrim Fathers landed in America. 

George \V. Erwin was a native of the Empire 
State, and was reared on a farm, there remaining 
until eighteen years of age, when he decided to 
.seek a home in the West, believing that he 
might thereby better his financial condition. He 
made his way to Schuyler County, where he lived 
for half a century upon a farm, where his death 
occurred January 24,' 1894, he having attained 
the age of seventy-four years. He served as a 
soldier in the Mexican War, and was ever a 
loyal and faithful citizen. His wife was born in 
Schuyler County, and there died at the age of 
forty-eight years. Her father was a native of 
Scotland, but when a j'outh of fourteen left that 
land and in company with a cousin cro.ssed the 
briny deep to the New World. In the early days 
of its history, he located in Schuyler County, and 
for a number of years was a prominent and lead- 
ing merchant of Rushville. He then purchased a 
farm near that city, upon which he spent his re- 
maining days, his death occurring on the old 
homestead at the advanced age of ninety-two. 
He was one of the honored pioneers of the county , 
and was highly respected by all who knew him. 



C. M. Erwin whose name heads this notice 
supplemented his earlj- education, which was ac- 
quired in the common schools, by a course in the 
High School of Rushville. He remained under 
the parental roof until he had attained his major- 
ity and then started out in life for himself His 
first business venture was in milling. He also 
established and carried on a tile factory, success- 
fully operating the .same until 1884, when he re- 
moved to Bowen and established a lumber-yard 
and agricultural-implement store. He carries a 
good stock of everything found in his line, and by 
straightforward and honorable dealing has gained 
the confidence and trust of the community. 

On the 26th of October, 1882, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Erwin and Belle Taylor, of 
Adams County. Five children have been bom 
unto them. Alma, Charles N., Ray, Forrest C. 
and Clinton, and the family circle yet remains 
unbroken, the children being still under the par- 
ental roof. 

Mr. Erwin takes an active interest in political 
afi"airs, and is a stalwart advocate of the Dem- 
ocracy. He was twice nominated for Supervisor 
of his township, but as the tow-nship is strongly 
Republican, he was defeated. He keeps himself 
well informed on the issues of the day, and is also 
conversant with other topics of general interest. 
Socially, he is a Knight Templar Mason, and his 
wife is a member of the Methodi.st Church, to the 
support of which he contributes liberally. He is 
recognized as one of the leading business men of 
Bowen, is enterprising and progressive, and as 
one of the representative citizens well deserves 
mention in the histoiy of his adopted county. 



^■^ 



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(=^ 



Gl NDREW JACKSON FISH owns and oper- 
1 I ates eighty acres of good land on section i , 
/ I Sonora Township, Hancock County, and in 
connection with general farming carries on stock- 
raising. His close attention to busine.ss, and his 
industry and perseverance, have made him one of 
the substantial citizens of the community. He 
was born in Lawrence Countv, Ind., on the 8th of 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



365 



Maj', 1824, and is one of a family often children, 
six sons and four daughters, whose parents were 
William and Sarah (Cailej Fish. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He 
acquired his education in a log schoolhouse, 
where school was conducted on the subscription 
plan. He often had to walk a distance of two 
miles to and from the place of learning. His 
physical development was not neglected, for he 
had plenty of exercise in the shape of farm work, 
his labors in the fields beginning as soon as he 
was old enough to handle the plow. Under the 
parental roof he remained, and to his father gave 
the benefit of his .services, until he had attained 
his majority, when he started out in life for him- 
self During the first year he worked as a farm 
hand for $S per month. At the end of two 
years he rented land and began farming in his 
own interest. A j'car later, with the money 
which he had thereby acquired, he purchased a 
tract of eight}- acres in Jackson County, Ind., 
and was engaged in its cultivation for two years, 
when he returned to his native comity. There he 
again rented land until 1853, which year wit- 
nessed a change in his place of residence. 

Mr. Fish then came to Hancock County, and 
after spending one year in Fountain Green Town- 
•ship, and another in Sonora Township, he pur- 
chased forty acres of land in Rock Creek Town- 
ship, where he made his home for two years. He 
then bought a farm in Sonora Township, the 
.same on which he now resides, and has since de- 
voted his time and attention to its further culti- 
vation. 

In 1846, Mr. Fish was united in marriage with 
Miss Victoria A. , daughter of Jonas and Marj- 
(Cupps) Ikerd. Ten children have been born to 
this union, as follows: Almeda C. ; Erasmus D.; 
Mary M., now deceased; Logan J.; Clara I.; 
Thaddeus E.; Sarah M.; Elvira J., who is al.so 
deceased; Araminta V., and Myrtle M., who has 
passed away. 

In 1865, Mr. Fish left his family and farm to 
enter the service of his country. On the 29th of 
February, he enlisted as a private of Company B, 
One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, 



and was mustered in at Springfield. He served 
until the close of the war, and was then honor- 
ably di.scharged, in October, 1865, after which he 
returned to his home and again took up farming. 
His life has been a busy and useful one, and is 
worthy the high regard in which he is held. In 
politics, he is a supporter of the People's party, 
and "he and his wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 



.^i 



^+^ 



(s- 



r"RANK FORESTER WORTHEN, D. M. D., 
r^ of Warsaw, was born in this city on the loth 
I ^ of March, 1874, and is the only son and the 
elde.st child in a family of four children born unto 
Charles K. and Clara (Waugh) Worthen. A 
sketch of his honored grandfather, Amos Henry 
Worthen, is given elsewhere in this work. After 
acquiring a liberal education in the public schools 
of his native cit)-, our subject attended Washing- 
ton Universitj- of St. Louis, and was graduated 
from that institution in 1892, receiving the degree 
of D. M. D. on the anniversary of his birthday. 
On leaving college, he accepted a position in the 
office of Dr. Granuu, of Keokuk, Iowa, where he 
remained for three months. He then opened an 
office in Warsaw, where he has since successfully 
engaged in the practice of his profession. The 
Doctor is a j'oung man of good habits and pleas- 
ing presence, is thoroughh- conversant with every 
branch of his profession, and de.ser\-es and re- 
ceives a liberal patronage from the citizens of 
Warsaw and the surrounding country. 



y/lARSHALL LUTHER CLARKE, a grain 
Y dealer and merchant residing in Denver, 
(S occupies a most prominent place in the bus- 
iness circles of this town. He was born Febru- 
ary' 14, 1837, in New York, and was a son of 
Henry and Sarah (Lyon) Clarke. During his 
infancy, his parents came to Illinois, and since 
1842 he has been a resident of Hancock County. 



366 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



His father was a fanner by occupation, and fol- 
lowed that pursuit until his death, which here 
occurred about 1844. Both he and his wife sur- 
vived their removal to Hancock Count}- only a 
short time, and at their death they left a family 
of four children: Charles H., who is now engaged 
in farming in Nebraska; Marshall L., of this 
sketch; Ralph W., who died at the age of thirty- 
five; and Sarah Jane, wife of C. C. Bedow, of 
Hancock County. 

At the early age of seven years our subject was 
left an orphan, and went to live with Albert Cloud, 
a farmer of the neighborhood, with whom he re- 
mained until he had attained his majority. He 
was early inured to the arduous labors of farm life, 
and soon became familiar with agricultural pur- 
suits in all their details. He worked in the fields 
during the summer months, and in the winter 
season attended the district schools, thus acquir- 
ing a fair English education. When he had at- 
tained man's estate, he began working as a farm 
hand by the month, and was thus employed for 
several years, when he rented land and began 
farming in his own interest. At length, when he 
had acquired sufficient capital, he bought a farm 
in St. Mary's Township, Hancock County, which 
he cultivated about one year. After that he 
bought and sold several farms in the county. 

In 1866, Mr. Clarke was united in marriage 
with Miss Nancy A. Summers, of Missouri, and 
their union has been blessed with three children: 
Lawrence R., who is now engaged in business in 
Denver, as a dealer in farm implements; William 
L., who is interested in business with his father; 
and Iva, a maiden of eleven summers, who is still 
with her parents. 

For some years Mr. Clarke engaged in buying 
land, which he would then cultivate and improve 
for a time, and later sell. In 1872 he came to 
Denver and embarked in general merchandising 
and in grain and stock dealing. He formed a 
partnership with E. McClure, and this connection 
continued for several years, after which Mr. 
Clarke sold his interest. In 1892 he purchased 
Mr. McClure's interest in the store formerly owned 
by McClure & Barber, and the firm of Barber & 
Clarke is now doing a good business. They carry 



a full line of general merchandise, and by courte- 
ous treatment and earnest efforts to please their 
customers, thej- have secured an excellent trade. 
Mr. Clarke has been extremely successful in his 
business dealings, and is now the only grain- 
buyer of Denver. He also owns three hundred 
and forty acres of valuable land, and has large 
property interests in Denver. 

In his political views, Mr. Clarke is a stalwart 
Democrat, and for four jears he served as Post- 
master. His partner is now filling that position, 
and the postoffice has been located in their store 
for over twenty years. Mr. Clarke has also been 
School Director, and the cause of education finds 
in him a warm friend. Socially, he is a member 
of Denver Lodge No. 464, A. F. & A. M. He 
may truh' be called a self-made man, for he began 
life empty-handed, and what he has represents 
his own earnings. He had no relatives or wealthy 
friends to aid him, but has steadily worked his 
waj' upward, and by his indomitable energj- and 
per.severance has become one of the prosperous 
citizens of Hancock County. 

(TOHNT. McKOWN, M. D., a practicing phy- 
I sician of Bowen, claims West Virginia as the 
(2/ State of his nativity. He was born in Berke- 
ley County, January 11, 1850, and is the eldest 
in a family of five children, four sons and a daugh- 
ter, whose parents were Morgan and Rebecca 
(Vanmater) McKown. Ida, the .second of the 
famih', is now the wife of Edward D. Powell, of 
Hancock County. Alexander S. is a telegraph 
operator. Newton I. makes his home in Han- 
cock Count)'. Louis is a Methodi.st minister, now 
located in Fulton County, 111. The father was 
also a native of West Virginia, and in that State 
was reared to manhood upon a farm. After his 
marriage he engaged in farming for himself in 
West Virginia until 187 1, when he came to Han- 
cock County, III., and purchased a farm in Har- 
mony Township. Here his death occurred at the 
age of seventy years. The McKown family is of 
Irish origin, and was founded in America by John 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD. 



367 



McKown, the grandfather of our subject, who was 
a native of the Emerald Isle, and when a young 
man crossed the Atlantic to the United States. 
The Doctor's mother was born in Ohio, and was 
of English extraction. She was reared, however, 
in West Virginia, and her death occurred in Han- 
cock County, at the age of fifty-six years. Her 
ancestors took part in the Revolutionar>' War, 
and for five generations the family has lived in 
America. 

In the usual maimer of farmer lads, Dr. Mc- 
Kown spent the days of his boyhood and youth, 
remaining with his parents until twenty-two years 
of age, when he began teaching school. That 
profession he followed for eight years, and was an 
able and successful instructor. In the mean time 
he began studying medicine with a view to 
making its practice his life work, and later en- 
tered the Chicago Medical College, which he at- 
tended for one term. On the 7th of Februarj-, 
1880, he was graduated from the Medical Col- 
lege of Indiana in Indianapolis. In the same year 
he opened an office in Bowen, where he has since 
been engaged in practice. 

On the 5th of October, 1881, Dr. McKown was 
united in marriage with Miss Belle Davis, of 
Hancock County, and their union has been blessed 
with one son, Paul, who is now a lad of eleven 
years. The parents have a wide acquaintance in 
this community, and are inimbered among the 
most highly respected citizens of Bowen. The 
Doctor takes quite an active interest in political 
affairs, and is an ardent advocate of the principles 
of the Republican party . He is now serving as 
President of the School Board, and was a member 
of the Town Board of Trustees of Bowen for two 
years. The cause of education has ever found in 
him a warm friend, and he does all in his power 
for its advancement. Socially, he is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, and at the age of seventeen 
years became a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, but during his residence in Bowen he has 
been a member of the Congregational Church. 
He is now .serving as Clerk of the church, was Su- 
perintendent of the Sunday-school for eight years, 
and for five years was Vice-President of the Sun- 
day-school Association of the township. He has 



always taken an active part in church and benev- 
olent work, and is a generous and liberal man, in 
whom the poor and needy find a true friend. The 
Doctor came to Bowen in limited circumstances, 
for his father's home and property in West Vir- 
ginia were destroyed during the war, leaving him 
with little. By close attention to business, and 
by .skill and ability, he has, however, won a large 
and lucrative practice, and gained a high reputa- 
tion among his professional brethren. 



_=] 



^-^ 



[^ 



Qj M. IRWIN, the editor and publisher of the 
/\ Bowen Chronicle, a weekly newspaper pub- 
\z) hshed at Bowen, claims Ohio as the State of 
his nativity, his birth having occurred in Green, 
on the 26th of February, 1845. The family is of 
Irish origin, and the grandparents of our subject 
emigrated from the Emerald Isle to America. 
Wesley Irwin, father of our subject, was a native 
of Ohio, and in that State spent his entire life, 
following the occupation of farming. He married 
Miss Mary Boone, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
was also of Irish lineage. His death occurred in 
Ohio, at the age of fifty-six years, but his widow 
is still living on the old homestead, at the age of 
seventy-six. 

No event of .special importance occurred during 
the early youth of our subject, who attended the 
common schools through the winter months and 
aided in the labors of the farm in the summer 
season until sixteen years of age. He then left 
home to enter the ser\-ice of his country, for war 
had begun and, prompted by patriotic impulses, he 
entered the Union service. On the 14th of Sep- 
tember, 1861, he was enrolled as a member of the 
Sixth Iowa Cavalry, but afterward was transferred 
to the Second Ohio Cavalry, and later to the 
Twenty-fifth Ohio Battery. He served for four 
years and three months, or until after the South 
had laid down its arms and the preservation of the 
Union was an assured fact. He was always found 
at his post of duty, and was recognized as a valiant 
and faithful soldier. 

When the country no longer needed his serv- 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ices, Mr. Invin returned to his home in Ohio, and 
began teaching school. The jear 1867 witnessed 
his removal westward. He located in Adams 
Count}-, and was one of its successful and capable 
teachers for many years, following that profession 
until 1888, when he embarked in the newspaper 
business. Going to Golden, he there became con- 
nected with a newspaper, and worked in its inter- 
est for some years, when he came to Bowen, and 
established the Chronicle, which he still edits. 

On the 8th of January, 1867, Mr. Ir^vin led to 
the marriage altar Mi.ss S. E. Ross, a native of 
Warren, Pa., and by their union has been born a 
daughter, Ora M., who is still with her parents. 
During their residence in Bowen the members of 
the family have become both widely and favorably 
known and have gained many warm friends in 
this locality. 

Mr. Irwin holds membership with the Masonic 
fraternity. In his political views, he is a Democrat, 
but publishes his paper independent of politics. 
The Chronicle now has a good circulation in Han- 
cock and Adams Counties, and is well worthy of 
a liberal patronage, for it is a bright and interest- 
ing sheet, ably conducted. Mr. Irwin takes an 
active interest in everything pertaining to the wel- 
fare of the community in which he makes his 
home, and through the columns of his paper and 
in other ways he aids in the advancement of those 
enterprises which tend to the prosperit>- and prog- 
ress of the town. 



-^], 



■=) 



^^t^W 



yyi ORGAN R. LEWIS, who resided on .section 
y II, Sonora Township, Hancock County, 
(i was for many years prominently coiniected 
with the agricultural interests of this community. 
He was born in Che.ster County, Pa., on the 21st 
of April, 1814, and wasa son of Henry and Ellen 
(Evans) Lewis, who were also natives of the Key- 
stone State. Their family numbered ten children, 
five sons and five daughters, but all have passed 
away. 

Mr. Lewis spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth in his native State, in much the same man- 



ner as all farmer lads pass their time, and in the 
subscription schools of the neighborhood he ac- 
quired a fair Engli.sh education. At the age of 
seventeen he entered upon a two-years apprentice- 
ship to the trade of a harness-maker and saddler, 
and as compensation for his services during that 
period he received his board and clothes. When 
his term had expired, he returned to the old home- 
stead and engaged in its operation for three years. 
About that time he began buying cattle and driv- 
ing them across the country to Philadelphia and 
New York City. For twelve 3'ears he was en- 
gaged in that line of business, and found it a 
profitable one. 

Februan- 2, 1841, Mr. Lewis was united in 
marriage with Miss Ann Thomas, who died 
March 22, 1842. December 26, 1844, lie was 
again married, his second union being with Miss 
Mary A. Downing. Nine children were born to 
them, but four of the number are now deceased, 
namel)': Francis, Marian, Evan and Florence. 
Those still living are Ellen, wife of Washington 
Webb, a farmer of Appanoose Township; Ann, 
the wife of Farnham Whilcomb, who carries on 
agricultural pursuits in Rock Creek Township, 
Hancock County; Isaac, who married Miss Sarah 
Wilson, and is living on the old homestead; Lu- 
anna, wife of William Thornber, a resident farm- 
er of Sonora Township; and Edith, who com- 
pletes the family. The mother died February 6, 
1875, and many friends mourned her loss, for she 
was a most estimable woman. 

It was in the spring of 1853 that Mr. Lewis left 
his old home in the Keystone State and started 
westward. He traveled through Illinois, Mich- 
igan and Iowa, and in the autumn of that year 
located in Hancock County. He spent about a 
year in Nauvoo, and in the spring of 1855 took 
up his residence upon the farm which continued 
to be his home until his death. He first pur- 
chased two hundred acres of land, but subse- 
quently disposed of all but eighty acres. For 
many years he successfully carried on general 
farming, and his place was always well developed, 
while its neat and Ihriftj- appearance told the 
passer-by a story of the careful supervision of the 
owner. In 1886 he retired from business, having 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



369 



acquired a comfortable competence, which enabled 
him to lay aside business cares and rest in the 
enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. 

Mr. Lewis cast his first Presidential vote for 
William Henr\- Harrison, and by his last ballot 
supported Gen. Benjamin Harrison, for after the 
organization of the Republican party he was 
one of its warm advocates. He served as High- 
way Connnissioner and School Trustee, and was 
School Director for a period of fourteen years. 
The cau,se of education ever found in him a warm 
friend, and the best interests of the community 
always received his hearty support and co-opera- 
tion. His life was well spent, and an honorable, 
upright career gained him universal confidence 
and esteem. He died at his home in Sonora 
Township, February 3, 1S94, and his remains 
were interred in Nauvoo Cemetery. 



I^HJH^ 



(3_ 



C=" 



y /| AX REIMBOLD, who is one of the leading 
y merchants of Nauvoo, and a representative 
\S and enterprising business man, claims Ger- 
many as the land of his birth. He was born in 
Cologne, Pru.ssia, on the 25th of August, 1846, 
and is a son of Peter and Ernestine (Baum ) 
Reimbold, who were al.so natives of Prussia. In 
1848, the father, accompanied by his family, 
sailed for the New World, and took up his resi- 
dence in Nauvoo, where he engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine throughout his remaining days. 
He was one of the early settlers of this place, and 
was a highly-re.spected citizen. His death occur- 
red in 1857, and his wife, who survived him 
nmny years, passed awa}' in 1871. They were 
the parents of eight children, of whom Max was 
the fifth in order of birth. 

Our subject was only two years old when he 
left the Fatherland and with his family crossed 
the briny deep. Since that time he has made his 
home in Nauvoo, and has become one of its lead- 
ing citizens. No event of .special importance oc- 
curred during his boyhood and youth. He ac- 
quired a good education, and during a part of his 
minority he was engaged in clerking, thus pro- 



viding for his own maintenance. When he had 
attained to man's estate, he embarked in busi- 
ness for himself as a general merchant, carrying 
on a store in which his mother owned a half in- 
terest. vSince that time he has continued in the 
same line of business with good success. 

On the 1 2th of July, 1870, Mr. Reimbold was 
united in marriage with Miss Julia McCafferty, a 
native of Nauvoo, and four children were born 
unto them. Three of the number are now de- 
ceased. The only surviving member of the fam- 
ily is Frank, a lad of fourteen summers. 

Mr. Reimbold exercises his right of franchise 
in support of the Republican party, but has never 
sought or desired political preferment. He and 
his family are members of the Catholic Church. 
He is now the owner of one of the largest stores 
in Nauvoo, and carries a full line of clothing, drj- 
goods, boots and shoes, notions, etc. The public 
gives to him a liberal patronage, for he earnestlj' 
desires to please his customers, and is straightfor- 
ward and honorable in all business dealings. He 
is al.so a stockholder of the State Bank of Nauvoo, 
and holds the office of President. He is sagacious, 
enterprising and persevering, and his good man- 
agement has made him one of the substantial cit- 
izens of the community. From early boyhood he 
has made his home in Nauvoo, and now has many 
warm friends in Hancock Countv. 



1^-^ 



QOHN McAllister was a prominent citi- 
I zen of Hancock County. He was born in 
(2/ County Antrim, Ireland, on the 17th of Sep- 
tember, 1818, and was the only child of Randall 
and Nancy McAllister. His boyhood days were 
spent on the farm, and he acquired a good practi- 
cal education in the conunon schools. When a 
youth of sixteen, he began working at the carpen- 
ter's trade, serving a five-years apprenticeship at 
the same. He followed that vocation on the Emer- 
ald Isle until 1846, when he determined to tr\- his 
fortune in America, believing that he might bet- 
ter his financial condition in the New World. 
Crossing the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, Mr. 



37° 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



McAllister, after a voyage of fourteen weeks, 
landed in New York, and then he at once came 
to Illinois, Hancock County being his destination. 
He located in Harmony Township, where he be- 
gan working at his trade, which he followed for 
about three years. In 1850 he turned his atten- 
tion to farming, and in 1851, with the capital he 
had acquired through his industrj', economy and 
good management in former years, he purchased 
the farm on which his widow now resides, becom- 
ing owner of a one hundred and sixty acre tract 
on section 16, Harmony Township. It was then 
wild and uncultivated, but he at once began its 
development, and in course of time the raw 
prairie was made to yield to him a golden tribute. 
All of the improvements upon the place are the 
work of his hands, and stand as monuments to 
his thrift and enterprise. 

Mr. McAllister was married April 10, 1851, to 
Miss Jane Langford, daughter of George and Jane 
Langford, and a native of New York, born Jan- 
uary 24, 1833. They became the parents of eight 
children, four sons and four daughters, namely: 
George R., who died in 1872; Nancy J., whose 
death occurred the same year; Samuel, a farmer 
of Harmony Township; Mary A., wife of George 
James, who carries on agricultural pursuits in 
Harmony Township; John C. and William, who 
died in 1872; Sarah A., who died in 1871; and 
Emma F., wife of Henr>' James, a resident farmer 
of Harmony Township. The four children who 
passed away in 1872 were all victims of the small- 
pox. 

Mr. McAllister was a man of excellent business 
and executive ability. He was sagacious and far- 
sighted, and by his well-directed efforts he won a 
handsome property. He always carried on gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising, and at the time of 
his death he owned between eight and nine hun- 
dred acres of valuable land, which he had ac- 
quired through his own efforts. In politics, he 
was a supporter of the Democratic party and its 
principles, and was a public-spirited and pro- 
gressive citizen, who manife,sted a commendable 
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of 
the community and its upbuilding. His support 
was never withheld from any worthy charity or 



enterprise, and his sterling worth and many ex- 
cellencies of character won for him the confidence 
and high regard of all with whom he was brought 
in contact. He held membership with the Meth- 
odist Church, to which his wife also belongs. On 
the 4th of July, 1886, he was called to his final 
rest, and his remains were interred in the ceme- 
tery in Harmony Township. 



b$'Y ">&=*= 



REV. FATHER H. J. REIMBOLD, who is 
pastor of the Catholic Church of Nauvoo, 
was born in Cologne, Germany, on the ji.st 
of May. 1842, and is the eldest in a family of four 
.sons, whose parents were John and Gertrude 
(Broicher) Reimbold. His father and mother 
were both natives of Cologne. In 1848, accom- 
panied by their famih-, they bade adieu to friends 
and home and sailed for the New World. They 
first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, but after a short 
time resumed their westward journey and came 
to Nauvoo. Here the father began business as a 
grain-dealer, and carried on operations along that 
line until his death, which occurred at the age of 
thirty-nine years. His widow still surv-ives him, 
and now makes her home with our subject, at the 
age of seventy-seven years. She is a devout 
member of the Catholic Church, to which her 
husband also belonged. 

Father Reimbold was reared under the parental 
roof, and in early boyhood attended the public 
schools. He afterward became a student in Notre 
Dame University, and after being graduated from 
that institution, was ordained in Chicago in 1866 
as a priest of the Catholic Church. For one year 
he remained in that city, and on the 4th of July, 
1867, came to Nauvoo, to take charge of the 
church at this place. Under his super^•ision, and 
largely through his instrumentality, their present 
house of worship, the finest in the comity, was 
erected at a cost of $24,000. The congregation 
now numbers one hundred and ten families. 
They also have a convent school, which is well 
attended by the children of Catholic parents 
throughout this locality. Father Reimbold is a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



371 



good man, and beloved by all who know him. 
He devotes his entire time and attention to the 
work of the chnrch, and the fact that he has been 
stationed in Nauvoo for almost twenty-seven years 
indicates his efficient service in this place, and 
also tells of the love and respect which his con- 
gregation bears him. 

(3 AMUEL H. NIMRICK, one of the early set- 
/\ tiers of Hancock Countj-, who now makes his 
Cfj/ home in Nauvoo, has the honor of being a 
native of Illinois, for he was born in the town of 
Edwardsville, this State, on the nth of Januarj-, 
1843. Hisparents were John G. and Mary (Mor- 
gan) Nimrick, the former a native of Virginia, 
and the latter of Maryland. The Nimrick fam- 
ily is of German origin, and was founded in 
America at an early da}'. The father of our sub- 
ject came to Nauvoo in 1848. He was a wagon- 
maker by trade, but for a number of years he en- 
gaged in the hotel business in this place. At 
length he retired from active business life, having 
acquired a comfortable competence. His death 
occurred in 1869, at the age of seventy -nine 3'ears, 
and his wife passed awaj- at the advanced age of 
eighty-four. 

Samuel H. Nimrick was a lad of only five sum- 
mers when he came with his parents to Nauvoo. 
His education was acquired in its public schools, 
and he remained under the parental roof until he 
had attained his majority, when he began life for 
himself, securing a position as engineer on a Miss- 
issippi steamer. Since that time he has followed 
the river, running from St. Paul to New Orleans. 

On the loth of December, 187 1, Mr. Nimrick 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Smith, 
daughter of William S. and Rebecca (Taylor) 
Smith. Her father was a native of Toronto, On- 
tario, Canada, and in 1841 came to Nauvoo. Dur- 
ing the later years of his life, he was engaged in 
horticultural pursuits, making a specialty of the 
cultivation of grapes. His death occurred in 
1866, at the age of sixty-two years, and his wife, 
who survived him for several years, passed away 



in Nauvoo in 1878, at the age of fifty-six years. 
She was a native of Kentucky. Her paternal 
grandfather, who was of English extraction, served 
as a soldier in the War of 18 12, and was killed in 
one of its battles. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Nimrick were born two sons: 
Nathaniel, who is now a printer of Nauvoo; and 
Mark, who died in childhood. In his polit- 
ical views, our subject is a Democrat. His wife 
holds membership with the Presbyterian Church. 
For thirty years our subject has followed the riv- 
er, and all along the way from St. Paul to New 
Orleans he has many friends, who, appreciating his 
sterling worth and many excellencies of character, 
give him their high regard. He has made his 
home in Nauvoo since early childhood, and here 
also has many warm friends. 



"S] 



EHARLES SCANLAN, dealer in agricultural 
implements in Nauvoo, is numbered among 
the native .sons of Hancock Count}-. He 
was born in Niota, October 14, 1857, and is of 
Irish descent. His parents, John and Mary 
(Kennedy) Scanlan, were both natives of the Em- 
erald Isle, and during childhood came to America. 
The father took up his residence in Hancock 
County about 1854, and for a time was foreman 
of a rock quarrj'. He afterwards engaged in 
farming in this county, but subsequently removed 
to Cheyenne Count)', Neb., where he now carries 
on agricultural pursuits. 

In the count}' of his nativity our subject was 
reared to manhood, the days of his boyhood and 
}'Outh being passed in the usual manner of farmer 
lads. In the common schools he acquired a good 
English education, and when he had attained his 
majority, he began life for himself by working on 
a farm. He also engaged in railroading for a 
time, both on construction work and as brake- 
man on a train. He was also employed on a 
steamer on the Missis.sippi for .some time, and 
through these various labors he acquired the cap- 
ital necessary to start in business for himself. In 
1889, he became proprietor of an agricultural-im- 



J 



372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



plement store and has since conducted the same. 
He is now doing a good business, for his enter- 
prising and well-directed efforts have secured him 
a liberal patronage, and his straightfonvard and 
honorable dealing has gained him the confidence 
and good-will of the entire communitj'. 

On the 24th of December, 1885, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Scanlan and Mis. H. Dank- 
ameyer, of Nauvoo. The}' began their domestic 
life in this city, and have since made it their 
home. They hold membership with the Catholic 
Church, and Mr. Scanlan is a member of the Mod- 
em Woodmen of America. He exercises his 
right of franchise in support of the Democratic 
party on questions of national importance, but at 
local elections votes independently. He is a well- 
known citizen of Nauvoo, and has the high re- 
gard of all with whom business or social relations 
have brought him in contact. 



-^1. 



^HJH^ 



(^^ 



QOHN M. J. COX, who is .successfully en- 
I gaged in merchandising in Webster, has car- 
(2/ ried on business along this line since 1872. 
He has worked up a good trade, and by his fair 
and honest dealing and courteous treatment, he 
wdl merits the liberal patronage which he re- 
ceives. Numbered among the representative citi- 
zens of this communit)', he well deserves repre- 
sentation in the history of his adopted count}-. 

Mr. Cox is a native of Breckenridge County, 
Ky., born April 5, 1824. His father, Benjamin 
Cox, was a native of Washington County, Pa., 
born March 19, 1775. By occupation, he was a 
farmer. Emigrating to Kentucky in 1806, he 
located in Breckenridge County, and was there 
married, Februar\- 5, 1807, to Elizabeth Midcap, 
daughter of John and Sarah (Crume) Midcap. 
Six children were born of their union, three .sons 
and three daughters. Sarah M., who was born 
December 22, 1807, became the wife of James E. 
Roberts, of Fountain Green Township, and died 
in June, 1845. Her husband is also deceased. 
Ralph E., who was born October 9, 1809, and 
died on the 14th of March, 1893, was a merchant 



in Pine Grove, Ky. John M. J., of this .sketch, is 
the next j-ounger. I.etitia Ann, who was born 
March 17, 1826, is the wife of H. H. McElvain, 
a farmer and dealer in fine blooded stock of Scotts- 
burg, McDonough County. Benjamin E., who 
was born April 9, 1829, and died March 12, 1855, 
was a mason of Web.ster. Mary W., who was 
born December 11, 1830, and became the wife of 
George W. McElvain, of Prairie City, 111., died 
December 26, 1886. The father of this family 
was called to his final rest on the 24th of Feb- 
ruary, 1838, and Mrs. Cox departed this life 
September 21, 1872. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who worked upon his father's farm until 
he had attained his majority. The first fifteen 
years of his life were .spent in his native vState, 
and he then came with the family to Hancock 
County, reaching Fountain Green Township on 
the 22d of October, 1839. The journey hither 
was made by team. Their household effects, 
with the exception of the bedding and cooking 
utensils, were shipped by steamboat to W^arsaw, 
and then brought across the country to their des- 
tination. Mr. Cox acquired a good education in 
the public .schools, and embarked in the profession 
of teaching, which he successfully followed for 
about ten years during the winter season, while 
in the summer months he engaged in farm labor. 

On the 19th of November, 1S54, Mr. Cox was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth E. Welch, 
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Perkins) Welch. 
She has been to him a faithful companion and 
helpmate during the forty years which have passed 
.since they started out on life's journey together. 
In his political views, our subject was originally 
a Whig, and cast his first Presidential vote for 
Henry Clay in 1844. but on the organization of 
the Republican party he joined its ranks and has 
since been an advocate of its principles. He has 
never aspired to public office, but served as Jus- 
tice of the Peace for twenty-two years, and was 
one of the most efficient and faithful incumbents 
of that office, as is indicated by his long .scr\'ice. 
He has also been School Director and Village 
Trustee of Webster. He contributes liberally to 
churches and charitable organizations, and his 




Josi'i'ii S. KiNC, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



375 



hearty support and co-operation are ever given 
to those enterprises which are calculated to bene- 
fit the community. He is progressive and public- 
spirited, and is recognized as a valued citizen of 
his adopted county. 



j=] 



"s: 



^+^ 



(=- 



(s- 



(f OSEPH S. KING, who carries on general 
I farming and stock-raising on section 3, Rari- 
C2/ tan Township, Henderson County, is one of 
the most extensive land-owners in this locality, 
and for the past fifteeen years he has been exten- 
sively engaged in the raising of draft horses. He 
was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, on 
the 22d of July, 1824, and his parents, James and 
Margaret (Sharp) King, were also natives of the 
same countrj-. Their family numbered eleven 
children: Ehzabeth, who died in 1891; John, who 
died in 1822; Sarah; Joseph; Susan, who died in 
1889; Jane; Mary; Alexander; Sanuiel; James; 
and John, who died in infancy. 

Mr. King of this sketch attended the public 
^schools of his native land, and was for a time a 
student in a select school and in an academy. He 
thus acquired a good education, which fitted him 
for the practical duties of life. On attaining his 
majority he started out to make his own way in 
the world, and, believing that he could benefit his 
financial condition by emigrating to America, he 
crossed the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, which, af- 
ter one month spent on the bosom of the deep, 
dropped anchor in the harbor of New York City. 
Mr. King then went to Washington County, 
N. Y., where he began work as a farm hand for 
$7 per month, and half (jf his wages were paid in 
cloth for about five years. On the expiration of 
that period he rented land and began farming in 
his own interest. It was in 1855 that he came to 
Henderson County, settling in Walnut Grove 
Township, where he purchased ninety-five acres 
of prairie land, a small portion of which had been 
broken. There was also a log cabin upon it. 
After a year, however, Mr. King sold this farm 
and rented land for a year. He then bought one- 
hundred and eighty-nine acres on section ,3, Rari- 

19 



tan Township, where he has made his home con- 
tinuousl}- since. As time has passed and his finan- 
cial resources have been increased, he has made 
other purchases, until he now owns eight hun- 
dred acres of land, all in one body. It is well 
cultivated, and the well-tilled fields yield to him a 
good income. During the pa.st fifteen years he 
has also made a specialty of the raising of draft 
horses. 

On the 4th of March, 1858, Mr. King wedded 
Miss Julia A. McLain, a native of Ohio, and a 
daughter of James McLain. Five children graced 
their marriage: Margaret, wife of Robert Rankin, 
a farmer of Raritan Township; Ross, who also 
follows farming in the same township; Ira A., 
who died in 1862; and Joseph J. and Darius A., 
both farmers in Henderson County. 

Since its organization, Mr. King has always 
been a stanch advocate of the Republican party. 
He holds membership with the United Presby- 
terian Church. When he came to America he had 
a cash capital of twenty-five cents, but, undaunted 
by the trials and difficulties in his path, he began 
to work his way upward, and has risen steadily, 
step by step, to a position of affluence. His suc- 
cess is certainly well deserved, for it is the reward 
of honest and untiring labor. Truly he may be 
called a self-made man. 



-^]. 



-^i 



^-^ 



(^^ 



MARDLS ANDREWS, who carries on general 
/\ farming on .section 8, Fountain Green Town- 
\Z/ ship, owns and operates a valuable and ara- 
ble tract of land of one hundred and seventy acres. 
His place, which is under a high .state of cultiva- 
tion and neatly improved, is supplied with good 
buildings, and its thrifty appearance indicates that 
the owner is a practical agriculturist. 

The life record of Mr. Andrews is as follows: 
He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, on the 
6th of April, 1820, and is a son of Richard An- 
drews, who was a native of New York, and served 
in the War of 181 2. In the family were eight 
children, three .sons and five daughters, uamely: 
Sophia, deceased, wife of G. Dame, of Omaha, 



376 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Neb. ; Lavina, deceased, wife of William Dame, of 
Salt Lake City, Utah; Elsie and Amanda, who 
died in childhood; Pluma, widow of Charles Lib- 
bey, of McDonough County; Sardis, whose name 
heads this record; Albert, a resident of Pilot 
Grove Township; Timothy, who makes his home 
in Carthage; and Silas, deceased. 

Sardis Andrews left the Buckeye State when a 
youth of thirteen years, and in April, 1833, be- 
came a resident of Illinois, settling in Adams 
County.- There he remained until the following 
August, when he located in Fountain Green 
Township, Hancock County. He is one of the 
ver)' oldest settlers of this locality, for his resi- 
dence here covers a period of almost sixty-one 
years. He was educated in the subscription 
schools of this locality, which he attended through 
the winter season, while in the .summer months 
he worked upon his father's farm. He early be- 
came inured to the arduous duties of developing 
land, and he continued to aid in the cultivation 
of the old homestead until thirty years of age. 

In 1844 Mr. Andrews was united in marriage 
with Miss Marj- Ann Cottle, daughter of James 
Cottle, a native of England. vShe came to Han- 
cock County in 1843, and the following year be- 
came the wife of Mr. Andrews. They have trav- 
eled Hfe's journey together for fifty years, sharing 
with each other its joys and its sorrows, its pros- 
perity and adversity. Their union was blessed 
with a family of .six children, as follows: Wesley, 
who is now deceased; Sarah, wife of Henry Par- 
rish, a resident of Kirksville, Mo.; Minen'a, wife 
of G. Dorothy, a resident of McDonough County; 
Phoebe, wife of Charles Dorothy, a farmer of Pilot 
Grove Township; and George and James, who 
are at home. 

In his political views, Mr. Andrews is a Re- 
publican. He cast his finst Pre.sidential vote for 
William Henry Harrison, and supported the \\'liig 
party until its dissolution, when he joined the 
ranks of the new Republican party. Few citizens 
have longer resided in Hancock County than our 
subject, who has therefore witnessed almost its 
entire growth and development. He has seen the 
wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and 
farms, has seen towns and villages spring up, and 



the work of progress and civilization carried for- 
ward, until the county of to-day bears little re- 
semblance to that of half a century ago. Mr. 
Andrews has ever borne his part in the work of 
public improvement, and is recognized as a valued 
and substantial citizen, as well as one of the hon- 
ored pioneers of Hancock County. 



=-^-H^i 



HERMAN BERGER, one of the honored pio- 
neers of Hancock Count)', and one of the 
most prominent citizens of Nauvoo, where 
he is filling the office of Mayor, was born on the 
24th of March, 1827, in Hildesheim, Hanover, 
Germany, and was the eldest in a family of six 
children, whose parents were Ernest and Mary 
(Diedrick) Berger. In the spring of 1846 Mr. 
Berger brought his family to America. Cros.sing 
the Atlantic, he at once came to Illinois and lo- 
cated in Nauvoo, where he worked at his trade of 
shoemaking until his death, which occurred in 
1862, at the age of fifty-four 3-ears. Learning 
that the Mormons were going to draft him into 
their service during the war which occurred be- 
tween that sect and their opponents, he left his 
family in Nauvoo, and, joining the anti-Mormon 
soldiers, fought against the party and aided in 
driving them from the place. In politics, he was 
a stalwart Democrat. His wife pas.sed away in 
Nauvoo in 1857, at the age of forty-six, and they 
lie buried side by side in the Catholic Cemetery, 
both having been memliers of the Catholic Church. 
In the family were the following children: Her- 
man, of this sketch: Henry, a horticulturist of 
Nauvoo; Joseph, who served in the Union army, 
and was killed at Dallas Woods; Elizabeth, wife 
of George Baumgarden, of Nauvoo; and Charles, 
who died at the age of twenty-six years. 

When Mr. Berger was a lad of nine summers, 
he left his native land and came with his parents 
to America. He attended the public schools of 
Nauvoo, and remained at home until sixteen 
years of age, when he went to St. Louis, where 
he worked at the butcher's trade for a year. In 
November, 1854, he enlisted in the regular army. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



377 



and was stationed at Ft. Loraiiia. He partici- 
pated in three Indian expeditions, and was con- 
nected with the Mormon troubles at Salt Lake. 
With his regiment he crossed the plains to Cali- 
fornia, where he took part in an expedition against 
the Indians, and aided in rescuing two children, 
who were from Hancock Count\- and had been in 
capti\-ity two years, but the remainder of the peo- 
ple who had been captured were killed by the sav- 
ages. His term of service expiring while he was 
in California, Mr. Berger was mustered out, and 
embarked in the wholesale wine business in San 
Francisco. After six months, however, he sold 
out his interest, and in iS6o returned to Nauvoo, 
where he became the owner of a large vineyard. 
His father had died in the mean time, and the 
care of his younger brothers and sisters devolved 
upon him — a trust to which he was ever faithful. 

In October, 1864, feeling that his country need- 
ed his services, Mr. Berger enli.sted as a member 
of Company G, Fiftieth Illinois Infantrj-, and 
served until the clo.se of the war. He took part 
in the battles of Nashville, Savannah, Columbia 
and Bentonville, and participated in the Grand 
Review in Washington, the most brilliant military 
pageant ever seen in this country. He then went 
to Louisville, Ky., where he was mustered out. 
He was not wounded during the Civil War, but 
when a member of the regular army, in 1855, he 
was wounded in the hip at A.sh Hollow, near 
where North Platte is now .situated, during an en- 
counter with the Indians. 

Returning to the North, Mr. Berger has since 
made his home in Nauvoo, where he has been 
quite extensively engaged in raising grapes, .straw- 
berries and raspberries. This business, being 
well managed, has yielded to him a good income, 
and his well-directed efforts have made him one 
of the substantial citizens of the community. He 
often employs as many as one hundred and forty 
people in gathering berries during their sea.son, 
and, as he raises fine varieties, the fruit finds a 
ready sale on the market. As his financial re- 
sources have increased, he has also made judicious 
investments in real estate, and now owns consid- 
erable valuable property in Nauvoo. 

On the nth of August, 1863, Mr. Berger mar- 



ried Miss Ursalena E. Welner, of Nauvoo, and 
their union has been blessed with eight children: 
Joseph, a resident of Denver, Colo.; Catherine, 
Louisa, Herman, Ursalena and Edna, all at home; 
and two who died in infancy. They have a 
pleasant home in Nauvoo; the Berger household 
is the abode of hospitality, and the members of 
the family rank high in social circles. 

Mr. Berger is coiniected with Nauvoo Post No. 
207, G. A. R. He has endeavored to follow 
through life the Golden Rule, and therefore has 
the confidence and warm regard of all with whom 
he has been brought in contact. In politics, he 
takes an active interest, and on questions of na- 
tional importance is a .stanch Democrat. His 
worth and abilit}- have been recognized b)' his 
fellow-citizens, and he has frequently been called 
upon to ser\-e in public offices. For twelve years 
he was Coroner of Hancock County, has been 
Justice of the Peace nine years, was School Direc- 
tor fifteen years, and is now .serving his second 
term as the able and popular Mayor of Nauvoo. 



b<'?'"SB='=^ 



I UCIEN S. REID. editor and publisher of 
I C the J?r:'/e'a\ of Dallas City, has the honor of 
l~J being a native of Illinois, his birth having 
occurred in Lamoine Township, McDonough 
County, November 12, i860. His father, Lewis 
G. Reid, was born and reared in Kentucky, and 
in 1834 came to Illinois, locating in Sangamon 
County. He afterward returned to his native 
State, and brought his father's family to the new 
home which he had selected for them. In 1838, 
he removed to Winnebago County, 111., where he 
carried on farming until 1841, when he became a 
resident of Stephenson County, 111. In 1853, ^'^ 
again went to Kentucky, where he remained un- 
til 1858, which year witne.s.sed his arrival in Mc- 
Donough County. Purchasing land in Lamoine 
Township, he there carried on farming until 1882, 
when he removed to Colchester. About i8go, he 
spent a few months in Kansas, and on his return 
he built a home a few miles south of Colchester, 
where he remained until his death. In 1862, he 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was admitted to the Bar, but never engaged in 
law practice to any great extent. In 1 863, he was 
elected to represent his district in the State Leg- 
islature, and in i860 he was elected County Sup- 
ervisor from Lamoine Township. So ably and 
faithfully did he discharge the duties of that office, 
that he was re-elected at each succeeding election, 
until he had been a member of the Board for 
twenty-one years. This record is one of which 
the family may feel justly proud. Upon the con- 
struction of the court house of McDonough 
County, he served as Superintendent of the work. 
He was honored and respected by all who knew 
him for his sterling worth and many excellencies 
of character. Possessing those high attributes 
which won him the esteem of all with whom he 
came in contact, he was a true gentleman of the 
old school, whose courteous demeanor was never 
forgotten under any circumstances; and, incapable 
of baseness, he was the soul of honor. He gen- 
erally carried for\vard to a successful completion 
whatever he undertook, and nothing could tuni 
him from the path of right. As an attorney his 
advice was frequently sought, but his name was 
seldom found upon the court records, for he always 
advised his friends to settle matters peaceably and 
not by litigation. His friends gave him the name 
of "Old Compromise," on account of his very un- 
lawyerhke manner of adju.sting suits. He was 
also known as Capt. Reid, although he was never 
identified with any militar\^ organization. 

In 1843, Mr. Reid was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah H. Moore, a native of Kentucky. 
Two of their children are yet living: Mrs. Annie 
Monteith, of Concord, Ky . ; and Lewis N. , of Mor- 
rill, Kan. In 1857, Mr. Reid wedded Mi.ss Cyrena 
Fristo, whose death occurred in 1875. They be- 
came the parents of six children, three of whom 
now survive: Lucien, our subject; Edward, a res- 
ident of Riverside, Cal. ; and Harry, who is living 
in Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Reid was again mar- 
ried, in 1879, Miss Lucy Tandy becoming his wife. 
She still survives her husband and is yet living in 
McDonough County. 

Lucien S. Reid whose name heads this sketch 
remained upon the old home farm until about 
nineteen years of age, and acquired his early ed- 



ucation in the public schools of the neighborhood. 
He afterward pursued a course of study in Knox 
College of Galesburg. On leaving home he went 
to the West, and for a time worked at the printer's 
trade in Hiawatha, Kan. He afterward went to 
Beatrice, Neb. , where he was employed in a print- 
ing-office for about two years. He then worked 
in the job department of the Omaha //cra/o' for 
about a year, and in 1884 he formed a connection 
with a show, with which he continued for four 
seasons. He then again resumed his trade, which 
he followed in Chicago until 1885, when he pur- 
chased a paper in Blandinsville, 111. After there 
publishing the same for two years and a-half, he 
removed his plant to Dallas City, and has since 
been engaged in the publication of the Review. 

On the i6th of January, 1887, Mr. Reid led to 
the marriage altar Miss Fannie Roberts, a most 
estimable young lady of Colchester, 111., and in 
their new home the young couple have already 
won many friends. In his political views, Mr. 
Reid is Democratic, and socially is connected 
with the Masonic lodge of Blandinsville, the 
Knights of Pythias of Dallas City, Hancock 
Lodge No. 56, and the Modern Woodmen of 
America. He now edits the only indepen- 
dent paper of Dallas City, and it has a large and 
constantly increasing circulation. Through the 
columns of his paper and in other ways, our subject 
aids in the advancement of all enterprises calcu- 
lated to prove of public benefit, for the best in- 
terests of the community ever find in him a friend. 
He has twice served as Mayor of Dallas City and 
proved a capable and efficient officer. 



-S) 



^^ 



i:=_ 



I S. BLISS, who is numbered among the ear- 
I C lie.st settlers of Dallas City, is now serving 
It) as Postmaster. He was born on the 1 5th of 
February-, 1840, in Du Page County, 111., and is 
a son of Moses and Polly (Carpenter) Bliss. The 
family is of English extraction, and the ancestors 
of our subject were among the prominent people 
of England. The father was born in Berkshire, 
Mass. , and spent the days of his boyhood and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



379 



youth upon a farm in that localitj'. At the age 
of eighteen he joined the army and served through- 
out the War of 1812, holding the rank of Cor- 
poral. When his countrj- no longer needed his 
services, he returned to his home in the old Bay 
State, and there married Miss Carpenter, who was 
also a native of Massachusetts, and of English 
extraction. Her father was one of the first set- 
tlers of Chicago, and her great-grandfather, Maj. 
Nathaniel Carpenter, was a prominent officer in 
Washington's army during the Revolutionary 
War. 

The parents of our subject began their domestic 
life in the State of their nativitj', where Mr. Bliss 
carried on farming until 1838, when he came with 
his family to Illinois. Settling in Winfield Town- 
ship, Du Page County, he there pre-empted land, 
and engaged in its cultivation for a number of 
years. At length he removed to Warrenville, in 
the same county, where he spent his remaining 
days in retirement from active business life. His 
death occurred at the ripe old age of seventy-four, 
after which his wife came to Dallas City, where 
she departed this life at the age of eighty-four. 
In their family were nine children, but four of 
the number died in infancy. 

L. S. Bliss was the youngest of the family. He 
was reared upon the old home farm in his native 
county, and remained with his parents until sev- 
enteen years of age, when, wishing to follow 
some other pursuit than that of agriculture, he 
went to Chicago and clerked in a hardware store 
for a number of years. Later he spent four years 
in farming in southern Michigan, and in 1868 
he came to Dallas City, where he has since re- 
sided. For many years he has been engaged in the 
insurance business, and has met with most excel- 
lent succe.ss along this line. He now owns a 
pleasant home in this place, and also .some good 
property in Chicago, all of which represents his 
own parnings and stands as a monument to his 
thrift and enterprise. 

On the 27th of March, 1864, Mr. Bliss was 
united in marriage with Miss Lucy Downey, of 
Michigan, and unto them have been born a 
daughter and a son: Carrie May, who is now the 
wife of William Shain, of Dallas City; and Will- 



iam H. , who is employed as a book-keeper in the 
bank at this place. The family is one widely 
known in the community, and its members hold 
an enviable position in social circles. 

In politics, Mr. Bliss is a stanch Democrat, and 
does all in his power for the advancement and 
growth of his party. He has been honored with 
several local offices, has served as Town Clerk, 
Assessor and City Clerk, and for ten years was 
School Director. For the long period of twenty- 
four years he has been Justice of the Peace, and 
his fidelit}' to duty has won him the commenda- 
tion of all concerned. His life has been well and 
worthily passed, and he possesses those qualities 
which command the respect and esteem of all. 
He has done nuich for the upbuilding of the city, 
and well deserves mention among its early set- 
tlers. 



"^ 



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(=- 



MILAS W. PRENTISS is engaged in general 
?\ farming and stock-raising in Hancock Coun- 
ijy ty, his home being located on section 33, 
Fountain Green Township. Here he owns and 
operates one hundred and fifty-two acres of arable 
and valuable land, the greater part of which is 
now under a high state of cultivation. There are 
good buildings upon the place, and the neat and 
thrifty appearance of the farm indicates the care- 
ful supervision of the owner. In connection with 
the raising of grains adapted to this climate, Mr. 
Prentiss is also engaged in the breeding of fine 
trotting horses. 

Our subject is a native of the community in 
which he still makes his home, his birth having 
occurred on .section 35, Fountain Green Township, 
vSeptember 21, 1842. His father, Daniel Prentiss, 
was a native of Vermont, and by occupation lie 
was a farmer and railroad contractor. In early 
life he followed those pursuits, but after his re- 
moval to Canton, N. Y., he engaged in the lum 
ber business, and also did business as a contractor. 
In 1834 he left the Empire State, and, emigrating 
westward to Illinois, ca.st in his lot with the pio- 
neer settlers of Hancock County. He first made 
his home in Carthage, where he was engaged in 



V' 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



railroad building, but subsequently removed to 
Warsaw, where he did business as a contractor. 
In 1S40 he purchased two hundred acres of laud 
in Fountain Green Township, and was there en- 
gaged in farming until 1848, when he again went 
to Carthage. During the succeeding four years 
of his life, he occupied the position of Superin- 
tendent of the County Poor Farm. From 1852 
until 1866, he carried on agricultural pursuits 
upon his own farm, and then took up his residence 
upon the farm which is now the home of our sub- 
ject. Here he spent his remaining days. His 
death occurred December 29, 1882, and his re- 
mains were interred in Fountain Green Cemeterj-. 
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
a prominent and influential citizen, who.se loss was 
deeply mourned throughout the communit>'. 

After coming to the west, Mr. Prentiss was 
united in marriage with Miss Nancy Hughes. 
She survived her hu.sband for about ten years, and 
passed away at the age of seventy-four years. 
Her death occurred October 17, 1892, and she 
was laid to rest in Fountain Green CemeterJ^ Mr. 
and Mrs. Prentiss were the parents of five chil- 
dren. George W., the eldest, died November 24, 
1 886. He enlisted in the Second Illinois Cavalry 
during the late war, and served throughout the 
struggle, during which time he was promoted to 
the rank of First Lieutenant. Laura is the wife of 
E. E. B. Sawyer, who is engaged in the insurance 
business at Camp Point. Fannie, twin sister of 
Laura, is now the wife of A. W. McCanlass, a 
jewelrj'man of Moberly, Mo. William R. died in 
December, 1885. 

Silas W. Prentiss, whose name heads this rec- 
ord, has always been a resident of Hancock 
County. He grew to manhood under the paren- 
tal roof, and was still at home at the time of his 
enlistment for sen-ice in the late war. Prompted 
by patriotic impulses, on the yth of October, 1861, 
he became a private of Company D, Sixty-fourth 
Illinois Infantry, for a term of three years. He 
was mustered into servdce at Camp Butler, and at 
once went to the South, but in May, 1862, he was 
mustered out on account of physical disability. 
He then returned to his home, but on the ^th of 
March, 1865, he re-enlisted, becoming a member 



of Company D, Eighteenth Regiment of Illinois 
Volunteers. He was sent to Little Rock, Ark., 
where he spent most of the summer, after which 
he was again discharged on account of disability. 
On the 22d of November, 1870, Mr. Prentiss 
was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Mull. 
They have a pleasant home in Fountain Green 
Township, and are surroiuided with all the com- 
forts of life, Mr. Prentiss having gained a hand- 
some competence as the result of his enterprise 
and well-directed efforts. In politics, he has al- 
ways been a stalwart supporter of the Republican 
party and its principles, and keeps himself well 
informed on all the issues of the day, but has never 
sought or desired political preferment. He is in- 
terested in everything pertaining to the welfare 
of the community, and all worthy public enter- 
prises receive his support. Mr. Prentiss has spent 
his entire life in Hancock County, and those who 
have known him from boyhood are numbered 
among his warmest friends, a fact which indicates 
an honorable career. 



_^] 



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-S) 



REUBEN GARNETT, who carries on 
general farming on section 12, St. Mary's 
Township, has the honor of being a native 
of Hancock County. He was born in the town- 
ship which is .still his home June 30, 1839, and is 
a representative of one of the honored pioneer 
families of this section of the State. His paternal 
grandfather, William Garnett, was a native of 
Virginia, and of Welsh descent. For many years 
he resided in Kentuck\', where he engaged in 
farming and milling. His death occurred at the 
age of about seventy years. His family num- 
bered five sons and five daughters, including Joel 
G. Garnett, the father of our subject. The lat- 
ter was born in Boone County, Ky., about twen- 
ty miles below Cincinnati. After arriving at ma- 
ture years, he married Ann E. Graves, a native 
of the same locality, and a daughter of Reuben 
Graves, who was born in Virginia, but went to 
Kentucky with his parents at the age of seven 
years. His father was one of the pioneers of that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORt). 



381 



State, and Reuben there grew to manhood. He 
served as Major of the Kentucky Riflemen in the 
War of 18 1 2, and lived to the advanced age of 
more than ninety years, his death occurring in St. 
Mar\''s. The Graves family was also of Welsh 
origin. 

Joel G. Garnett came to Illinois in 1834, and 
made his home near Quincy until the spring of 
1835, when he took up his residence in St. Mary's 
Township, Hancock County, where he has since 
made his home. He is now in the eightj'-second 
year of his age, but is still enjoying good health. 
While in Kentucky he operated a flourmill for 
some time, and after coming to this State carried 
on a sawmill. He also engaged in general mer- 
chandising in St. Marj''s for a number of j^ears, 
and was Postmaster at that place for a consider- 
able period. His first purchase of land in St. 
Man,-'s Township comprised one kundred and 
sixty acres, to which he afterwards added two 
hundred and forty acres, much of which he entered 
from the Government. The greater part of this he 
has improved, making it a valuable tract. Being 
one of the pioneers, he is numbered among the 
founders of the county, to whom a debt of gratitude 
is due for the help which they have given in open- 
ing up this locality to progress and civilization. He 
is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, as 
was his wife, who died August 14, 1890, at the 
age of seventy -three years. Their family num- 
bered eight children: Mary Elizabeth, wife of B. 
F. Willis, of Reno County, Kan.; W. Reuben; 
Alvira, living with her father; Robert K., of St. 
Mary's Township; James E., of the same town- 
ship; Sarah L., deceased, wife of F. G. Huey; 
Martha O., wife of S. M. Walton, of Plymouth; 
and Willie H., of Furnas County, Neb. 

Our subject was born and reared amid the wild 
scenes of frontier life, and is now living on a farm 
adjoining that on which his birth occurred, and 
which, in fact, was a part of the original tract. He 
remembers seeing the Indians in great numbers 
in St. Mary's, and was at Plymouth when it con- 
tained not more than five hou.ses. There was 
only one house between Carthage and Warsaw, 
and the greater part of the land was still in pos- 
session of the Government. He has witnessed 



almost the entire growth of the county from a wil- 
derness to its present proud development, with 
churches, schools, business interests and a large 
population of intelligent people. 

Mr. Garnett aided in the arduous task of de- 
veloping wild land, and soon became familiar 
with farm life in all of its branches. He gave his 
father the benefit of his services until twenty-four 
\-ears of age, when he was married and started 
out in life for himself On the 22d of October, 
1863, he wedded Miss Agnes, daughter of John 
and Matilda (Rice) Huey. Seven children have 
been born to them: Carrie O., wife of Joseph I. 
Botts, of Plymouth; George F., who married 
Jennie A. Powell, and lives in St. Mary's; Joel A., 
deceased; John E.; Annie M.; William J.; and 
Robert P., deceased. 

The parents are both members of the Missionary 
Baptist Church, take an active interest in its up- 
building, and contribute liberally to its support. 
Mr. Garnett has served as one of the Deacons of 
the church for twenty-seven years. Socially, he is 
connected with the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, and in politics is independent, hold- 
ing himself free to support the man whom he 
thinks best qualified to fill the office, regardless of 
party afliliations. During his entire life he has 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his home 
farm comprises two hundred acres of valuable 
land. His land is under a high .state of cultiva- 
tion and well improved with good buildings, 
which stand as monuments to his thrift and en- 
terprise, for he is a self-made man, who.se pros- 
perity is the reward of his own efforts. 



1=1 



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(^_ 



Gl RGAST .S: BOSSLER are the editors and 
lJ proprietors of The Rustier, of Nauvoo. This 
/ I is one of the leading newspapers of the 
cimnty. The junior member of the firm claims 
this as his native city, his birth having occurred 
here on the 4th of June, 1868. His parents were 
Edward and Margaret (Scherer) Argast. His 
father was a native of Germany, and when a 
>oung man came to the United States, locating in 



382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



St. Louis, Mo., where he made his home until 
the 7th of May, 1861. He then responded to the 
country's call for troops to aid in crushing out the 
rebellion, and enlisted for three months' sendee 
in Company I, Third Mis.souri Reser\'e Corps. 
In July, 1862, he re-enlisted as a member of Com- 
pany F, Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry, was 
made Orderly-Sergeant, and in May, 1863, was 
commissioned Second Lieutenant, which rank he 
held until the close of the war. He participated 
in the engagements at Chickasaw, Arkansas Post, 
Big Black River, the siege of Vicksburg, and the 
battles of Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Missionary- 
Ridge, Ringgold, Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw 
Mountain, Atlanta, Ga., Jonesboro, the famous 
march with Sherman to the sea, and the siege of 
Savannah. In the last-named he received a gun- 
shot wound through the left foot, and was taken 
to a hospital in Cincinnati, where he was forced 
to remain for about three months. His wound 
disabling him for field service, he then went to 
Columbus, Ohio, where he was engaged in light 
duty. He was afterwards ordered to Washing- 
ton, where he took part in the Grand Review and 
then returned to his home. His wife, who was 
also a native of Gennany, is yet living in Nau- 
voo. 

Mr. Argast whose name heads this record ac- 
quired his education in the public schools of his 
native town, and there learned the printer's trade, 
since which time he has continued his connection 
with newspaper work. In 1886, he leased the 
Bhiff Park Journal, of Montrose, Iowa, which he 
conducted for about six months, after which he 
returned to Nauvoo, where he was employed in a 
printing-office until 1887. In the spring of that 
year he again went to Montrose, where he worked 
on a paper for about three months. He was 
next employed in The News office, of Hamilton, 
for a short time, and then attended the Commer- 
cial School of Quincy, until the spring of 1890. 
On the 13th of May of that year, he entered into 
partnership with Mr. Bossier, of Nauvoo, and has 
since been engaged in the publication of The 
Rustler. 

The senior member of the firm was born in this 
city July i, 1863, and is a son of Stephen and 



Anna (Diel) Bossier. His parents were natives 
of Germany, and on coming to America the fa- 
ther located in New Orleans, where he worked at 
the tailor's trade for a time. His next place of 
residence was in St. Louis, and in i860 he came 
to Nauvoo, where his death occurred in 1889. 
His wife is still living in this place. Their son 
was reared under the parental roof, and until four- 
teen years of age attended the common .schools, 
but much of his education has been acquired in a 
printing-office. He began learning his trade in 
Keokuk, and was there emploj-ed for about four 
years, after which he spent six j-ears working 
at his trade in various places. He then re- 
turned to Nauvoo, and the partnership with Mr. 
Argast was formed. Their office is supplied with 
all the latest improved machiner5% steam presses, 
steam folders, etc., and in connection with the 
printing of the paper they do a large job business. 
The editors are wide-awake and enterprising 
young business men, who are rapidly pushing 
their way to the front, and in this, their native 
cit}-, they are held in high regard by a large cir- 
cle of friends. 



l^+^l 



ROBERT MILLER, who is successfully en- 
gaged in general farming and stock-raising 
on section 21, Fountain Green Township, 
was born in Hancock County on the i6th of Au- 
gust, 1844. As his entire life has here been passed, 
he has seen much of the growth and upbuilding 
of this region, and has aided in its development 
and progress. He has always taken an active in- 
terest in those things pertaining to the welfare of 
the community, and may well be numbered among 
the valued citizens, as well as earlj- settlers, of his 
native county. 

Mr. Miller acquired his education in the sub- 
scription and district .schools, to which he had to 
walk a distance of a mile and a-half; but his ad- 
vantages along that line were somewhat limited. 
His training at farm labor, however, was not 
meagre. At an early age he began work in the 
fields, plowing and planting, and in course of tinie 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



383 



became familiar ^vith all the departments of farm 
labor. To his father he gave the benefit of his 
services until after the breaking out of the late 
war, when, at the age of seventeen years, he re- 
sponded to the country's call for troops. On the 
1 8th of July, 1861, he enlisted as a private of 
Company G, Second Illinois Cavalry, and was 
mustered into the United States service at Quincy. 
His first active engagement was at Harrison City, 
Ky. This was followed by the battle of Bolivar, 
Tenn., and the siege of Vicksburg, where he was 
under fire for forty-two days. He also partici- 
pated in the battle of Jackson, Miss., and many 
other engagements of lesser importance. At the 
battle of Holly Springs, on the 20th of December, 
1862, he was wounded by a minie-ball in the right 
arm, above the elbow, the ball lodging in the joint 
of the elbow. He was then placed upon ahorse, 
and, after riding nine miles, spent the night in a 
log cabin, getting no medical assistance until the 
following day. For about four weeks he was 
forced to remain in the regimental hospital at 
Holly Springs. In January, 1863, he was given 
a furlough and returned home, where he re- 
mained until March of that year, when, having 
sufficiently recovered from his wound, he rejoined 
his regiment in L,ouisiana. After the surrender 
of Vicksburg, the troops went to Jackson, Miss. 
On account of disability he was discharged from 
the ser\'ice August 12, 1863. A few months be- 
fore his discharge he was promoted to the rank of 
Corporal . 

Returning to Hancock County, Mr. Miller 
aided in the cultivation of the home farm for 
about fifteen months, and then rented land of his 
father. In 1 87 1 , he removed to the farm on which 
he now resides. It comprises one hundred and 
sixty acres of good land, and he is successfully 
engaged in its cultivation and in stock-raising. 
The place is well improved, for he devotes the 
greater part of his time and attention to its culti- 
vation. 

In 1863, Mr. Miller was united in marriage 
with Miss Frances Grotte. In politics, he is a 
supporter of the Republican party and its princi- 
ples, but is not an office-seeker, preferring to give 
his entire time to business interests. He is, how- 



ever, a friend to all public enterprises which are 
calculated to advance the best interests of the com- 
munity and promote the general welfare. He is 
the same loyal citizen in days of peace as he was 
in the time of war, when he faithfully followed 
the Old Flag that now proudly floats over the 
united nation. 



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t^" 



r~REDERICK A. WIESENER, proprietor of 
r^ a furniture store at Nauvoo, is a young man, 
I but is recognized as one of the enterprising 
and progressive merchants of the place. He is a 
native of the city, born June 11, 1869. His par- 
ents were Philip and Catherine (Gethelman) 
Wiesener, and their family numbered seven chil- 
dren, of whom Frederick A. is the eldest. Four 
of the number are now decea.sed, and the others are 
Mar3% who resides in Iowa; and Annie, still at 
home. 

The father of this family was born in Gasloe, 
Germany, June 15, 1830, and in his youth there 
learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He located in 
Missouri in 1852, having in that year emigrated 
to America. His first business undertaking in 
this countrj' was as a dealer in furniture, and he 
carried on operations along that line until i86i, 
when he entered the serv'ice of his country. At 
the first call for troops to aid in crushing out the 
rebellion, he donned the blue and enlisted for three 
months' sen'ice. In 1862, he came to Nauvoo, 
where he worked at the cooper's trade, making 
wine ca.sks, imtil the .spring of 1863, when he em- 
barked in the furniture and undertaking business, 
which he successful!}- conducted until October, 
1893. He then sold out to his son and has since 
lived a retired life. His wife, who was a native 
of Nauvoo, died in this city on the ist of July, 
1882. 

In the common .schools, Frederick A. Wiesener 
acquired a good English education, and then pur- 
sued a business course of study in Quincy, 111. 
At the age of twenty he left home and went to 
Chicago, where he secured a position as stockman 
with the Empire Bedstead Company. He steadily 



384 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



worked his way upward with that company until 
he became assistant manager, and his connection 
with that firm was continued until their failure in 
the spring of 1893. He then became general 
salesman in the employ of A. H. Revell & Co., 
of Chicago, with whom he continued until the ist 
of October, 1893, when he came to Nauvoo and 
succeeded his father as proprietor of a furniture 
store in this place. 

On the i6th of April, 1891, Mr. Wiesener and 
Miss Annie Cyrtmus, of Chicago, were united in 
marriage, and by their iniion has been born a 
daughter, Hazel Annie. The young couple have 
a pleasant home in Xauvoo, and are numbered 
among the leading peoijle of the community. 

Mr. Wiesener now carries quite a large line of 
furniture and carpets, and does an undertaking 
business. He pos.ses.ses energj-, industry and 
perseverance, qualities essential to success, and 
we predict for him a pro.sperous future. He also 
has the respect of all who know him. 



-=] 



^r^ 



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(TOHN H. BULLOCK, who is engaged in 
I farming on section 10, Fountain Green 
O Township, and who is now serving as Justice 
of the Peace, was born in Ontario, Canada, on 
the i5tli of Februarj', 1838, and is one of five 
children whose parents were William and Chris- 
tina (McDougal) Bullock. Catherine, the eldest 
child, died in Denver, Colo. ; Thomas A. is now 
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fountain 
Green Township, Hancock County; John H. is 
the next younger; Andrew R. is a dealer in fine 
racehorses in La Harpe; and James S. is a farmer 
of Hancock Township, Hancock County. 

When our subject was a child of only four 
years, his parents left their Canadian home and 
with their family emigrated to Illinois, settling in 
Nauvoo, Hancock County. In the spring of 1843 
they removed to Fountain Green Township, and 
John H. Bullock has here since made his home. 
He was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier, 
and with the family shared in the hardships and 
experiences of a pioneer life. His education was 



acquired partly in the district schools, and, to a 
limited extent, he attended a private .school. He 
thus became familiar with the common branches, 
and by reading and observation he has become a 
well-informed man. He continued to engage in 
the cultivation of the home farm until after the 
breaking out of the late war, when, prompted by 
patriotic impulses, he responded to his countr>-'s 
call for troops. 

It was on the 19th of July, 1861, that Mr. 
Bullock enlisted, becoming a member of Company 
G, Second Illinois Cavalrj-. He was sworn into 
service on the 1 2th of August following, and in 
the autumn he went to the front with his regi- 
ment, which was engaged in scouting and forag- 
ing duty during most of the time. He participated 
in the siege of Vicksburg under Gen. Grant, to- 
gether with all of the engagements of that cam- 
paign, and after the surrender of Pemberton he 
was transferred to the command of Gen. Banks. 
He took part in the expedition into western 
Louisiana, where several battles occurred, and 
went on the Red River expedition, after which he 
returned to Baton Rouge, where his regiment did 
scouting duty throughout the summer. At that 
place he was mustered out on the nth of August, 
1864, after three years of faithful and meritorious 
ser\'ice. 

Returning to his home, Mr. Bullock then con- 
tinued farming until the autumn of 1874, when 
he started westward and went to California, spend- 
ing a year on the Pacific Slope, in the hope of 
benefiting his health, which had become impaired. 
In the summer of 1875 he returned, and in 1877 and 
1878 he worked on the Chester Penitentiarj', be- 
ing thus employed until its completion, when he 
was appointed one of its keepers. That position 
he filled for some time, but at length resigned and 
came home. 

On the loth of February, 1887, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Bullock and Miss Linda J. 
McConnell, a native of Hancock County. Three 
children were born to them: Mary E., John H., 
and one sim who died in infancy. In politics, 
our subject has always been a stalwart Republican 
since casting his first Presidential vote for Abra- 
ham Lincoln in 1S61. He warmly advocates the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



385 



principles of his party, and has the courage of his 
convictions. He has been honored with a num- 
ber of local offices, having ser\-ed for ten j-ears as 
Township Supervisor, for one term as Tax Col- 
lector, and for one term as Assessor. In the 
spring of 1893 he was elected Justice of the 
Peace, which position he is now creditably and 
acceptably filling. He has always been true to 
his public duties as well as to private trusts, and 
has therefore won the high commendation of all 
concerned. Socially, he is connected with the 
Masonic fraternity, holding membership with La 
Harpe Lodge No. 195, A. F. & A. M.; and La 
Harpe Chapter No. 134, R. A. M.; together with 
Augusta Commandery, K. T. For a half-century 
Mr. Bullock has resided in Fountain Green Town- 
ship. He has witnessed the greater part of the 
growth and development of the county, and in all 
po-ssible %vays he has aided in its development, 
taking a commendable interest in everything that 
pertains to its welfare. We are glad to give liim 
a place in this volume among the honored pio- 
neers. 



"S) 



^^^ 



(=" 



(Tames M. glass, one of the honored vet- 
I erans of the late war, who is successfully en- 
G/ gaged in general farming on section 19, 
Fountain Green Township, Hancock County, is 
a native of the Keystone State. He was born 
near Path Valley, in Franklin County, Pa., June 
26, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Rachel 
(Marshall) Glass. In their family were seven 
children, six sons and a daughter, namely: Robert, 
James M., George W., John, Sarah, Wesley and 
Silas. 

When our .subject was only a year old, his par- 
ents left the Ea.st and emigrated with their familj- 
to Hancock County, 111., settling in Fountain 
Green Township, where he grew to manhood on 
the farm. The educational advantages which he 
received were those afforded by the subscription 
schools of the neighborhood. He had to walk 
two and a-half miles to school, and was then 
permitted to attend only through the winter .sea- 
son, for his labor was needed upon the farm dur- 



ing the summer months. He attended school 
until twent)- years of age, and remained with his 
father until twenty -tivo years of age, when he be- 
gan working in his own interest as a fann hand. 
Later he rented land, which he operated until en- 
tering the service of his countn,-. during the late 
war. 

On the 20th of July, 1861, Mr. Gla.ss re.sponded 
to President Lincoln's call for troops, being one of 
the first volunteers to become a member of Com- 
pany G, Second Illinois Cavalry. At Quincy, 
111., he was mustered into .service, and from there 
he was sent to the front. He participated in a 
number of important engagements, including the 
battle of Holly Springs, the siege of Mcksburg, 
and the battles of Memphis and Jackson. He 
then returned to Vicksburg, whence he went to 
New Orleans, took part in the Red River Cam- 
paign, and then returned to the Crescent City. 
He rose from the ranks to the position of Corporal, 
and was afterwards made a Sergeant. When his 
three-years term had expired he was honorably 
discharged, on the nth of August, 1864, and was 
mustered out at Springfield, on the 24th of the 
same month. 

Mr. Glass then returned to his home in Han- 
cock County, and purcha.sed thirty acres of land 
on section 19, Fountain Green Township, where 
his house now stands. By additional purchase, 
however, he has added to the tract from time to 
time, until he now owns one hundred and twenty- 
seven acres of rich and arable land, which is 
under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
pro\ed. He now carries on general farming, and 
has been quite successful in his business dealings. 

On the 15th of April, 1866, Mr. Glass was 
united in marriage with Miss Martha B. Kerr. 
Their union was ble.ssed with one child, Marion 
B., who died in infancy-. The mother was called 
to her final rest on the 13th of June, 1867. On 
the iSth of August, 1S71, Mr. Glass was again 
married, his second union being with Miss Sarah 
E. Parker, daughter of William and Mary M. 
(Young) Parker. Two children grace this union: 
Lula A., wife of I. F. Robinson; and Grace M., 
who is .still with her parents. 

In his political views, Mr. Glass is a stalwart 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Republican, and warmlj^ advocates the principles 
of that party, but has never sought or desired 
public office. Socially, he is connected with the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and with La Harpe 
Lodge No. 195, A. F. & A. M. His wife holds 
membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
This worthy couple are well-known people of the 
community, and in social circles they hold an en- 
viable position. Mr. Glass is a faithful citizen, 
who manifests the same loyalty to his country in 
days of peace as he did when following the Old 
Flag on southern battlefields. 



_=5 



^+^1 



IS] 



0COTT G. LIONBERGER, who owns and 
Ny operates two hundred and forty-six acres of 
Q) valuable land on section 6, Fountain Green 
Township, Hancock Countj-, is a worthy repre- 
sentative of one of the honored pioneer families of 
this locality. The farm upon which he now re- 
sides is one which his father located at a verj' 
earl}^ day. His parents were Hamilton and Eliza 
Lionberger, and their family numbered four chil- 
dren: John, who died on the ist of January, 
1854; Scott, who was the second in order of birth; 
Carlos A., a farmer residing in Memphis, Mo.; 
and Carolina, wife of George Schacklett, who is 
living in Memphis. The mother of this family 
was called to her final rest on the 30th of April, 
1890. 

Scott G. Lionberger is a native of Hancock 
County, his birth having occurred on section 4, 
Pilot Grove Township, on the 2 2d of November, 
1854. He was born and reared on the old home 
farm, attended the district schools of the neigh- 
borhood and completed his education in the schools 
of Carthage. When twenty- four years of age he 
left the parental roof and .started out in life for 
himself. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
and has always given his time and attention to 
farm work. He rented the old homestead and 
continued its cultivation until after his father's 
death, when he purchased a farm of two hundred 
and forty -six acres, upon which his father had 
located shortly after coming to this count)-. It is 



a rich and valuable tract on section 6, Fountain 
Green Township, and in return for his care and 
cultivation the well-tilled fields yield to him 
a golden tribute. He carries on general farming 
and stock-raising, and in his undertakings is very 
successful. 

An important event in the life of Mr. Lionber- 
ger occurred on the 24th of March, 1880, when 
was celebrated his marriage with Miss Fannie 
Parker, daughter of William and Mary M. 
(Young) Parker. Three children have been 
born of this union, Loj*, Hubert E. and Mary, 
and the family circle yet remains unbroken. The 
parents are well-known people of this commu- 
nity. Their home is noted for its hospitality, and 
they have many warm friends in the neighbor- 
hood. Socially, Mr. Lionberger is a member of 
the Odd Fellows' society, and his wife holds mem- 
bership with the Presbyterian Church. He ex- 
ercises his right of franchise in support of the 
Democratic party, but has never sought or de- 
sired the honors or emoluments of public office. 
The best interests of the community ever find in 
him a friend, one who is ready to aid in the pro- 
motion of all enterprises which are calculated to 
prove of public benefit. Having always lived in 
Hancock County, Mr. Lionberger is widely 
known, and those with whom he has been ac- 
quainted since his youth are numbered among his 
stanchest friends, a fact which indicates a well- 
spent life. 



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"" LKANAH MESECHER. The agricultural 
^ interests of Hancock County are well repre- 
__ sented by this gentleman, who is recognized 
as one of the leading farmers of La Harpe Town- 
ship. He resides on section 33, where he owns a 
good fann, well improved and cultivated. He 
was born in Durham Township on the 20th of Au- 
gust, 1843, and is a son of James Mesecher, who 
was born in Ohio County, W. Va., on the nth 
of October, 1809. Upon leaving his native State, 
he removed to Athens County, Ohio, and thence 
to Morgan County, 111. Later, he came to Han- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



387 



cock County, and settled in Durham Township. 
On the I ith of Januan-, 1839, he married Panthea, 
daughter of WilHam Huston, and to them were 
boni five children, but one died in infancy. Those 
still living are: Elkanah, of this sketch: Paralee, 
wife of Martin A Bright, a farmer residing near 
Fall City, Richardson County, Neb. ; William R., 
a resident farmer of Henderson County; and Al- 
gernon, who also carries on agricultural pursuits 
in Henderson Countj'. 

Elkanah Mesecher spent the days of his boy- 
hood and youth in work upon the home farm, and 
in attendance at the di.strict schools of the neigh- 
borhood, where his education was acquired. Dur- 
ing the late war his father enlisted in Company 
A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, 
under Capt. T. J. Campbell, September 15, 1861, 
and with the troops went to Camp Butler, where 
he contracted pneumonia. He was then granted 
a furlough, and returned home, but as soon as he 
was better he started to rejoin liis regiment, and 
died at Memphis, Tenn., March 30, 1862. His 
wife passed away on the 23d of October, 1864, 
and as our subject was the eldest of the family, the 
care of the younger children devolved upon him. 

Mr. Mesecher resided on the old homestead un- 
til 1866, when he removed to a farm in Pilot 
Grove Township, which he continued to operate 
for four years. In 1870 he purchased the north- 
west quarter of section 34, La Harpe Town.ship, 
and upon that farm he resided for twenty-two 
years. In 1882 he purchased one hundred and 
ten acres on section 33, and in 1891 purchased 
eighty acres on the same section. To this farm 
he removed in the latter year, and still makes it 
his home. 

On the 2 2d of February, 1866, Mr. Mesecher was 
united in marriage with Rebecca M. Butler, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Baxter and Lucinda (Youngerj 
Butler, of Durham Township. They were natives 
of Muskingum County, Ohio, the former born 
June 5, 1818, and the latter August 3, 1822. The 
wedding ceremony was performed January 12, 
1843, and they became the parents of three chil- 
dren: Rebecca, who was born February 5, 1844; 
Aman O., who was born September n, 1847, 
and died March 13, 1849; and Jane, who was 



born May 12, 1850, became the wife of Isaac 
Sears, of Durham Township, Hancock County, 
and died in April, 1868. Mr. Butler was a car- 
penter by trade, but later in life lie turned his at- 
tention to farming. In the spring of 1863 he 
purchased two hundred and thirty acres of land 
in Durham Township, and in October following 
moved his family to the new home. Here he re- 
sided until his death, which occurred June i, 1876. 
His wife died in Muskingum County December 
20, 1 85 1. He was a Whig in politics until 1856, 
when he joined the ranks of the new Republican 
party. A well-educated man, and one who was 
deeply interested in the welfare of the comnuuiity, 
he was recognized as a valued citizen of Hancock 
County. 

Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Mesecher, two sons and two daughters: Edward 
A., who is engaged in farming on section 34, La 
Harpe Town.ship; Lulu B., Samuel H. and Daisy 
D. The family has a plea.sant home, and its mem- 
bers are leading people of the community. All 
save one hold membership with the Christian 
Church. Our subject is a member of Bristol 
Lodge No. 653, I. O. O. F., of La Harpe, and of 
the Mutual Aid Society. He cast his first Pres- 
idential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and 
has since supported the men and measures of the 
Republican party. For nine years he has ser\-ed 
as School Director, but has never been an office- 
seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention 
to his business interests, in which he has met 
with good success. 



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(TOHN CALVIN BROWN, who carries on 
I general fanning and stock-raising on section 
(2/ 3, Sonora Township, Hancock County, claims 
Pennsylvania as the .State of his nativity, for he 
was born in Dayton County, on the 27th of No- 
vember, 1833. On the paternal side the family 
is of German lineage. His parents, John and 
Sarah (Sipherdj Brown, were both natives of the 
Keystone State, and there lived until after attain- 
ing to mature years. In 1844, accompanied by 



388 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his family, the father removed to Ohio, locating 
in Summit, where he owned and operated a large 
stoneware factory. There he made his home 
until i860, when he removed to Knoxville, 111. 
In 1861, he came to Hancock County, andlocated 
on section 3, Sonora Township, where he pur- 
chased a good fann of three hundred and twent}' 
acres. He then carried on agricultural pursuits 
until his death, which occurred July 10, 1879. 
He was laid to rest in Nauvoo Cemetery and many 
friends mourned his loss. Mr. Brown held mem- 
bership with the Masonic order, and in politics 
was a Democrat. He was elected and served as 
Justice of the Peace and School Treasurer, and 
was also President of the Appanoose and Sonora 
Fire Insurance Companies. His wife still sur\-ives 
him, and has reached the ripe old age of eighty- 
six years. In their family were six children; 
Michael, who died in 1880; John C. of this sketch; 
Catherine, who died in 1875; I^uther A., a farmer 
of Sonora Township; Sipherd, a lumber-dealer of 
Des Moines, Iowa; and William H., who is living 
near Wichita, Kan. 

Mr. Brown whose name lieads this notice was 
only about eleven years of age when with his 
parents he removed to Ohio. Under his father's 
direction he learned the potter's trade, and with 
the family he came to Hancock County in 1861. 
At the age of twenty years he began life for him- 
self, and has since been dependent upon his own 
resources, so that whatever success he has achieved 
is due entirely to his own efforts. The educational 
privileges which he received were those afforded 
by the subscription and district .schools. 

On the 13th of November, 1853, Mr. Brown 
was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Schrop, 
daughter of Michael and Maria (Geesler) Schrop. 
Three children have been born to them: George 
W. , who is now living in Des Moines, Iowa ; Alice, 
wife of William Dayton, of Des Moines; and Min- 
nie, wife of William Couloy, of Nauvoo. 

Mr. Brown has long been numbered among the 
honored and highly respected citizens of this com- 
munity, and has frequently t)een called to posi- 
tions of public trust. For fourteen years he serv^ed 
as Township Clerk, and for fifteen years has ser\'ed 
as Justice of the Peace. His long continuance in 



these offices indicates his fidelity to duty and the 
confidence reposed in him. He supports the 
Democratic party. He was also President of the 
Appanoose and Sonora Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company, and is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. A public-spirited and progressive citizen, 
his hearty support and co-operation are given to 
all enterprises which are calculated to prove of 
public benefit. 



I 



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'HOMAS G. WRIGHT, one of the extensive 
land-owners of Hancock County, who is 
now living on section 34, Fountain Green 
Tovvnship, is one of the honored pioneers of the 
community, for his birth occurred in the township 
which is still his home, on the 9th of May, 1836. 
His father, Hickerson Wright, was a native of 
Tennessee, and was of vScotch-Irish descent. He 
married Leatha Donahue, and they became the 
parents of twelve children, eight sons and four 
daughters, namely: Arizela, S. A., Martha, S. M., 
H. P., Ba.sil, H. D., Thomas G., Leatha J., 
Charlie G., Cynthia, and one who died in infancy. 
The father of this family followed agricultural 
pursuits throughout life. He was reared to man- 
hood on the old homestead farm in Kentucky, 
and there remained until coming to Illinois, in 
1830. Hoping to benefit his financial condition, 
he emigrated to this State, and cast in his lot 
with the early .settlers of Hancock County, locat- 
ing on section 29, Fountain Green Township, 
where he secured eighty acres of land from the 
Government, paying the usual price of $1.25 per 
acre. He at once erected a log cabin and began 
the develoi)ment and cultivation of the hitherto 
wild land. He spent his remaining days upon 
that farm, and as his financial resources were in- 
creased he extended its boiuidaries, until three 
hundred and eighty acres were comprised within 
its borders. Aprominent and influential citizen, he 
took an active and leading part in all that per- 
tained to the development of the county and its 
best interests, aiding in organizing Fountain Green 
Township and in laying out the roads. The .sue- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



389 



cess which attended his business career is due to 
his own efforts, for he began life empty-handed, 
and b}' perseverance and good management 
steadily worked his way upward. He exercised 
his right of franchise in support of the Demo- 
cratic party. On the 8th of January, 1877, he 
passed away, and was laid to rest in the family 
burj^ing-ground on the old homestead. He long 
sur\-ived his wife, who died on the loth of May, 
1846, and was buried in the same cemetery. 

Mr. Wright whose name heads this record was 
reared on the old home farm, and with the family 
shared in all the experiences and hardships of life 
on the frontier. His education was acquired in 
the old-time log schoolhouse, and he often had to 
go seven miles to school, making the journey on 
horseback. He continued under the parental 
roof until twenty-two years of age, when he left 
home and started for New York Citj-, from 
whence he made his way by steamer to San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. Locating in Scott's Vallej-, he was 
there engaged in mining, and also in the liverj' 
business and in blacksmithing. He spent about 
three )-ears on the Pacific vSlope, and returned to 
Illinois in 1861. After a short time, however, he 
again went to the Golden State. This time the 
trip was made overland, he reaching his destina- 
tion after four months of travel. He has made 
the journey to California twice by water and 
twelve times across the country. In the Golden 
State he continued to make his home until 1874, 
when he returned to the county of his nativity. 

In 1869, Mr. Wright had purchased the farm 
upon which he now resides, a tract of two hundred 
and forty acres, and locating thereon he has since 
devoted his time and attention to its cultivation. 
Other purchases he has made, and his landed pos- 
sessions now aggregate five hundred and fifty - 
seven acres. He carries on general farming and 
stock-raising, and is recognized as one of the suc- 
cessful agriculturists of the connnunity. Prac- 
tical and jirogressive, his farm is well developed 
and improved with all modem accessories and 
conveniences. 

In the month of October, 1861, Mr. Wright 
was united in marriage with Miss Adeline Ford- 
ham. Bv this union two children were born: 



Eva, the wife of Charles B. Coleman; and Bennett, 
who is now deceased. Mr. Wright's second wife 
was Kitty Wi.se, by whom he had two children, 
Thomas and Grace, who are living with their fa- 
ther, their mother having died November 4, 
18S9. The present wife of our subject was for- 
merly Miss Ada Parker. Their marriage was 
celebrated July 2, 1890. By this union two chil- 
dren were born. One died in infancy, and the 
other, Henrj- by name, completes the family. 

In his political views, Mr. Wright has always 
been a supporter of Democratic principles, but has 
never sought or desired public ofiRce, preferring to 
devote his entire attention to his business inter- 
ests. His trips to tlie West proved very success- 
ful. He possesses good business and executive 
ability, and as a result he has acquired a hand- 
some property. Coming back, he took up farm- 
ing in his native county, and is now recognized 
as one of the substantial agriculturists of the com- 
munity. 



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^5^^TH HOWD, who carries on general farm- 
rSk ing on .section 15, Pilot Grove Town.ship. 
IjJ/ Hancock County, has here made his home 
.since 1864. When he first located upon his pres- 
ent farm, it comprised only ninety acres, but he 
has extended its boundaries from time to time un- 
til now two hundred and ten acres of arable land 
pay to him a golden tribute in return for the care 
and cultivation he bestows upon it. He also owns 
one hundred and forty acres elsewhere. 

Mr. Howd was born in Oneida Count}-, N. Y., 
December 18, 1827, and is a son of Isaac C. and 
Annie (Johnson) Plowd, both of whom were na- 
tives of Connecticut. The father was of Scotch, and 
the mother was of Gennan and Scotch, lineage. 
Their family numbered nine children, si.x sons 
and three daughters, namely: An.son, who died in 
infancy; Edmund, who died in 1849; Joel, who 
died March 2, 1888; Otis, who died in childhood; 
Betsy, who died in 1855; vSmith, of this sketch; 
Julius C, a ranchman living near Salem, Ore.; 
Julia C, twin sister of Julius, wife of E. B. 



390 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Huckins, of Carthage, 111.; and Eveline A., who 
died in 1862. In early life the father of this fam- 
ih' engaged in school teaching, but afterward fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming as a means of 
livelihood. He passed away in 1856, and his wife 
departed this life in 1832. 

Born and reared on his father's farm, our sub- 
ject early became familiar with the duties of agri- 
cultural life. He accompanied his parents on 
their removal to Pennsylvania, from whence they 
came to Hancock County in 1837. The trip 
westward was made by an ox -team, and inconse- 
quence their progress was very slow. Smith was 
then a lad of ten years. He grew to manhood 
amid the \vild scenes of the frontier, and is very 
familiar with the historj' of pioneer life in this lo- 
cality. His education was acquired in the old- 
time subscription schools, which were held in a 
log cabin, and to which he had to walk a distance 
of two and a-half miles. Although his advantages 
were not of the best, he has made himself a well- 
informed man by reading and observation, and in 
the school of experience has acquired a practical 
knowledge. On attaining his majority he started 
out to make his own way in the world, and began 
working as a farm hand, in which capacity he was 
employed for a few months. He then began farm- 
ing in his own intere.st, and purchased forty acres 
ofland on section 16, Pilot Grove Township, which 
he still owns, and upon which he lived until the 
spring of 1854. 

In that year, Mr. Howd started for California. 
He left Pontoosuc, crossed the Missouri River at 
Council Bluffs, and then with ox-teams continued 
on his journey. He had left home on the 25th of 
April, and on Christmas Eve reached his destina- 
tion, San Bernardino. The next year he went to 
San Joaquin, where he began prospecting and 
mining. Thence to Mariposa, where he followed 
mining. He succeeded in gathering together not 
a little of the precious dust, and altogether the trip 
was a successful one. He remained on the Pacific 
Slope until 1863, when he returned home by way 
of the ocean route and New York City. Since 
that time he has continuously made his home in 
Hancock County. In the year after his return 
he purchased a part of his present farm, and has 



since made his home thereon. In connection with 
the cultivation of his land he engages in stock- 
raising, and his business is proving to him a prof- 
itable source of income. 

On the 4th of Julj-, 1864, a marriage ceremony 
was performed which united the de.stinies of Mr. 
Howd and Miss Catherine Yetter. Their union 
has been bles.sed with seven children: Olive J. , who 
died in 1865; Emma, wife of Albert Houseman, 
who resides in Burnside; Martin C, who is en- 
gaged in school teaching, and who married Edith 
Thornburg; Flora B., engaged in teaching, at 
home; and Joel J., John B. and Albert O., all of 
whom are still with their parents. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Houseman one child, Smith, Mr. Howd's 
only grandchild, has been born. 

Mr. Howd holds membership with the Masonic 
fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Burn- 
side. The best interests of the community always 
find in him a friend, one ever ready to aid in the 
promotion of all enterprises calculated to advance 
the general welfare. His career has been a pros- 
perous one, owing to his industry, resolute char- 
acter and good management. He has met with 
obstacles, but by determined effort has overcome 
these, and has steadily worked his way upward to 
success. Those who know him esteem him highly 
for his sterling worth, and we feel assured that 
tliis sketch will prove of interest to his many 
friends and acquaintances throughout the count}-. 



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gEORGE C. WAGGENER, a retired farmer 
now residing on section 31, Pilot Grove 
Township, has been one of the industrious 
and enterprising citizens of Hancock County, and 
as the result of his perseverance and well-directed 
efforts acquired a competence which now enables 
him to lay aside business cares. His success is 
well deserved, for it is the just reward of his la- 
bors. 

As Mr. Waggener is widely and favorably 
known in this community, we feel assured that the 
record of his life will prove of interest to many of 
our readers. A native of Kentucky, he was bom 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



393 



in Jefferson County, near Louisville, April 6, 
1817, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (O'Neil) 
Waggener. The father was a native of \'irginia, 
and as a means of livelihood he ahva\-s followed 
farming. His death occurred in Kentucky, and 
his wife also passed away in that State. They 
were the parents of three children, a son and 
two daughters: George C, of this sketch; Marj- 
E., deceased: and EUesif, wife of B. G. Ander- 
son. 

ITpon his father's farm, Mr. Waggener, our 
subject, spent the days of his boyhood and youth. 
His education was acquired in the old-time sub- 
scription .schools, which were held in a log school- 
house, to which he walked a distance of three and 
a-half miles. He has added greatly to his knowl- 
edge, however, by reading and business experi- 
ence, becoming a well-informed man. He con- 
tinued under the parental roof until seventeen 
j'ears of age, and in 1837 he emigrated to Illinois. 
The trip westward was made by team, and he 
chose Hancock County as the scene of his future 
labors. After renting land in Carthage Town- 
ship, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
of land on section 31, Pilot Grove Township, a 
wild and unimproved tract, whereon not a furrow 
had been turned. He erected a log cabin 18x26 
feet, and in that primitive home lived for several 
years in true pioneer style. This connnunity was 
then but sparsely settled. There was only one 
house between his home and the Mississippi 
River, and the Indians often visited the neigh- 
borhood, but they were usually friendly in their 
relations with the white people. Warsaw was 
the nearest market-place, and the prices that 
could be obtained for farm produce were very low, 
corn selling for six cents per bushel and wheat for 
twenty-five. Mr. Waggener was also actively 
interested in the Mormon War, being a strong 
opponent of that sect. He lived upon the farm 
where he first located until 1851, when he re- 
moved to another tract of unimproved land, where 
he resided until 1872. The succeeding year he 
passed in Burnside, and then purchased the farm 
on which he now resides, an eighty-acre tract on 
section 31, Pilot Grove Town,ship. 

On the 6th of Augu.st, 1835, Mr. Waggener 
20 



was united in marriage with Miss Mar>- F. An- 
derson, daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (Bullock) 
Anderson. The lady is a native of Kentuckj% 
and there spent the days of her maidenhood. 
Six children have been born unto our subject and 
his wife, namely: James N., who now resides in 
Carthage; William J., who is living in Mis.souri; 
Jasper B., who is engaged in the banking busi- 
ness in Missouri; George, who died in infancy; 
Sarah, wife of Charles Thompson, a pro.sperous 
agriculturist of Pilot Grove Township; and Marj- 
O., who is living at home. 

Mr. Waggener cast his first Presidential vote 
for Heiir}- Clay, and since the organization of the 
Republican party has been one of its stanch .sup- 
porters. He has served in the ofiice of Justice of 
the Peace, but has never sought political prefer- 
ment. He and his wife are members of the Bap- 
tist Church, and this worthy couple have the high 
regard of all who know them. Mr. Waggener 
may truly be called a self-made man, for he started 
out in life a poor boy, and is now the possessor of 
a handsome competence. 



QOSEPH MORRIS MARTIN, who for many 
I years was one of the most prominent and 
(2/ best-known citizens of Macomb, was boni 
near Troy, Miami Count}', Ohio, on the 6th of 
January, 1823, and was a son of Abia and Sarah 
Martin. When he was only four years old his 
parents removed to Indiana, settling in Mont- 
gomery County. His educational privileges were 
very limited, being confined to two years' atten- 
dance at the district schools; but he read exten- 
sively and became familiar with the be.st literature, 
as well as with all the current topics of the day. 
Few men of the community in which he made his 
home had a better general knowledge. He 
worked upon a farm until seventeen years of age, 
when, with the family, he removed to Thorntown, 
Ind. At the age of eighteen he went to Craw- 
fordsville, Ind., where he began learning the car- 
penter's trade, which he followed throughout the 
remainder of his life. 



394 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



On the loth of February, 1845, in Indiana, Mr. 
Martin married Miss Henrietta Gerard Westfall, 
who was born near Troy, Ohio, March 18, 1823, 
and is a daughter of Levi and Margaret Westfall. 
For almost fifty years they traveled life's journey 
together. Unto them were born eight children: 
Harriet L., wife of S. J. Clarke, who is engaged 
in the publishing business in Chicago; Edgar P., 
a contractor and builder of Macomb; Edwin, who 
was a twin brother of Edgar, and died in infancy; 
Fielding O., who is now engaged in farming near 
Lincoln, Neb.; Isaac M., who is engaged in the 
practice of medicine in La Harpe; Henrietta, wife 
ofT. B. Campbell, of Bushnell; Charles, who is 
engaged in farming near Lincoln; and Mary E., 
who died on the 20th of May, 1881. 

In 1848, Mr. Martin started with his family for 
Illinois, and on the i st of November reached Ma- 
comb, where he made his home throughout the 
remainder of his life. He engaged in contracting 
and building in that city, and his excellent work- 
maiLship and his fidelity to the terms of his con- 
tracts soon won him a large share of the business 
of the place. He did much toward building up 
the town, both in the line of his trade and in other 
ways. He was always recognized as one of its 
leading and best citizens, and held a number of 
its offices. On several different occasions he 
served as Mayor of the city, and for a number of 
years was a member of the Board of Education. 
His public duties were discharged in a prompt 
and able manner, that won him the respect of even 
tho.se oppo-sed to him politically. In his early life 
he was a Democrat, and then became a Whig. 
In 1856, he supported John C. Fremont, and from 
that time was ever a stalwart Republican, who 
took a deep interest in the issues of the day. Few 
men were better informed on political questions 
than he. Socially, Mr. Martin was a prominent 
Mason, and attained to a high degree in that or- 
der. For many years he ser\'ed as Secretary of 
the Royal Arch Chapter of Macomb, and contin- 
ued his membership with it until the last. In re- 
ligious belief, he was a Universalist, and did much 
for the upbuilding and support of the church with 
which he held membership. He died at the old 
home where he had so long resided Februarj- 2 1 , 



1893, and with the honors of Masonry he was laid 
to rest in Oak wood Cemetery. He was noted for 
his justice, and his strict adherence to what he be- 
lieved to be right, and his honorable, straightfor- 
ward career won him the respect of all with whom 
he was brought in contact. Mrs. Martin now 
makes her home in Bushnell with her daughter, 
Mrs. Campbell. 



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WILLIAM W. Mcculloch, one of the 
self-made men of Hancock County, who is 
now engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising on sections 18 and 19, Fountain Green 
Township, has the honor of being a native of this 
county, for his birth occurred in Pilot Grove 
Township, January 20, 1845. His parents were 
William H. and Mary (Nicholson) McCuUoch, 
tlie fonner a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and 
the latter of England. The father was reared in 
his native city, acquired a good education in 
the common schools, and remained in Scotland 
until 1830, when, bidding adieu to friends and na- 
tive land, he sailed for America, landing in Bos- 
ton, Mass. For .some time he there made his 
home, earning his living by work in the cotton 
factories. After .seven years spent in Boston, he 
left the Bay State for Illinois, making the trip 
westward by water. At length he reached Han- 
cock County, and cast in his lot among the early 
settlers of Pilot Grove Township. 

Here Mr. McCulloch took up agricultural pur- 
suits. Purchasing a tract of unimproved land, 
he erected thereon a log cabin, and began the de- 
velopment of a farm. Upon the once raw prairie 
the furrows were soon turned, crops were planted, 
and in course of time abundant har\-ests were 
garnered. Mr. McCulloch continued the culti- 
vation of that farm until 1855, when he sold out 
and purchased land in Pilot Grove Township, 
where he continued to make his liome until 1864. 
In that year he came to Fountain Green Town- 
ship, and within its borders he carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits until his deatli, which occurred on 
the 24th of June, 1S69, at the age of eighty -five 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



395 



years. He was laid to rest in La Harpe Ceme- 
ten,-, and nianj- friends mourned his loss, for he 
was a valued citizen of the comnumity. His wife 
still sur\-ives him, and is now living with onr sub- 
ject, in the ninet3-first year of her age. They 
were mamed in Illinois in 1839, and for thirty 
years traveled life's journey together. Their fam- 
ily numbered only two children: Elizabeth J., 
who is now the widow of Calvin Westfall, and a 
resident of Burnside; and William W., of this 
sketch. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of onr subject. He lived 
quietly upon tlic home farm, and attended tlie dis- 
trict schools of the neighborhood until sixteen 
j-earsofage. He started out in life for himself 
at the age of nineteen years by working on a farm 
bj- the month. He was thus employed for a pe- 
riod of five years, after which he rented land — a 
part of the farm on which he now resides. He 
continued its cultivation for five years, and then 
pnrcha.sed sixty acres of land. This was his first 
property, but he has since made additional pur- 
chases, until his farm now compri.ses one hundred 
and sixty-seven acres. 

Mr. McCulloch was married October 28, 1869, 
the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. 
Miller, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Miller. 
Three children graced this marriage: Fanny J., 
who was born October 6, 1870; Lena M., who 
died on the 4th of August. 1879; and Ethel M., 
who.se death occurred on the 2d of February, 
1884. On the loth of Februan,-, 1892, Fanny J. 
became the wife of Dennis Sharp, a resident of 
LaCro.sse, and to them one child, Skxles M. by- 
name, was born March 5, 1893. 

Mr. McCulloch is a supporter of the Democratic 
party and its principles, and has been honored 
with the office of Assessor of his township, which 
he filled in an efficient and capable manner. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging 
to Burnside Lodge No. 681, A. F. & A. M. He 
is recognized as one of the practical and progress- 
ive fanners of the neighborhood, and the neat and 
thrifty appearance of his place indicates the care- 
ful supervision of the owner. He is a good busi- 
ness man, for he started out in life empty-handed, 



and has steadily worked his way upward, acquir- 
ing a handsome competence. He is also a repre- 
sentative of one of the pioneer families of the 
county, and for many years has been a witness of 
the growth and development of this community. 



-S) 



0A\'ID BYLER, who pa.ssed away April 2, 
1S94, was an honored pioneer of Hancock 
County, who lived on section 9, Durham 
Township. He was a native of East Tennessee, 
and was a .son of John and Sarah ( Hayworth) 
Byler. They too were natives of Tennessee, and 
the father, who was born April 19, 1798, died in 
1875. The mother was born in 1797, and was 
called to her final rest in 1862. 

During the boyhood of our subject, he left his 
native State and accompanied his parents on their 
removal to Adams County, 111. He acquired his 
education in the schools of that locality, and con- 
tinued his residence in Adams Count}' from 1836 
until 1851. In the .spring of the latter year he 
purchased the homestead now occupied by his 
widow, and removed to Hancock County, where 
he made his home. He fir.st bought one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, but as his financial re- 
.sources increased, he from time to time made ju- 
dicious investments in real estate, until his landed 
posses.sions aggregated twelve hundred and sev- 
enty acres. This comprises some of the richest 
prairie land for which Illinois is famous. 

Mr. Byler was married in 1840 to Gracey J. 
Levi, and to them were born four children: Joel. 
who is now deceased; John P., vSilas H., and one 
who died in infancy. The mother of this family 
was called to her final rest on the 31st of August, 

1850, and Mr. Byler was again married, May 4, 

1 85 1, his second union being with Matilda C. 
Cunningham, of Adams County. She died April 
12, 1857, leaving a family of four children: Gracey 
J., Joseph, Henry C. and George W. On the 
14th of February, 1858, in McDonough County, 
Mr. Byler was joined in wedlock with Miss Eliz- 
abeth Thompson, and three children graced this 
marriage, a son and two daughters: Sarah A., 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



William N. and Marj- B. The familj^ is one of 
prominence in this county, and its members rank 
high in social circles. 

For a period of thirty -one years David Byler 
was a member in good standing of Dallas 
City Lodge No. 235, A. F. & A. M., and had 
filled nearly all of its offices. In politics, he was 
a Democrat. He cast his first Presidential vote 
for William Henry Harrison, and was a supporter 
of the Whig party until 1852, when he joined the 
Democracy, of which he was always afterward a 
warm advocate. He was a member of the Old- 
School Bapti-st Church for over fifty years, becom- 
ing connected with that denomination in Adams 
County in 1840. He was honoied with a number 
of public offices, having served as Township Su- 
pervisor for about fourteen years, and as County 
Supen-isor for fifteen years. For the long period 
of thirty years he held the office of Justice of the 
Peace, and for twenty-eight years was Township 
Treasurer. During all this time the school fund 
did not lose a cent. In his public duties he was 
ever faithful and true to the trust reposed in 
him, and no higher testimonial of his service could 
be given than his long retention in office. It also 
indicates the confidence and high regard reposed 
in him by his fellow townsmen. 

In connection with general farming, Mr. Byler 
was engaged in stock-raising for ten years, and 
was one of the leading .stock-dealers of this com- 
munity. He made a .specialty of raising hogs, 
and .sold about one hundred and fifty head each 
year. This added not a little to his inconie. His 
excellent success in business was not the result of 
chance or fortunate combination, but resulted from 
w^ell-directed efforts, careful attention to all details, 
judicious investment, and good management. 

On the 20th day of June, 1892, Mr. Byler was 
stricken with paralysis, which affected his right 
side, and for weeks his life was despaired of, but 
he recovered sufficiently to be able to walk about 
by the aid of a chair, but suffered more or less 
pain all the time. His last illness was only of a 
week's duration. He bore his sufi'ering with pa- 
tience, although it .sometimes .seemed unbearable. 
He seldom, if ever, complained. 

He united with the regular Baptist Church in 



1840, and was a devoted member to his death. It 
was his delight to talk of the goodness and mer- 
cies of God. His trust and faith in Him were a 
help and consolation, and he had no fear of death. 
He was always ready to help the needy, and no 
one hungn,- ever went from his door mifed. 



]^-!-^ 



t^ 



[^" 



IILLIAM D. HIBBARD, an attorney-at-law 
of Nauvoo, was born in the city which is 
still his home, on the22d of October, 1848, 
and is the only child of William T. and Gertrude 
(Yates) Hibbard. His father was also a native of 
this city, and a representative of one of the hon- 
ored pioneer families of the county. The grand- 
father, Davison Hibbard. was born in the Green 
Mountain State, and emigrated westward in 1829, 
taking up his residence on the site of Nauvoo. 
Here he entered land from the Goverimient and 
carried on farming throughout the remainder of 
his life. He was also a mechanic. He lived here 
through all the Mormon trouble, but took no part 
in it. His death occurred in 1852, at the age of 
sixt)'-six years. 

William T. Hibbard was reared in his father's 
home, and when a young man studied medicine, 
but never engaged in the practice of his profession, 
for in 1850, attracted by the discovery of gold in 
California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific 
Slope, and there died in the same year, at the age 
of twenty-two years. His wife is a native of New- 
York, and came to Nauvoo with her parents dur- 
ing her earl>- girlhood. She is still living here, 
and has reached the age of sixty-three years. Her 
father, Christopher Yates, was one of the early 
settlers of this locality, and one of its most prom- 
inent citizens. He and his wife were both natives 
of New York. 

In the public schools of Nauvoo, and at Notre 
Dame University, Ind., our subject acquired his 
literary education, and at the age of seventeen he 
began the study of law. After pursuing a thor- 
ough cour.se, he was admitted to the Bar on at- 
taining his majority, and at once began practice 
in his native town. In connection with his legal 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



work, he was also manager of a newspaper for 
about eleven years, and was its proprietor for a 
period of five j-ears. He spent much of the year 
1884 in Kansas, after which he returned to Nau- 
voo and opened a law, insurance and loan office, 
which he still conducts. He now does a good 
business in the courtroom, and also along other 
lines, receiving from the public a liberal patronage, 
which he well desen-es. 

On the 31st of December, 1868. Mr. Hibbard 
was united in marriage with Miss Mittie C. Whit- 
field, of Nauvoo, and to them have been born 
three children, two sons and a daughter, but 
William, the eldest, died in 1890, at the age of 
twenty years. Posie E. is engaged in teaching, 
and also does some work as an artist. Robert I. 
is still attending the home .school. 

In his political views, Mr. Hibbard is a stanch 
Democrat, and takes quite an active interest in 
local politics, doing all in his power to aid in the 
growth and insure the success of his part}-. He 
has served for two terms as Mayor of Nauvoo, and 
also as City Clerk. He has been Supervisor of 
his township, which office he is now filling, and 
at this writing he is serving as City Attornej-, and 
is a member of the High School Board. In all 
the offices which he has filled he has di.scharged 
his duties with a promptness and fidelitj- which 
have won him high commendation. Socialh-, he 
is a member of the Odd Fellows' Society, the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen, and the Modern 
Woodmen of America. 



397 



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:^^-^l— 



(3TEPHEN JACOBS, one of the .self-made 
/\ men of Hancock County, and one of itshon- 
Ji*J/ ored pioneers, is now living on section 3, 
Pilot Grove Township. He came to this county in 
the spring of 1837, and for fifty-four years has been 
one of its citizens. He has therefore witnessed 
the greater part of its growth and development, 
has seen its wild land transfonned into beautiful 
homes and farms, has witnessed the introduction 
of the railroads, and has watched with interest the 
progress of civilization, which by its advancement 



has made Hancock one of the leading counties in 
the State. The pioneers laid the foundation for 
the county's prosperity, and to them all honor is 
due. As one of the early settlers, Mr. Jacobs 
well deserves mention in this volume. 

A native of the Empire State, our subject was 
born July 30, 181 1, and is a son of Udney H. and 
Elizabeth (Hubbard) Jacobs. The former was a 
native of Massachusetts, and was of German de- 
scent, while the latter was of English lineage. 
Their family numbered the following children: 
Norton, Jason K. and Prosper, who are now de- 
ceased; Stephen, of this sketch; Elisha, deceased; 
Eliza, widow of M. Andrews, and a resident of 
Colorado; and Mary, wife of Milton Hamilton, of 
Washington. Of the four sons of the family who 
are now deceased, three of them were ministers. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Stephen 
Jacobs spent his boyhood and youth. His edu- 
cational privileges were those afforded by the old- 
time subscription schools, but his advantages in 
that direction were meagre. When twenty-three 
years of age, he left home and began life for him- 
self. He remained in New York until 1836, when 
he came West, making the journey by water, and 
located in what is now Durham Township, Han- 
cock County, 111. In the autumn of that year, 
however, he returned to his native State, but in 
the .spring of 1837 lie came West with his family. 
He was married on the 8th of July, 1834, to Miss 
Minerva Ostrander, and to them were born nine 
children: Margaret A., who is now engaged in 
the millinery bu.sine.ss in La Harpe; Mary, wife 
of William H. Grove, a resident farmer of Pilot 
Grove Township; Abraham, a dentist of Earned, 
Pawnee County, Kan.; Marvin, who is living on 
a farm in Pilot Grove Township; Emma C, who 
is at home; Edward P., an agriculturist and 
farmer of Dallas Township, Hancock County: 
Eliza, who died in 1878; Prosper H., who aids in 
the operation of the home farm: and vStephen, 
who died in 1878. 

On coming to this county, Mr. Jacobs located 
in Durham Township, but after a year removed 
to a farm in Pilot Grove Township, purchasing a 
forty-acre tract of unimproved prairie land on 
.section 3. He erected a .small log cabin, and with 



398 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



characteristic energy began the development of 
his farm, upon which he has since lived. It now 
comprises one hundred acres of rich and arable 
land, and is cultivated by the sons of our subject, 
for he is practically living a retired life. In all 
of his labors he has found in his wife an able 
helpmate, who has assisted him by her thrifty 
ways, and by her encouragement. She was born 
in Saratoga County, N. Y. , in the town of Still- 
well, October 6, i8i i, and their marriage was cel- 
ebrated in Rochester, N. Y. 

Since casting his first Presidential vote for An- 
drew Jackson, Mr. Jacobs has been an advocate 
of the Democracy, and by his ballot has supported 
its men and measures. He has been elected to a 
number of local offices, the duties of which he has 
performed with promptness and fidelity. He 
sen-ed as Justice of the Peace, was Highway 
Conunissioner and School Treasurer, and helped 
to lay out the roads in an early day. He also 
took an active part in the Mormon troubles. He 
has always favored those enterprises which are 
calculated to prove of public benefit and to ad- 
vance the general welfare, and is recognized as a 
valued citizen of tlie community. 



■=1 



"SJ 



$+^ 



(3_ 



r^ARKHURST WARD CUTLER is a worthy 
L/^ representative of the agricultural interests of 
t^ Hancock County, and resides on section 28, 
Carthage Township, where he is successfully en- 
gaged in fanning. Numbered among the nati\e 
sons of Illinois, he was born in Fulton County, 
near Canton, on the 27lh of February, 1848, and 
is a son of Nathan and Hannah (Ward) Cutler. 
His father is a native of the Empire State, and is 
descended from an old Englisli family founded in 
America about 1636 by John Cutler. The mother 
was born in Pennsylvania. The family of this 
worthy couple numbered five sons and two 
daughters, as follows: Amanda, who died in in- 
fancy; Parkhurst, of this sketch; Atwood and 
Ebenezer, who also died in infancy; James C, 
whf) is engaged in farming in Carthage Town- 



ship; Francis M., a grain-buyer in the city of 
Carthage; and Martha E., wife of M. F. Turner, 
of Tyler, Tex. 

The father of this family has made farming his 
life occupation. He remained in the Empire 
State until nineteen years of age, and then emi- 
grated westward, locating in Fulton County, 111., 
in 1838. He .settled upon a farm near Canton, 
and there made his home until 1853, when he 
came to Hancock Count}-, and took up his resi- 
dence in Pilot Grove Township. Purchasing 
land, he made his home thereon for a year, and 
then bought one hundred and seventj'-three acres 
of wild prairie land on section 28, Carthage 
Township. This he at once began to develop 
and improve, and made it a highlj' -cultivated and 
valuable tract, which is still in possession of the 
family. Mr. Cutler is yet living, and has reached 
the age of seventy-four years. He has served as 
Township Supervisor, and is recognized as one of 
the leading and influential citizens of the com- 
munity. He is now a member of the Baptist 
Church. His wife passed away in May, 1886, 
and was laid to rest in Moss Ridge Cemetery, of 
Carthage. 

The subject of this sketch came to Hancock 
Count)- when five years of age. He was reared 
to manhood upon the old homestead, spending 
the days of his boyhood and youth as most fanner 
lads do. He had to walk three and a-half miles 
to the subscription schools, and it was in this way 
that he acquired his education. His training at 
farm work began at an earh- age, and ere many 
years had passed he was familiar witli it in all of 
its departments. He continued at home for two 
years after he had attained his majority, and then 
began forming for himself, on a tract of land of 
one hundred and twenty acres on section 28, 
Carthage Township. Here he has made his home 
continuously since, with the exception of four 
years spent in the city of Carthage. 

On the 27th of February-, 1871, Mr. Cutler led 
to the marriage altar Miss Fannie G. Barker, 
daughter of Judge Francis A. and Catherine 
Barker. Mrs. Cutler comes of good old Revolu- 
tionary stock, her grandfather, Samuel A. Bar- 
ker, having served as aide-de-camp to Gen. La 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



399 



Fayette, during the War for Independence. Her 
father, Francis A. Barker, was born in Dutchess 
Countj', N. Y., and there received a good educa- 
tion for those times. His paternal ancestors were 
EngHsh, and his mother was of French origin. 

About 1826, Mr. Barker renio\-ed to Washing- 
ton County, Ohio, and engaged in mercantile 
business, and two years later married Mi.ss Cath- 
erine Barker, who was born at Marietta, Ohio, of 
parents who came from New England. He con- 
tinued his residence in the Buckeye State until 
1844, when he removed with his family, consist- 
ing of seven children, to central Iowa, settling in 
what afterwards became Marion County, where 
he bought land and engaged in farming. Being 
an intelligent, public-spirited man, he soon rose to 
prominence in that part of the State, and was 
called upon to fill various important public offices. 
On the organization of Marion County he was 
elected its first County Judge. He was Chief 
Clerk of the Iowa State Legislature for two years 
in Iowa City, and for one j-ear after the capital 
was moved to Des Moines, and was Warden of 
the State Penitentiary at Ft. Madison during 
1855 and 1856. On the expiration of that period 
he became a resident of Kuoxville, Marion Coun- 
ty, and lived retired until his death, which occur- 
red in 1 87 1. His faithful wife survived him sev- 
eral years, and died at the home of her daughter, 
Mrs. Cutler, of Carthage, 111., in 18S5. In this 
family were four sons and three daughters, but 
onh- four are living at this writing. Emma C. 
married Mr. McVa)-, and died at Knoxville, Iowa; 
Edward C. enlisted in the Union army during the 
rebellion, and died in Texas, in the .service of 
his country; Francis C. was also a Union soldier 
during the Civil War, and is now in the employ 
of the Government in Washington, D. C; Fan- 
nie G. is the wife of Mr. Cutler of this notice; 
William H. ser\-ed in Company K, Third Iowa 
Cavalry, for four years, and is now a dentist of 
Huron, S. Dak.; Mary A. is the wife of J. C. 
Cutler, of Carthage Township; and George W., 
who fought for the preservation of the Union, 
died in Knoxville in 1869, from disease contracted 
while in the army. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cutler have two sons: Nathan 



B., who was born April 24, 1873, and Ward A., 
born on the 4th of November, 1875. Both are 
attending college in Chicago. Mr. Cutler is a warm 
friend to education and is determined that his 
children should have good advantages along that 
line. In politics, he votes with the Prohibition 
party, for he warmly advocates the cause of tem- 
perance, and does all in his power to gain the sup- 
port of the people for temperance measures. In 
religious belief, he is a Baptist. The poor and 
needy find in him a warm friend, as he is a char- 
itable and bene\-olent man. His life has been 
well spent, and his upright career has gained 
for him universal confidence and e.steem. In his 
business dealings he has been very successful, 
and has become the owner of five hundred and 
twentv acres of valuable land. 



-^ 



^^^ 



[=_ 



(=■ 



r^UDOLPH ANTON has been prominently 
ki connected with the official interests of Nau- 
n\ voo for a luimber of years, and is now ser\'- 
ing as the efficient Postma.ster. He w-as born on 
the 22d of September, 1854, in St. Louis, Mo., 
and was the third in order of birth in a family of 
six children, five sons and a daughter. The par- 
ents were John and Elizabeth (Wagner) Anton, 
both natives of Bavaria, Germany. The father 
was reared and educated in his native land, and 
when a young man sailed for the New World, for 
he believed that he might thereby better his finan- 
cial condition. Having crossed the Atlantic, he 
took up his residence in St. Louis, where for a 
short time he worked at the barber's trade. The 
year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Nauvoo, where 
he continued to make his home until his death, 
which occurred in 1864, at the age of forty-one 
years. His wife survived him for several years, 
and departed this life in Nauvoo, in 1877, *t the 
age of forty-eight years. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of our subject. He re- 
mained quietly at home, and attended the public 
sch(Jt)ls until sixteen years of age, at which time 
he .started out in life for himself Going to St. 



400 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Louis, he there learned the barber's trade, which 
he followed for four years, after which he returned 
to Nauvoo, and, opening a barber shop, conducted 
the same for a period of ten years. His next un- 
dertaking was fruit-culture. He became owner 
of a good vineyard, and gave his time and atten- 
tion to its cultivation until March, 1886, when he 
was appointed Postmaster. He filled the position 
until June, 1889, and then during President Har- 
rison's administration was out of office, but in Ju- 
ly, 1893, he was again appointed. His capable 
administration of the affairs of the office has won 
him high commendation, and that he is an accept- 
able officer is shown by the fact that he was again 
given the position. 

On the 21 st of January-, 1879, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Anton and Miss Lizzie Boe- 
decker, who was born in Germany. Their union 
has been blessed by two children: Annie M., born 
November 15, 1879, and George E., born Febru- 
ary 22, 1888, who are still with their parents. 

Since attaining his majority, Mr. Anton has 
been a supporter of the Democracy, and warmly 
advocates its principles. He has ser\-ed as Tax 
Collector for two terms, was Superintendent of 
Highways for two terms, was Alderman for two 
terms, was Mayor of the city for two terms, and 
City Clerk for the .same length of time, and is now 
serving as a member of the Board of Education. 
Whether in official, business or private life, he is 
ever true to the trust reposed in him, and has the 
esteem and confidence of the entire community. 
He holds membership with the Catholic Church. 



=-=m^-^ 



(3_ 



^OHN SIBERT, who is now engaged in farm- 
I ing on section 21, Fountain Green Town- 
O ship, Hancock County, is one of the honored 
veterans of the late war, who for three years wore 
the blue and valiantly aided in defense of the Old 
Flag and tlie cause it represented. He claims 
Virginia as the State of his nativity, for he was 
born near Furrisville, on the 17th of March, 1841. 
On the paternal side he is of German descent, 
his father, John Sibert, having been a native of 



Germany. In that countrj^ he lived until 1838, 
when, in a sailing-vessel, he crossed the Atlantic 
to America, and after a voj-age of six weeks 
reached the shores of the New World. He lo- 
cated in Baltimore, Md., where he made his home 
until 1849, in which year he emigrated to Ohio. 
Settling in Ross County, he there continued to 
reside until 1854, when he removed to McDon- 
ough County, 111. Five years later he came to 
Hancock County and made a settlement in Foun- 
tain Green Township, where he spent his remain- 
ing days, his death occurring on the 14th of Jan- 
uary, 1892. He was one of the leading citizens 
of the communitj-, and during his long residence 
here became both widely and favorably known. 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine 
Cuba, is still living, at the age of seventy-two. In 
their family were nine children, of whom John is 
the eldest. The others are, Lizzie; Gabriel; 
Christian; Mary J. and Betsy A., twins; Aman- 
da and Fannie, twins; and Sarah. 

Mr. Sibert whose name heads this record spent 
the first eight years of his life in his native State, 
and then accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to Ohio. He was a youth of thirteen when 
he came to Illinois, and since the age of eighteen 
he has lived in Hancock County. His educa- 
tion was acquired in the district schools, but his 
advantages in that direction were quite meagre. 
He was still at home on the breaking out of the 
late war. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he 
enlisted as a private on the 15th of August, 1862, 
joining Company A, of the One Hundred and 
Eighteenth Illinois Infantn.-. He was mustered 
into service at Camp Butler, and the first active 
engagement in which he participated was in Ar- 
kansas. He was in the long-fought siege of 
Vicksburg, and participated in a number of other 
important engagements. On the 13th of October, 
1865, he received his discharge, having been in 
the mean time elected Corporal. He was always 
found at his post, faithful to his duty, and is de- 
ser\-ing of the honor which is paid to the brave 
boys in blue who went to the front in the defense 
of their country in her hour of peril. 

On his return from the war, Mr. Sibert began 
working for his father on the home farm, but after 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



401 



a short time he removed to his present farm on 
sections 16 and 21, Fonntain Green Township. 
Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of 
rich land, which is under a high state of cukiva- 
tion and well improved. In addition to this he 
has one hundred and twenty-seven acres else- 
where in the county, and from his property he de- 
rives a good income, for it is well kept up, and the 
cultivation he bestows upon his land makes it 
very fertile. 

On the ist of November, 1866, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Sibert and MissS. Ellen Mil- 
ler. To them was born a son, Henry Guy. The 
mother died on the 14th of November, 1890, and 
Mr. Sibert was again married, October 6, 1-891, 
his second union being with Mrs. Mary (Walker) 
Yoinig, an estimable lady, who has many friends 
in the communitN'. 

Mr. Sibert takes quite an active interest in po- 
litical affairs, keeps himself well informed on the 
issues of the da}', and votes with the Republican 
party. He has held the oiSces of Road Commis- 
.sioner and Assessor, and discharged his duties 
with a promptness and fidelity that won him high 
commendation. He holds membership with the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he and 
his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. In 
this community, which has so long been their 
home, they have a wide acquaintance, and by all 
who know them are held in high regard for their 
many excellencies of character and sterling worth. 



_^] 



^-i^ 



c^_ 



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(31NDERSON D. WILLIAMS, who devotes 
r I his time and attention to agricultural pur- 
I I suits on .section 27, Fountain Green Town- 
ship, is a native of Hancock County, and a repre- 
.sentative of one of its pioneer families. He was 
born in Hancock Township, on the i6th of Feb- 
niar}', 1840, and is a son of Lemuel and Cassan- 
der (Simmon.s) Williams. His father was a na- 
tive of South Carolina, and the family is of Irish 
origin. Our subject was the second of ten chil- 
dren. Edna, the eldest, is the wife of James V. 
Nelson. Seth T., an honored veteran of the late 



war, is now living in Kansas. Amanda is the 
wife of John H. Tyler. Sheba is the wife of 
James R. Shields. Robert M. died in Texas in 
1890. John F. is the next younger. Ava is the 
widow of William Redman. Two children died 
in infancj'. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who in the usual maimer of farmer lads 
spent the daj's of his boyhood and youth. In 
the common schools of his neighborhood he con- 
ned his lessons and gained a fair English educa- 
tion. He began life for himself upon rented land, 
and continued its cultivation until after the break- 
ing out of the late war, when, feeling that his 
country needed his sen-ices, he abandoned the 
plow and, donning the blue, enlisted on the 20th 
of July, 1861. He was assigned to Company G, 
Second Illinois Cavalrj', and was mustered into 
service at Springfield. Going to the South, he 
participated in the long-fought siege of Vicksburg 
and took part in the battle of Holly Springs, but 
during the greater part of the time was engaged 
in scouting duty in Kentucky, Mississippi, Ten- 
nessee and Louisiana. From New Orleans he 
went to Pensacola, Fla., then back through Ala- 
bama to Vicksburg. He was very fortunate, in 
that he was never wounded or taken prisoner, 
although he .saw some arduous and difiicult serv- 
ice. After four years spent in the South as a 
faithful defender of the Old Flag and the cause it 
represented, he was honorably discharged with 
the rank of Orderly-Sergeant, on the 6th of July, 
1865. 

Mr. Williams then returned to Hancock County , 
and has .since made his home in Fountain Green 
Township, with the exception of three years spent 
in Missouri. He was married on the 29th of 
October, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss 
Louisa Bryant. Nine children have graced their 
union, namel)-: Nellie G., now the wife of 
Thomas J. Latherow, a farmer of Fountain Green 
Township; Cora G. ; Hiram; Katie, who died in 
November, 1872; George E.; Mary A., whodied 
on the 3d of April, 1892; Roy, F'thel and Edith. 

Socially, Mr. Williams is connected with the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and is a member of 
the Methodist Church. In politics, he is a .sup- 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



porter of Republican principles, and has held the 
offices of Township Collector and Commissioner, 
discharging his duties with a promptness and fi- 
delity that won him high commendation. He is 
a loyal and faithful citizen, who supports the best 
interests of the community, and during the late 
war he was a valiant defender of the Union. 



-^1. 



^-^P=- 



^ILAS H. BYLER, who carries on general 
Ny farming on section i6, Durham Township, 
Q) Hancock County, has the honor of being a 
native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in 
Adams County, this State, on the 20th of Janu- 
ary, 1847. He is a son of David Byler, whose 
sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The fam- 
ily came to this county at an early day, and the 
education of our subject was acquired in the dis- 
trict schools of the community, where he obtained 
a fair knowledge of the common English branches, 
and thus fitted himself for the practical duties of 
life. 

On the 29th of January, 1872, Mr. Byler was 
united in marriage with Miss Alexina B. Moyes, 
eldest daughter of David and Mary A. (Ross) 
Moyes, both of whom were natives of Scotland. 
Mrs. Byler was also born in that country, the 
date of the event being December 4, 1845. By 
the union of our .subject and his wife were born 
four children, two sons and two daughters, but 
one son died in infancy, and Mary E. is also de- 
ceased. Grace E. and David E. are still with 
their parents. 

Mr. Byler whose name heads this record con 
tiinied upon the old home farm until he had at- 
tained his majority, when he started out in life 
for himself. He purchased eighty acres of land 
in the southern part of Durham Township, and, 
locating thereon, turned his attention to its culti- 
vation and development. The farm was divided 
into fields of convenient size by good fences, a 
pleasant re.sidence was erected, and other improve- 
ments necessary to a model farm of the nineteenth 
century were made. For five years he lived 
there, and then removed to his present home on 



section 16, Durham Township. Here he lives on 
eighty acres of rich and arable land, and the neat 
and thrifty appearance of the farm indicates the 
careful supervision of the owner and his practical 
and progressive spirit. 

In his political views, Mr. Byler is a supporter 
of the Democracy, and is a firm believer in its 
principles. He has held the office of School Di- 
rector for four 3'ears, and was Township Collector 
for one year. The cause of education finds in 
him a warm friend, and he has ever labored to 
secure good schools for the community. Socially, 
he has been connected for four years with Dallas 
City Lodge No. 235, A. F. & A. M., and for 
two years has been its Treasurer. In 1880, he 
united with the Friendship Church, of Durham 
Township, a church of the Baptist denomination. 
Mr. Byler has spent the greater part of his life in 
Hancock County, where he is both widelj' and 
favorably known, and it is with pleasure that we 
present to our readers this record of his life 
work. 



c=] 



^+^ 



[^_ 



i^~ 



I EVI LONG, who for a half-centurj^ has re- 
I C sided upon his present farm on section 8, 
V^J Hancock Township, is numbered among the 
honored pioneers of Hancock County. He was 
born in Lancaster County, Pa., near Lancaster 
City, March 17, 1832, and is a son of William 
and Mary (Yetter) Long, natives of the Keystone 
State. The Long family is of German descent. 
The father remained in Pennsylvania until 1835, 
when, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to 
Sangamon County, 111. A few months later he 
came to Hancock County, 111., settling in Bear 
Creek Township, where he lived until 1844. In 
that year he removed to Hancock Township, pur- 
chasing eighty acres on section 8, the present farm 
of our subject. Not a furrow had been turned or an 
improvement made upon the place. He erected 
a log cabin, 14x28 feet, and upon that farm made 
his home until his death. He became the owner of 
one hundred acres, which he cleared and improved, 
making it a valuable tract. Mr. Long took an act- 
ive part in the development of this region, aided 



J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



405 



in laj-iiig out the roads, and filled the offices of Tax 
Collector, Assessor, Township Trustee, Commis- 
sioner and Justice of the Peace, discharging his 
duties with promptness and fidelity. In politics, 
he was a Democrat, and in religious belief was a 
Lutheran. He died Januar}- 26, 1886, in his 
seveutj-ninth j-ear, and his remains were laid to 
rest in the Yetter Cemeterj-. His wife passed 
away in 1S35. They were the parents of two 
children, but Marj' died at the age of five years. 

Our .subject, who is now the only sur^'ivor of 
the family, was a child of only threa summers 
when lie came with his father to Illinois. He was 
reared to manhood upon the old homestead farm 
in Hancock Township, and acquired his educa- 
tion in the subscription schools, which were held 
in a log schoolhouse, a mile and a-half from his 
home. The furniture in that structure was very 
primitive, consisting of slab seats, rough desks and 
a huge fireplace. In 1850, Mr. Long entered 
from the Government forty acres of land, and at 
once began its development, transforming the raw 
prairie into a rich and fertile tract, which was made 
to yield him a golden tribute in return for the 
care and labor he bestowed upon it. He now owns 
two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, 
and is successfully engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising. 

Mr. Long has been twice married. On the 26th 
of January, 1858, he wedded Miss Susan Peiitz, 
who died on the 22d of October of the same year. 
On the i8th of October, 1862, he married Miss 
Sarah Callahan, and eleven children were born of 
their union, namely: Mary E., William L., Reu- 
ben H., Margaret F., Sarah B., John H., Charles 
F., LenaE., Ethel G., Harvey C. and Samuel. 
The family circle yet remains unbroken by the 
hand of death. The Longs are people of promi- 
nence in the community, and parents and children 
are held in high regard bj' all who know them. 

Mr. Long is a supporter of the Democratic party 
and its principles, and has been honored with 
some local offices. He ser\'ed as Commissioner 
for the long i)eriod of twelve years, and for fifteen 
years was School Director. His continuance in 
office well indicates his fidelity' to dut\- and the 
confidence reposed in him by his fellow-town.smen. 



He holds membership with the Farmers' Alliance, 
and is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, 
who manifests a commendable interest in every- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of the connnunity, 
and does all in his power for the promotion of its 
leading enterprises. He has been an ej-e-witness 
of almost the entire growth of the county, and well 
deserves mention among the honored pioneers. 

■JJEORGE THOMAS PEARCE, one of the 
__ prominent farmers and extensive property 
^ owners of Henderson County, now living on 
section 35, Gladstone Township, was born in 
Warren County, 111., on the ist of July, 1855, and 
is a representative of one of the earliest families of 
that county. His father, Andrew G. Pearce, was 
born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1816. The 
latter' s father, Thomas Pearce, was a native of 
Holland, and his mother of Ireland. Emigrating 
to this country, they lived for a time in the Buck- 
eye State, but afterwards settled in \\'arren Coun- 
ty, where they spent their remaining days. They 
lived to quite an advanced age, and were buried 
at Berwick. 

A. G. Pearce became a resident of Warren 
County in 1832. At the age of twenty-two he 
began preaching, and continued in the work of the 
ministry until 1837, when he was forced to aban- 
don it, for his voice had failed him. He married 
Eliza Powers, daughter of Aaron Powers, who, 
with his wife, emigrated to Warren County, 
where they both li\'ed to a ripe old age, and when 
they passed away were laid to rest in Greeubush 
Cemetery. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pearce 
were born four children: Mrs. Mattie J. Lattimer, 
Theodore C, Mrs. Mary C. Brooks and George 
T. of this sketch. 

Upon the old home farm in his nati\e county 
our subject spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth, attending the common schools through the 
winter .sea.son, and aiding in the labors of the farm 
during the sunnner niontlis. After arriving at 
years of maturit\-, he was married, on the 13th 
of June, 1882, the lad}- of his choice being Miss 






404 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mar>' A. Brook, who was born in Henderson 
County, July 24, 1853, and is a daughter of Isaiah 
J. and Jennie Brook. Her father was a native of 
Ohio, and in an early day emigrated westward. 
He took up his residence in Henderson County, 
and entered the land on which our subject now 
resides. Here he successfully carried on farming 
until his death, which occurred in August, 1891. 
His wife still sun-ives him, and has reached the 
age of seventy- five years. 

Five children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. 
Pearce: Jessie B., born May 26, 1884; Edwin G., 
January i, 1886; Jennie E., June 30, 1887; Hugh 
M., June 6, 1889; and Lora M., September 29, 
1892. 

Mr. Pearce is recognized as one of the progress- 
ive and enterprising farmers and .stock-raisers of 
Henderson County, and this reputation is well 
deserved. He is now the owner of five hundred 
and twenty acres of valuable land all in one body, 
and one hundred and sixty acres in Warren 
County. This is under a high state of cultivation, 
and, in consequence, yields to him a good income. 

He has engaged in the raising of cattle on 
quite an extensive scale, and this has to him 
proved a profitable venture. In his political 
views, Mr. Pearce has always been a stalwart 
Republican, and warmly advocates the principles 
of his party. He has always lived either in War- 
ren or Henderson County, and has therefore a 
wide acquaintance throughout this part of the 
State. His well-spent life has gained him uni- 
versal confidence and esteem, and throughout the 
community he has many friends. 



"S) 



(TOHN A. BARR, M. D., who is exten.sively 
I engaged in the practice of medicine in Foun- 
G) tain Green, claims Kentucky as the State of 
his nativity, his birth having occurred in Breck- 
enridge County on the 17th of February, 1849. 
He comes of an old family of that State. His 
grandfather, Adam Barr, was a resident of Ken- 
tucky, and his father, Elias Barr, was there born 
and reared. The latter, who owned considerable 



propert}', became a planter, and was a member of 
the State Legislature for eighteen consecutive 
years. His wife bore the maiden name of Sallie 
Beauchamp. This worthy couple were the parents 
of twelve children: Daniel T. and Newell R., de- 
ceased; Elmira A., widow of J. N. Hurdle; Mary 
L., wife of Thomas Ray; Luford B., who makes 
his home in Prescott, Iowa; George W., a resi- 
dent of Colusa, 111.; Sarah E., widow of David 
Wright; Kittie A., deceased, wife of S. T. Tur- 
ney; John A., of this sketch; Martha J., wife of 
Merrill Bross, of Prescott, Iowa; Franklin P., 
who is living in Clarinda, Iowa; and Amanda 
M., wife of D. C. Sowers, of Nebraska. 

Dr. Barr .spent the first ten years of his life in 
the State of his nativity, and then accompanied 
his parents on their emigration to Hancock Coun- 
ty, 111., in 1859, the father purcha.sing land in 
Rock Creek Township. John A. was reared on 
the old homestead farm, and in his youth at- 
tended the district schools of the neighborhood; 
but his early educational privileges were after- 
wards supplemented by a course of study in La 
Harpe Seminary, from which institution he was 
graduated in 1870. Wishing to enter the medi- 
cal profession and make its practice his life work, 
when his literary course was completed he en- 
tered on the study of medicine, and in 1875 was 
graduated under Prof Carpenter from the Keokuk 
Medical College. Two years later he was grad- 
uated from the Jefferson Medical College of 
Philadelphia in the Class of '77. 

Immediately after his graduation. Dr. Barr lo- 
cated in Burnside, Hancock Countj', opened an 
office, and began the practice of his chosen pro- 
fession. There he remained for five years, when, 
in 1882, he removed to Fountain Green, where 
he has since made his home. He now has an ex- 
tensive practice, which has come to him as the re- 
sult of his skill and ability. He always keeps in 
advance of the recognized standard in the pro- 
fession, and makes a constant study of this, his 
life work. He has therefore won success, and his 
prosperity is well deserved. In connection with 
his other interests, he also superintends his farm 
of three hundred acres. 

A marriage ceremony perfonned on the 2 2d of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



405 



Febniarj', 1882, united the destinies of Dr. Barr 
and Miss Mollie W. Walker, daughter of Capt. 
Samuel and Sallie (MrGinley) Walker. Their 
union has been blessed with one child, Tressler. 
The Doctor and his wife have a wide acquaintance 
in this community, and are numbered among its 
prominent and influential citizens, their many ex- 
cellencies of character having gained them the 
high regard of their friends. In his political 
views. Dr. Barr is a Democrat, and has .sensed 
as Super^nsor. Socially, he is connected with 
Fountain Lodge No. 50, A. O. U. W.; with the 
I. O. M. A., and holds membership with the 
Christian Church of Burnside. His residence in 
Hancock County covers a period of thirtj--five 
years, and he therefore well deserves mention 
among its earlv settlers. 



-^} 



^+^ 



CS" 



y^RS. EMILY M. MITCHELL, who for 
y many years has resided upon the farm 
(9 where she now makes her home, on section 
16, Gladstone Township, Henderson County, was 
bom in Washington County, Ind., on the 27th of 
August. 1832. Her father was John Salladay. 
He died about 1S55, and his wife, Nancy (Dris- 
coU) Salladay, survived him for many years, 
passing away about 1873. In their family were ten 
children, eight sons and two daughters, namely: 
John W., Elisha D. and Jacob (twins), Mark O., 
Mrs. Parthenia Crutchfield, Isaac M., Mrs. Emily 
Mitchell, Isaiah R., Milton and Elijah. 

Mrs. Mitchell spent the days of her girlhood in 
her parents' home, becoming familiar with all the 
duties of the household. There she remained 
until her marriage, on the 14th of November, 
1849, when she became the wife of Sanuiel Mit- 
chell, a son of Joseph Mitchell. He was born in 
Philadelphia, Pa., and was one of a family of ten 
children. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mit- 
chell was bles.sed with a family of five children, 
namely: Emma C, who was born November 19, 
1861, and is now the wife of J. P. Scully; John C, 
who was born August 27, 1864; lona Amelia, 
December 3, 1867; Ida O., June 10, 1871: and 
one who died in earlv childhood. 



When a young man, Samuel Mitchell came to 
Henderson County, and here spent his remaining 
days. In his youth good school privileges had 
been afforded him, and he had acquired an excel- 
lent education. He located in the southern part 
of this count}', and soon began teaching, which 
profession he followed for several years. While 
still quite young, he was elected County Clerk of 
Henderson County, and proved a faithful and 
efficient officer, discharging his duties with 
promptness and fidelity. Before his marriage he 
purchased the home farm, and to this place 
brought his bride. He there carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits throughout the remainder of his 
life, placing the land under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, and making many improvements, so that his 
fann became one of the valuable ones of the neigh- 
borhood. Mr. Mitchell lived a quiet and una.ssum- 
ing life, devoting the greater part of his time and 
attention to his business interests. He always had 
the respect and confidence of those with whom he 
came in contact, for he was honorable and upright 
in all things. He held membership with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and, in politics, was 
a supporter of the Republican party and its prin- 
ciples. He passed away February- 2, 1882, at the 
ageof sixty-four years, and his death was deeply 
mourned by many friends. 

Mrs. Mitchell yet li^•es upon the home farm 
with her children, and .since her husband's death 
has managed its affairs, displaying good business 
and executive ability. She is a nio.st estimable 
lady, and with her children ranks high in social 
circles. Her eldest daughter is a member of the 
Catholic Church, and the two youngest children 
hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



(lOSEPH A. JAMES, M. D., who is success- 
I fully engaged in the practice of medicine in 
(2/ Bentley, 111., is a native of Scott County, Ind. 
He was born near Lexington, April 13, 1832, and 
is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Parks) James, 
the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of 



4o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



South Carolina. On the paternal side he is of 
Welsh descent, and on the maternal side is of 
Irish lineage. The father was engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits throughout his life. He re- 
moved from his native State to Kentucky, and 
thence to Indiana, locating in Scott County in an 
early day. There he spent the remainder of his 
life, passing away on the 24th of August, 1834. 
His wife also died on the same day. They were 
the parents of eight children, five sons and three 
daughters, as follows: Elizabeth, who died in 
1890; George W., who died about two years later; 
Mar>- A., wife of Samuel Staples, a resident of 
Pratt Center, Kan.; Rebecca, who died in infancy; 
Hugh, who was accidentally shot in 1852, and 
died from the effects of the injur>^ in 1854; Jona- 
than, a retired farmer living in Boone, Iowa; Jo- 
seph A., of this sketch ; and William, who died in 
1872. 

Dr. James was born on his father's farm, but 
his parents having died when he was a child, he 
was reared in Jefferson County, where he attend- 
ed the subscription schools, which were held in a 
log schoolhouse, and where he received but a 
meagre education. Afterwards he went to Green- 
castle, Ind., and entered the Asbur>-, nowDePauw, 
University, where he pursued his studies for two 
years. This completed his literarj' course. In 
1853 he began teaching, and followed that pro- 
fession until 1856. In the mean time he began 
reading medicine with a view to entering the 
profession, and in 1857 he became a student in 
the Keokuk Medical College. On leaving that 
institution he opened an office in Terre Haute, 
111., where he continued in practice for five years, 
when he abandoned that work to enter his coun- 
tr\-'s .service. 

In 1862, Dr. James organized what became 
Company B of the Ninety-first Regiment of Illi- 
nois Volunteers, and was cho.sen Captain. The 
troops were mustered into service in September, 
1862, and the first active engagement in which he 
participated was at Bacon Creek. Ky., where they 
built a stockade and were stationed to guard the 
railroad and bridges. His command consisted of 
only sixty-three men when they were attacked 
by Morgan, commanding about nine thousand 



soldiers. They were under a steadj- fire for six 
hours, but so secureh- were the\- protected that 
he did not lose a man, and had only five slightly 
wounded, while Morgan lost fifteen, and had a 
number injured. Among the killed Morgan lost 
one of his most daring officers, Capt. Wolfe, a 
Texas ranger, who lost his life while trying to 
set fire to the bridge. As it was useless to con- 
tinue the struggle against such overwhelming 
numbers, Capt. James agreed to surrender, with 
the understanding that all private property rights 
of hinrself and men should be respected, and that 
they should be paroled at the earliest opportunity. 
This was in the afternoon or evening of December 
27, 1862, and they were paroled about ten o'clock 
that night. They then went to Atchafalaya Riv- 
er, where Capt. James was wounded by a musket- 
ball. After being confined for three weeks on a 
boat hospital , he went to Brownsville, Tex., and 
down the Gulf. He .spent one 3-ear on the Gulf, 
then returned to New Orleans, from whence he 
went to Mobile. For twelve days he was engaged 
in the siege of Spanish Fort, and also took part in 
the siege of Ft. Blakely . He aided in the capture 
of Mobile, and followed the enemy to Mcintosh's 
Bluffi When the war was over and the countrj- 
no longer needed his services, he was honorably 
discharged. July 24, 1865. 

Dr. James then came to Illinois, and located in 
Bentley. He purchased a fann of one hundred 
and sixty acres in this locality. The greater part 
of his time and attention, however, has been given 
to the practice of medicine, which he still contin- 
ues with good .success. His knowledge of the 
science, and his skill and ability, have won him a 
foremost place among his professional brethren, 
and gained him the confidence and patronage of 
the community. 

Dr. James has been three times married. In 
1854 he wedded Mi.ss Mary J. Jones, who died the 
same year, and in 1858 he married Miss Cynthia 
M. Paul, who.se death occurred in 1859. In 1867 
Miss Elizabeth J. Allison became his wife. Six 
children have been born of this union, namely: 
Maggie, who died in infancy; Austin F., who is 
engaged in the practice of dentistrj- in Oak Park, 
111.; Charles W., who is attending a dental school; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



407 



Clarence A., who is still at home; Eula L., who 
is yet under the parental roof; and one child who 
died in infancy. 

In coinifcction with the practice of medicine, Dr. 
James has carried on general farming and stock- 
raising for a number of years. He is the owner 
of three hundred acres of valuable laud, and the 
farm yields to him a good income in return for the 
care and cultivation which are bestowed upon it. 
In politics he has always been a stalwart advocate 
of Republican principles, but has never sought or 
desired public office. He holds membership with 
the Masonic fraternit}- and the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and with the Methodist Episcopal 
Churcli. He and his family have a wide acquaint- 
ance in this community, and occupy an enviable 
position in .social circles. Few men are better 
known in this locality than Dr. James, the physi- 
cian, honored veteran, and valued citizen. 



^+^ 



-S) 



c^- 



5JEORGE M. BRANDON, a farmer living on 
_ .section 33, Fountain Green Township, Han- 
(_>| cock County, is numbered among the native 
sons of Illinois. He was born in Macomb, Mc- 
Donough County, on the 17th of Januan*-, 1842, 
and comes of a familj' of Scotch descent. His 
parents, Richard and Magdelene (Favorite) Bran- 
don, were botli natives of Pennsylvania. The 
former continued in the Keystone State during 
the early years of his life, and then removed to 
Dayton, Ohio, where he continued to make his 
home until 1S39, when he emigrated westward 
to Macomb, 111. Soon after he settled upon a 
farm in McDonough County, and there carried on 
agricultural pursuits until 1846, which year wit- 
nessed his arrival in Fountain Green Township, 
Hancock County. Here his remaining da>s were 
passed, and the community numbeied him among 
its best citizens. He was actively interested in 
the Mormon War, and bore his part in many pub- 
lic enterprises. His death occurred in October, 
1857, and he was laid to rest in Iowa City Ceme- 
terj-. His wife long surA'ived him, and departed 
this life May 29, 1891. 

In the famib of Richard and Magdelene Bran- 



don were ten children, six sons and four daugh- 
ters. The eldest, T. C, died in 1889; James F. 
is now living in Fountain Green Township; G. 
Linn, a veteran of the late war, makes his home 
in Bloomington, Ind.; George M. is the next 
younger; Richard B., who .served during the late 
war as a private of Company A, One Hundred 
and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, died from dis- 
ea.se contracted in the service, March 15, 1863; 
Mar}- is also decea.sed; Elizabeth is the wife of 
Robert P. Geddis, a farmer of Fountain Green 
Township; Elias M. is station agent on the Tole- 
do, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad at Blandinsville; 
Edward B. is proprietor of a hotel in Hampton, 
Iowa; Julia A. is the wife of John Miller, an ag- 
riculturist of Fountain Green Township; and one 
child died in infancy. 

George M. Brandon was only four years of age 
when he came with his parents to Hancock Coun- 
ty. In the common .schools of the neighborhood 
he acquired his education, and in the fields he was 
developed physically. He early became familiar 
with all the duties of farm life, and to his father 
gave the benefit of his services until after the 
breaking out of the late war, when, on the 15th of 
August, 1862, he donned the blue and became a 
member of Company A, One Hundred and Eigh- 
teenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered into 
service at Camp Butler, in Springfield, 111., and 
the first active engagement in which he partici- 
pated was at Arkansas Post. This was followed 
by the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Cham- 
pion Hills, after which his regiment was largely 
engaged in doing guard duty. In 1863 Mr. Bran- 
don was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and 
thus .served until receiving his discharge in Spring- 
field, on the 15th of September, 1865. 

When the country- no longer needed his .services 
and the victorious armies returned home, Mr. 
Brandon again came to Hancock Count}', and re- 
.sumed work upon his father's farm, where he re- 
mained until 1 87 1. On the 28th of December of 
that >ear, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Laura A. Geddis, and their union was blessed 
with six children: Maud, w-ho is attending school 
in Galcsburg; Royal B., Robert P., Linn G. and 
two w^ho died in infancv. 



4o8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Since attaining his majoritj-, Mr. Brandon has 
been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, 
but has never sought political preferment for 
himself. He has, however, held the office of Com- 
missioner and School Director. Sociall)-, he is a 
member of the Ancient Order of United Work- 
men, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, and 
also belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He has 
resided upon his present farm .since 1873. It is 
located on section 33, Fountain Green Township, 
and comprises one hundred and .'^ixty acres of rich 
and arable land, which he has placed under a 
high state of cultivation. 

fe ''■ [=J <" T '^ S ® 

[~RANCIS WHEATLEY, one of the early 
r^ settlers of Henderson County, who now car- 
I ries on general farming on section 1 1 , Glad- 
stone Town.ship, was born in Breckenridge 
County, Ky., on the 29th of January, 1824. His 
parents, Thomas and Susan (Mattingley) Wheat- 
ley, were also natives of the same county. The 
former was born about 1791, and the latter in 
1787. Their childhood days were spent in the 
State of their nativity, and after attaining to ma- 
ture years the)' were united in marriage, in 1814. 
Nine children were born to them, three sons and 
six daughters, namely: Austin, Ignatius, Francis, 
Maria, Mrs. Nancy Lewis, Mrs. Jane Coons, Mrs. 
Amelia Wheatley, Sarah A. and Lucy. The 
father was a cooper bj' trade, and in coiniection 
with that pursuit followed farming. He remained 
in Kentucky until his death, which occurred in 
August, 1841. The mother was then left with a 
family of nine children to support. 

Francis Wheatley, who was a joung man of 
seventeen years at the time of his father's death, 
remained at home until twenty -eight years of age, 
and aided his mother in the care of the family. 
She was called to the home beyond in 1867. Thus 
to farm work Francis Wheatley gave his time and 
attention from early life. He unselfishly devoted 
his labors to the interest of the family, and the 
mother placed much dependence on her son. At 
length he left home, and on the iSth of April, 
1865, was united in marriage with MissMarj' Ef- 



fort, a daughter of James and Melinda (Stemper) 
Effort, who were numbered among the early set- 
tlers of this locality. The daughter was born in 
Tennessee, 011 the 23d of January, 1841, and when 
a maiden of eight summers came with the family 
to Illinois. They settled in Henderson Count}-, 
and were soon recognized as leading citizens of 
the community. 

Mr. Wheatley dates his arrival here from the 
spring of 1856, at which time he located a mile 
east of his present farm. He there remained for 
eleven years, after which he purchased his present 
farm, and when married began his domestic life 
thereon. He now has twenty-three acres of good 
land and a comfortable home, and although he 
started out in life empty-handed he has always 
managed to live well. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wheatlej' were boni five 
children, two sons and three daughters, namely: 
Cora A., born November 30, 1866; Laura J., Au- 
gust 20, 1869; Edgar W., December 18, 1873; 
Mary F., November 20, 1876; and Charles A., 
April I, 1879. 

Mr. Wheatley is a Democrat in politics, but has 
never sought or desired political preferment, de- 
siring rather to give his entire time and attention 
to his business interests. He has lived in Hender- 
son County for thirty-five jears, and has seen 
much of its growth and upbuilding. He has also 
aided in its advancement, and gives his support 
to all interests which are calculated to promote 
the general welfare. Although his life has been 
quiet and unassuming, it has been an honorable 
one, and has gained him universal confidence and 
esteem. 



e^+^i-= 



a 

NENRY C. BYLER owns and operates a good 
farm on .section 32, Durham Towiisliip, 
Hancock County. He here owns one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of good land, the greater 
part of which is under a high .state of cultivation. 
There is a comfortable home, good barns and 
outbuildings, and well kept-fences, which divide 
his farm into fields of convenient size. In con- 
nection with the raising of crops suitable to this 





F. A . Matthews 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



411 



climate, he also is engaged in stock-raising to a 

limited extent. He ships mostly to the towns in 
this locality. 

Mr. Byler has spent his entire life in Hancock 
County, for he was born on the old homestead in 
Durham Township, on the 30th of August, 1855. 
He conned his lessons in the district schools of 
the neighborhood, and thus acquired a good 
practical English education. His training in 
farm work was received under the instruction of 
his father, to whom he gave the benefit of his 
ser\-ices until he had attained his majority. He 
then started out in life for himself, and has since 
made his own way in the world. He first rented 
eighty acres of his father, and operated that for 
five years. He next purchased a tract of eighty 
acres on .section 16, Durham Township, and for 
eleven years made his home thereon, engaged in 
the cultivation of his land. From that farm he 
removed to the one on which he now resides. 

On the 15th of April, 1S77, a marriage cere- 
mony was performed which united the destinies 
of Mr. Byler and Miss Emma J. Toof, daughter 
of Benjamin and Marj' A. (Atherton) Toof, the 
former a native of Vermont, born in Franklin 
County February' 29, 1820. The latter, a native 
of Ohio, was bom July 24, 1823. Mr. and 
Mrs Byler have become the parents of three chil- 
dren, two sons and a daughter, Frankie L. and 
Ressie V. , who are at home, and J. Iven, who died 
at the age of three years. The parents both hold 
membership with the Old-School Baptist Church, 
belonging to what is known as the Friendship 
Church of Durham Township. For six years 
Mr. Byler has been a Master Mason, belonging to 
Dallas City Lodge. In politics, he is a Democrat. 



■S) 



^^^ 



(= 



rTRANCIS A. MATTHEWS, deceased, was a 
1^ native of Rhode Island, born in Providence 
I on the 22d of November, 1816. His father, 
Arthur Matthews, was a native of England, born 
in 1764. He married Lucretia Bartlett, who was 
born on the Island of Nantucket in 1779, and 
they became the parents of eight children, six sons 



and two daughters. When our subject was a 
child of only two years, they removed with their 
family to South Carolina, making the journey by 
v.ater to Charleston, thence going to Spartanburg. 
There Francis Matthews remained until fourteen 
years of age. He acquired a limited education in 
the public schools, and when a youth of fourteen 
years went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained 
until 1838. In that year he located near Law- 
renceburg, Ind. , where he with his brothers estab- 
lished a saw and grist mill. For eight years he 
carried on business along that line, after which he 
came to Illinois. 

Hoping to benefit his financial condition thereby, 
Mr. Matthews removed to Henderson County 
in the year 1843. He located in Rozetta Town- 
ship, purchasing eighty acres of unimproved land 
on section 10. A log cabin was the only building 
upon the place, and the greater part of the land 
was still in its primitive condition, but he at once 
began its cultivation, and as the result of his plow- 
ing and planting the wild tract was soon trans- 
formed into rich and fertile fields. He added 
one hundred and sixty acres, and there carried on 
agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he removed 
to Ft. Madison, Iowa, where he lived a retired life 
during the succeeding five years. 

On the loth of November, 1859, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Charlotte M. Dean, 
daughter of George L. and Irene (Wheeler) Dean, 
the former a native of Massachusetts, and the lat- 
ter of Connecticut. Mrs. Matthews was born in 
Athens, Ohio, and by her marriage became the 
mother of three children; Charles Dean, who mar- 
ried Maud M. Wilson, and is now operating the 
old home farm; Grace T. ; and Harry L., who 
completes the family. All are well known in this 
community, and Mrs. Matthews and her children 
occupy an enviable position in social circles. 

Mr. Matthews continued to make his home in 
Ft. Madison until the autumn of 1881, when he 
returned to Henderson County, and purchased 
the farm on which his widow yet resides. At his 
death he owned a valuable tract of four hundred 
acres, well improved. He carried on general farm- 
ing and stock-raising, and in his dealings met with 
prosperity, becoming one of the substantial citizens 



412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of the community. Although his life was a busj' 
one, he always found time to take a commendable 
interest in those enterprises which are calculated 
to prove of public benefit. He voted the Repub- 
lican ticket, but never sought or desired political 
preferment for himself All who knew him re- 
spected him for his sterling worth and integritj-, 
and during his long residence in Henderson 
County he made many warm friends. He passed 
away on December 27, 1886, and was laid to 
rest in Rozetta Cemetery. To his family he left 
an untarni.shed name, and his memory will ever l^ 
cherished bv his children. 



_^) 



-S) 



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SS==: 



IILLIAM W. BALDWIN, who carries on 
general farming on section 23, township 
12 north, range 4 west, has been a resident 
of Henderson County since 1865. He was born 
in Fayette County, Ind., on the i8th of August, 
1844, and comes of a family of Scotch origin. His 
parents were Louis M. and Sarah (Cooper) Bald- 
win. They had a familj- of only two children, 
the si.ster of our subject being Rebecca A., wife of 
John Spencer, a resident of Cambridge City, Ind. 
The father was a farmer by occupation, making 
that pursuit his life work. He died when our 
subject was only three years of age. 

William W. Baldwin then went to li\e with an 
uncle. In- whom he was reared. Midst play and 
work his bovhood days were spent. He early 
became familiar with all the duties of farm life, 
for at an early age he began work in the fields. 
His education was acquired in the district schools 
of the neighborhood, but his privileges in that 
direction were rather meagre; however, practical 
business experience and ob.servation have made 
him a well-informed man. He remained in the 
Hocsier State until he had attained his majority, 
when, in 1S65, he bade adieu to his old homeand 
came to Illinois, locating in Henderson County. 
He took up his residence near where he now re- 
sides and has since lived in this locality. 

On the 5th of October, 1867, Mr. Baldwin was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Crawford, 



and by their union have been born eleven chil- 
dren, six sous and five daughters: Mary, who is 
now the wife of Newton Gordon; William, de- 
ceased; and Ella, James, Frank, Eh, Louis, Mar- 
tha, Amos, Ida and Lena, who are still at home. 
In his political views, Mr. Baldwin is a Repub- 
lican, supporting the men and measures of that 
party. He has once filled the office of Super- 
visor and has also been School Director. He was 
true and faithful to his official duties, but the 
greater part of his time and attention has been 
devoted to his business interests. He is an en- 
terprising and industrious man, and his life has 
been a busy and useful one. He has therefore 
provided comfortablj' for his family, and has 
gained a pleasant home and good farm. He pos- 
sesses many excellencies of character, and all who 
know him esteem him highly for his sterling 
worth. 



~S) 



(=" 



(PAMUEL MILLAN DAVENPORT, who is 

/\ engaged in farming on section 26, township 
VjJ/ II north, range 5 west, was born July 21, 
1 841, in Wayne County, Ohio, and is of Scotch- 
Irish descent. He is one of a family of nine chil- 
dren, who.se parents were William S. and Emily 
(Poulson) Davenport, the former a native of 
Ohio, and the latter of \'irginia. When our sub- 
ject was only three months old the father brought 
his family to Henderson County, 111., locating at 
Oquawka. The six sons and three daughters of 
the famil)' are as follows; William, now living in 
Montana; Thomas, deceased; Samuel M.; Mar>' 
J., wife of D. A. Campbell, a fanner of Oquawka; 
Marion W., who carries on fanning in Oquawka 
Precinct, Henderson County; John W., an agri- 
culturist living in Rozetta, 111.; Charlotte, wife 
of William Welsh, who carries on fanning in Fall 
Creek Precinct, Henderson County, 111.; and 
Perry and Ellen, who died in infanc>'. 

Mr. Davenport of this sketch has lived in Hen- 
derson County since his early infancy, and was 
reared to manhood amid the wild .scenes of the 
frontier. The family experienced many of the 
hard.ships and trials of pioneer life. His educa- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



413 



tion was acquired in the district schools of the 
communitj-, and at the age of seventeen he be- 
gan earning his own liveUhood by working as a 
farm Iiand, receiving in compensation for his serv- 
ices $20 per montli. He was thus employed 
until he entered the army. 

On the 5th of August, 1862, Mr. Davenport 
enlisted, and was assigned to Company G, Eighty- 
fourth Illinois Infantry, under the command of 
Col. L. H. Waters. He participated in the bat- 
tles of Perrj'ville, Stone River, Woodbur3%Chick- 
amauga, Lookout Mountain, Mi,s.sionary Ridge, 
Dalton, Buzzard's Roo.st, Re.saca, Burnt Hickory, 
Kennesaw Mountain, Smyrna, Atlanta, Jonesboro, 
Franklin, Nashville, and many skinnishes. He was 
in the hospital at Pulaski for two weeks, but with 
the exception of this short period he was always 
found with his regiment, faithful to the Old Flag 
and the cause it represented. He enlisted as a 
private, but was afterwards made Corporal , and 
later became vSergeant. When the war was over, 
he was honorably discharged in Springfield, 111., 
June 19, 1865. 

After his return home, Mr. Davenport pur- 
chased forty acres of land in Pottawattamie Coun- 
ty, Iowa, and began farming. To this tract he 
added until he had sixty acres, to the cultivation 
of which he devoted his time and attention until 
1876, when he returned to Henderson County, 
111. He was then employed as a laborer until 
1893, when he resumed farming. He now has 
thirty-five acres, pleasantly located a mile and a- 
half to the southeast of Oquawka, and his farm is 
well cultivated. 

On the 14th of Jaiuiary, 1876, Mr. Davenport 
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Talford, 
daughter of William Talford, and by their union 
have been born four children, three .sons and a 
daughter, namely: Jessie, wife of Burke Logan, of 
Oquawka Precinct; Paul, decea.sed; and John and 
Cephas, who are still at home. The parents and 
their daughter hold membership witli the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Davenport is a 
member of Ellsworth Post No. 172, G. A. R., of 
which he has served as Junior Connnander. He 
exercises his right of franchise in support of the 
Republican party, with which he has affiliated 



sinc^asting his first Presidential vote for Abra- 
ham Lincoln. He is now serving as School Di- 
rector, and for six years has filled the office of 
vSupervisor. He is a valued and highly-respected 
citizen of the community, and his many excel- 
lencies of character and sterling worth have 
gained for him the warm regard of a large circle 
of friends and acquaintances. 



1-^+^ 



C=- 



I 



OSEPH HOLLINGSWORTH, a worthy rep- 
resentative of the agricultural interests of 
Henderson Coiuity, who is now living a re- 
tired life on section 36, township 12, range 4 
west, has probably the honor of being the oldest 
citizen of this community. He was born on the 
22d of August, 1805, in South Carolina, but dur- 
ing his infancy was taken by his parents to Ohio. 
His father, John Hollingsworth, was a native of 
Maryland, and when a young man left that State, 
emigrating to South Carolina, where he became 
acquainted with and wedded Miss Rachel Wright. 
By their union were born nine children, namely: 
James, Henry, Jane, Charity, John, Nathan, 
George, Hannah and Joseph. 

Our subject, who is the only one now living, 
acquired his education in Lebanon, Ohio, but his 
advantages in that direction were ver>- limited. 
In 18 17, when twelve years of age, he went with 
the family to Indiana, locating in Wayne County 
upon a farm, where he continued to make his 
home until 1844. In that year he came to Illi- 
nois, and ca.st in his lot with the early settlers of 
Henderson County. This localit\- was then a 
wild and spar.sely .settled region, which was just 
opened up to civilization. Mr. Hollingsworth is 
one of its honored pioneers, and for half a cen- 
tury has been prominently identified with its 
growth and development. On his arrival he lo- 
cated upon a farm, and built a mill in town.ship 
12, range 4 west. From that lime until 1876, 
he carried on general farming and also engaged 
in the operation of his mill. His business career 
was marked by energy and industry, his life be- 
ing a busy and useful one. 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In 1828, Joseph HoUingsworth married-*Miss 
Rachel Vestal, and to them were born seven chil- 
dren: Erwin, who is now living in Kansas; Ad- 
dison and Lonis, both deceased; Enoch, who 
makes his home in Lyndon, Kan.; Allen, a resi- 
dent of Henderson County; Nelson, who is also 
located in Lyndon, Kan. ; and Willard, of Burling- 
ton, Iowa. The mother of this family was called 
to her final rest February 9, 1858, and on the 
15th of September, 1859, Mr. Hollingsworth was 
again married, his second union being with Mrs. 
Adeline (Tahaferro) Bell. They became the par- 
ents of three children: Elizabeth J., now de- 
ceased; Brady, of Burlington, Iowa; and Joseph, 
deceased. 

Jo.seph Hollingsworth has since the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party been one of its stanch 
supporters. He was originally a Whig, and cast 
his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay. Few 
men have lived through more administrations 
than he. He has witnessed the most important 
events which have occurred in the histoiy of this 
country, has lived through three of its wars, and 
has seen the rapid strides of progress which have 
placed this country on a par with those of Eu- 
rope in many lines, while in others it takes the 
lead. He is a member of the Friends' Church, 
and, in harmony with his profession, has lived a 
quiet and honorable life, well worthy of emula- 
tion. vSince 1876 he has made his home with his 
.son, resting after the toil of former years. 



EAPT. JOHN A. PENCE, a well-known citi- 
zen of Oquawka, and one of the honored vet- 
erans of the late war who wore the blue in 
defen.se of the Union, is numbered among Hender- 
.son County's native sons- He is not only one of 
the honored pioneers, but also bears the distinc- 
tion of being the first white child born in the 
county, the date being August 12, 1830. His 
father, John Pence, was born in the Shenandoah 
Valley, in \'irginia, and during the greater part 
of his life followed fanning, but at different times 
was interested in other business enterprises, in- 



cluding that of milling. In 1827 he emigrated 
westward to Illinois, locating near Rock Island, 
where he lived in a bark house for a year. In 
1828 he came to Henderson County and purchased 
a farm three and a-half miles northeast of Oquaw- 
ka, on the Hender.son River, where he carried on 
agricultural pursuits for thirteen years, his death 
occurring in 1841. He had married Mrs. Eliza- 
beth (Heaton) Record, and to them were born 
three sons and two daughters: Andrew J., who 
died in California in 1854; John A., of this sketch; 
William H., deceased; Caroline, wife of George 
vShores, of Swan Creek, 111.; and Charlotte, wife 
of John Madden, a Government employe located in 
San Francisco, Cal. 

Upon the old homestead farm in Judge Pence's 
fort, which was erected for the protection of the 
.settlers against the Indians, Capt. Pence of this 
sketch was born. In 1843 his mother died, leav- 
ing him an orphan at the age of thirteen years. 
He then went to live with some older half-broth- 
ers, and later spent about four years in Jackson 
County, Iowa. His mother had left a farm to be 
divided among the five children, but Mr. Pence 
turned his attention not to agricultural pursuits, 
but to tailoring, which he began at the age of 
eighteen. After a short time, however, he em- 
barked in the carding business in Mercer County, 
111., having charge of the carding-machines in a 
woolen-mill owned by Joseph Glancey. 

On the 20th of March, 1850, Capt. Pence start- 
ed for California, making the trip with ox- teams, 
and on the i8th of Augu.st reached Placer\nlle, 
then called Hangtown. He there engaged in 
mining for about a year, after which he spent two 
years in prospecting on the American River, at 
Sha.sta City and elsewhere. In 1853 he went to 
Pescadero, Cal., about forty miles below San 
Francisco, where he engaged in raising potatoes 
for three years. In 1855 he returned to the mines 
and was engaged in freighting with a team in the 
mountains until June, 1859, when he returned 
home by way of the Panama route and New York. 
The following winter was to him a season of re,st, 
but in i860 he embarked in the livery business, 
which he carried on until the spring of 1865. 

In the mean time, however, he entered his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



415 



country's service, enlisting September 1, 1861, as 
a member of Company D, Seventh Missouri Cav- 
alry. He enlisted as a private, but was elected 
Second Lieutenant before going into ser\-ice. At 
Independence, Mo. , he was wounded in the right 
thigh by a minie-ball, and for more than a month 
was unfitted for service. At the time of the bat- 
tle he was ser\-ing as Post Quartermaster and 
Commissani- of Subsistence, .so that his duties did 
not call him to the field; but nevertheless he en- 
tered the engagement and was wounded, cap- 
tured and paroled. When he had recovered he 
went to St. Louis and was mustered out, for a 
person captured by guerrillas could not be ex- 
changed, the guerrillas not being recognized as 
Confederate troops; so in the fall of 1862 he re- 
turned home. 

On the 19th of December of the same year, Mr. 
Pence wedded Miss Marj- A. Chapin, a daughter 
of Ebenezer and Catherine (Dagget) Chapin. 
They have no children of their own, but reared 
an adopted daughter. On his return from the war 
Capt. Pence resumed the liver>' business, which 
he carried on until the spring of 1865, when he 
began farming, having purchased land three miles 
northeast of Oquawka. He carried on agricult- 
ural pursuits until 1871, when he became a travel- 
ing salesman. In the fall of 1874, he embarked 
in the greenhouse and nursery *bu.siness in 
Oquawka, and continued the same until the spring 
of 1884, when he accepted a position as manager 
of the springs owned by the Kirkwood Mineral 
Springs Company. The succeeding four seasons 
were thus pa.s.sed, and in the sunnner of 1888 he 
went to Biggsville, 111., spending one year in a 
store in that place. 

Capt. Pence has also traveled to a considerable 
extent in the West. In March, 1877, he started 
for the Black Hills, making the trip from Chey- 
enne by the " Fa.st Freight Line " of mule-teams. 
He spent .some five months prospecting in the 
Black Hills, and, returning by way of Ft. Pierre, 
reached home in August, 1877. In 1873, he 
made an extensive trip through Texas and pur- 
chased and shipped to Kansas thirty-five hundred 
head of cattle. In the winter of 1889, Capt. 
Pence was in Springfield, and had cliarge of the 



janitors in the House of Representatives. Shortly 
after he returned to his old home in Oquawka, and 
has since been in the employ of Robert Hodson. 

Our subject ca.st his first Presidential vote for 
Winfield Scott, and was a Whig until i86o, since 
which time he has been a .stanch supporter of the 
Republican party and its principles. He has served 
as a member of the Town Board three terms, and 
was elected Justice of the Peace, but after a few 
months resigned on account of pressing business 
interests. He belongs to Oquawka Lodge No. 
122, A. F. & A. M.; and to Ellsworth Post No. 
172, G. A. R., in which he has filled nearly all 
the offices, including that of Commander. He 
well deserves representation in this volume, for he 
has witnessed the entire growth and development 
of the county, and has long been numbered among 
its valued citizens. 



e^+^i 



0ANIEL W. MUMEY, one of the prosperous 
farmers of Henderson County, who owns and 
operates three hundred and thirty-eight acres 
of valuable land on section 19, township 12 north, 
range 4 west, claims Ohio as the State of his na- 
tivity, for his birth occurred in Pickaway County, 
on the 14th of June, 185 1. His father, Solomon 
Mumey, was a native of Penn.sylvania. Having 
attained to years of maturity, he maiTied Lucinda 
Winsted, and to them were born seven children, 
six sons and a daughter, namely: William: David, 
who resides in Wiscon.sin ; Daniel W. of this sketch ; 
Joseph, a resident of Nebraska; Solomon, who is 
located in the same State: Samuel, deceased: and 
Man,-, who died in infancy. 

Daniel W. Mume\ was a child of only six sum- 
mers when he was l)rought by his parents to Illi- 
nois. The family located in Henderson Connt\-, 
upon the prairie, but after a short time removed 
to a farm four miles norlhea.st of Oquawka, where 
the father purcha.sed one hundred and twenty 
acres of land, and began the cultivation and de- 
velopment of the farm. Our subject acquired his 
education in the district schools of the neighbor- 
hood, which he attended through 'the winter sea- 



4i6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



son, while in the summer months he aided in the 
labors of the farm. He was reared to manhood 
upon the old homestead, and has carried on agri- 
cultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He 
was early inured to the arduous labors of the field, 
and became familiar with all the departments of 
farm work; so that when he began business for 
himself he had a stock of practical experience, 
which proved of much \alue to him. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, 
Mr. Mumey cho.se Miss Katie Welsh, a daughter 
of John Welsh, their marriage being celebrated 
on the 4th of June, 1870. By their union were 
born seven children, five sous and two daughters: 
John, Solomon, Mary, Ella, Daniel, Michael and 
Peter, and with the exception of Daniel, who is 
now deceased, all are with their parents. The 
Mumey hou.sehold is the abode of hospitality, and 
the family is held in high regard throughout the 
community. 

In 1884, Mr. Mumey purchased a part of his 
present farm, a tract of one hundred and twenty 
acres, to which he has added from time to time, 
until he now has three hundred and thirty-eight 
acres of rich land, constituting oneof the vaUiable 
farms of this locality. Everything about the 
place is neat and thrifty in appearance, and the 
well-tilled fields and good improvements indicate 
to the passer-by the careful supervision of the 
owner. In his political views, Mr. Mumey is a 
Democrat, and by his first Presidential vote sup- 
ported Samuel J. Tiklen. He has served as Town- 
ship Supervisor and as Scliool Director, and the 
cause of education finds in him a warm friend. 



-=). 



"SI 



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l=~ 



GlSA JACKSOX, who is numbered among the 
r 1 early settlers of Henderson County, his home 
l\ now being on section 4, Rozetta Township, 
was born on the 28th of January, 18 17, in Jack- 
son County, Ind., and is a son of Willington and 
Elsie (Davis) Jackson. The father was born in 
Virginia, and was of luiglish descent. In the 
family were thirteen children, twelve sons and a 
daughter, and,- with one exception, all grew to 



mature years, but only three are living at this 
writing (in the spring of 1894), namely: Asa of 
this sketch; Elisha, who now follows farming in 
Kansas; and Lewis, who is an agriculturist of the 
same State. The father contiiuied to live in the 
Old Dominion until about thirty years of age, 
when he emigrated westward to Indiana, making 
the journey by team. He became one of the pio- 
neer settlers of Jackson County, and there entered 
land from the Government, his claim being located 
near Brownstown. After erecting a log cabin, 
he began to clear and improve the farm, and in 
the midst of the forest de\-eloped a good home. 
The Indians were still in the neighborhood, and 
the white settlers, therefore, were frequently com- 
pelled to seek protection in forts. Mr. Jackson 
remained in the Hoosier State until his death, 
which occurred in 1840. He was a member of 
the Methodist Church, and a highly-re.spected 
citizen. His wife passed awa>- several years pre- 
vious. 

Asa Jackson was reared upon the old homestead 
farm in the county of his nativity, and attended a 
subscription school, which was held in a log 
schoolhouse two miles from his home. He is 
largely self-educated, however, for he could at- 
tend school only through the winter season, when 
there was a lull in the farm work. He began to 
earn his o\tn livelihood at the age of eighteen 
years, by working as a farm hand at $8 per 
month. He was thus employed for two years, 
after which he rented land and began farming in 
his own interest. He continued the cultivation 
of property belonging to others until 1849, when 
he left his native State and came to Illinois. 

Previous to his removal, Mr. Jackson was mar- 
ried, having in 1836 led to the marriage altar 
Miss L- Henlider. By their union have been 
born .seven children: Michael, who is nowdeceased; 
Adeline, widow of John Mor.se; Eveline, wife of 
Eli Beaty; Lavina, wife of George Brown; Eliza, 
wife of Alexander Smith; Mahala, wife of Hugh 
Haines; and Ellen, wife of David Penro.se. 

It was in 1849 that Mr. Jack.son came to Hen- 
derson Count>-, and purchased eighty-one acres 
of land on section 8, Rozetta Town.ship. Only a 
few acres had been broken, the greater part of it 



*m 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



417 



being still in its primitive condition: but he at 
once began to cultivate it, and soon the entire 
amount was placed under the plow. Good build- 
ings and other improvements were made, and in 
cour.se of time the farm became one of the best in 
the neighborhood. Mr. Jackson continued tu 
make his home thereon until 1893, when he sold 
his first property, and removed to the farm on 
which he now resides. His life has been a busy 
and useful one, and as the result of his industr\- , 
perseverance and good nianagenient he has ac- 
quired a comfortable competence. In his political 
views, Mr. Jackson has long been a supporter of 
the Republican party, and is a member of the 
Christian Church. During his long residence in 
this county he has made many warm friends, and 
it is with pleasure that we present this record nf 
his life to our readers. 

s ■ — -'— S)<*T*^d 



(I AMES MADISON THOMAS, who since 
I 1854 has been engaged in farming on the old 
(2/ Thomas homestead, on .section 14, town.ship 
1 1 north, range 5 west, in Hender!5on County, 
here ow'ns and operates two hundred acres of 
valuable land. He is recognized as one of the 
leading agriculturists of the community, and is 
also numbered among the honored early settlers. 
He claims Kentucky as the State of his nativity, 
his birth ha\nng occurred in Nelson County, De- 
cember 20, 18 19. He is of Welsh and German 
extraction, and is a son of Eleazor and Annie 
(Garrett) Thomas, who were also natives of Ken- 
tucky. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Thomas, 
was born in Loudoun County, Va., and his wife, 
Elizabeth, was a native of the same State. The 
maternal grandfather, Robert Garrett, was born in 
the same State where his daughter's birth oc- 
curred. His wife was of Scotch descent and bore 
the name of McDowell. The parents had a fam- 
ily of six children, four sons and two daughters, 
namely: Shelby, who is now deceased ; James M., 
of this sketch; Lsaac, a farmer of Henderson 
County; Rea.son, who is living in Pottawattamie 
Countj', Iowa; and Ellen and Elizabeth, who are 
deceased. • 



In the usual manner of farmer lads James 
M. Thomas spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth. He worked in the fields during the sum 
nier months, and in the winter sea.son attended 
the subscription .schools of Kentucky, thus acquir- 
ing a limited education. When he was about 
sixteen years of age, his father died, and he then 
bound himselfout to Hemy Arned, whom he served 
until he had attained his majority, working as a 
tarm hand. After reaching man's estate, he con- 
tinued with Mr. Arned for another \ear. Wlten 
twenty-two years of age, he began farming on the 
old homestead, and was thus employed until the 
age of twenty-five. In the .spring of 1849, he 
emigrated to Illinois, landing in Oquawka, hav- 
ing made the journey by .steamer. For a year he 
worked on a farm near the county seat, and then, 
in 1S50, went to California, driving an ox-team 
acro.ss the plains to the Pacifi6 Slope. He started on 
the 14th of April, and after a long and tedious 
journey reached Hangtown (now Placer\ille) on 
the 17th of August. There he engaged in pros- 
pecting and mining until December, when he 
started for home by way of the Panama route and 
New Orleans. On the 29th of Januarj-, 1851, we 
again find him in Oquawka, and .soon after he be- 
gan farming on the Judge Pence place, where he 
remained until 1854. Since that time he has 
lived on the farm which is now his home. It 
compri.ses two hundred acres of land, and in ad- 
dition to this he owns one hundred and twenty 
acres elsewhere. 

On the 5th of October, 1S45, Mr. Thomas was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of 
Andrew and Catherine (Holmes) Figg. The 
former was a son of John Figg, a native of 'Vir- 
ginia, of Irish lineage, and the latter was a 
daughter of William Holmes, a native of England, 
who emigrated to America in an earh" day, and 
.served as a drummer in the Revolutionary War. 
Ten children have been born to our .subject and 
his wife, namely: Henry, now of Oquawka Pre- 
cinct: Craven, a farmer of Henderson County: 
Joseph, who carries on farming in Mercer Coun- 
ty; James, an agriculturist of Plainville, Kan.; 
Halleck, a farmer of Henderson County; Char- 
lotte, wife of A. Martin, of Perkins, Okla. : Susan. 



4i8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wife of William Figg, a Captain in the Fire De- 
partment of Chicago: Kate, wife of Walter Cha- 
pin, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in 
Rooks County, Kan.; Alice, wife of J. C. Bentley, 
an attorney of Wichita, Kan.: and Eliza A., who 
died in infancy. 

In politics, Mr. Thomas was originally a Whig, 
but since the dissolution of that party has been a 
Democrat. He has ser\-ed as School Director and 
School Trustee, and the cause of education finds 
in him a warm friend. He belongs to Tran- 
quil Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F., and he and his 
wife hold membership with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. They are honored and worthy 
citizens of the community, and by his well-di- 
rected efforts Mr. Thomas has risen from a hum- 
ble position to one of affluence. 



=-1-^+^ 



C3_ 



IILLIAM H. SNODGRASS, a farmer of 
Henderson County, now living on section 
15, township 12 north, range 4 west, claims 
Illinois as the State of his nativity, his birth hav- 
ing occurred in Warren County on the gth of 
June, 1856. He was one of twelve children born 
unto Daniel and Mary E. (Wimmer) SnodgTa,ss. 
The fatherwas a native of Tennessee, and through- 
out his life followed the occupation of farming. 
The mother was a daughter of Jacob Wimmer. 
The children of the family are: John, who now 
makes his home in Kansas; George W., a farmer 
of Nebraska; Jacob, a resident of Monmouth, 111. ; 
William H.; Thomas, who is located in Kirk- 
wood, 111.; Mary, deceased; Lynn, now of Ne- 
braska; Hattie, widow of James Hanley, of Chi- 
cago; Charles, who resides in Nebraska; Martha, 
wife of N. Bitterman; and Daniel, deceased. 

William H. Snodgrass spent the first six years 
of his life in his native county, and then came 
with the family to Hender.son County, where his 
time was passed in work upon the farm or in con- 
ning his lessons in the district schools of the 
neighborhood. Thus his education was acquired. 
He lived at home until twenty-two years of age, 
and then, starting out in life for himself, he began 



farming in Des Moines County, Iowa. For four 
years he made his home in the Hawkeye State, 
after which he returned to Illinois, and since 
1882 he has lived upon the farm which is now his 
place of residence. 

On the 9th of October, 1879, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Snodgrass and Miss Laura 
L- Rozell, daughter of James and Sarah (Hovey) 
Rozell. Eight children have been born to them, 
two sons and six daughters: Ida M., Pearl E., 
Sarah A., Maude E., Jennie M., Henry E., Rob- 
ert J. and Minnie R. The family circle yet re- 
mains unbroken, and the children are .still with 
their parents. 

Mr. Snodgrass votes with the Republican party, 
and holds membership with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. He is a public-spirited and pro- 
gressive citizen, who takes an active interest in 
ever>'thing pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
munity. He has lived a quiet and unassuming 
life, giving the greater part of his time and atten- 
tion to farm work, yet is recognized as a valued 
citizen of the community, and therefore it is with 
pleasure that we present to our readers this record 
of his life work. 



-=) 



^+^ 



c=_ 



NIRAM SYLVESTER TWEED, who now 
carries on general farming on section 12, 
Glad.stone Township, has the honor of being 
a native of Henderson County, for his birth here 
occurred on the 15th of May, 1837. ^^^ is there- 
fore a pioneer of the county, and is a worth>- rep- 
resentative of one of its first families. His father. 
Abraham Tweed, was born in Virginia, in 1800, 
and when he had reached mail's estate he married 
Miss Eliza Reed, who was also born in the Old 
Dominion. They became the parents of eight 
children, namely: John, Mrs. Elizabeth Learj-, 
Thomas, William, Mrs. Marj- Lusk, Hiram (who 
died in infancy) , and Hiram S. , of this sketch. The 
mother of this family died when our subject was 
only three years old, after which Abraham Tweed 
was again married, and by the second union had 
a daughter, Mrs. Jane A. Bell. About 1835, the 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



419 



father emigrated westward and cast his lot among 
the early settlers of Henderson County, 111. He 
entered land on section 28, township 10 north, 
range 5 west, and at once began the development 
of a farm, which he continued to cultivate and 
improve until his death, which occurred in 1845. 
He was well known throughout thecountj-, being 
one of the leading and influential citizens in that 
early day. 

Amid the wild scenes of the frontier, Hiram S. 
Tweed was reared to manhood. He shared in the 
hardships and trials of pioneer life, and early be- 
came inured to hard labor. He was only eight 
years of age when his father died, and from that 
time he had to make his own way in the world, 
striving hard to secure a livelihood in the days of 
his youth and earl}- manhood. He has always 
worked hard, being an industrious and energetic 
man. His school privileges were limited, but he 
has made the mcst of his opportunities through 
hfe. 

On the 7th of January, 1862, Mr. Tweed was 
united in marriage with Miss Luc}- E. Sage, 
daughter of Gideon and Mary ( Clarke) Sage, who 
were numbered among the early settlers of this 
community. Mr. Sage laid out the present town 
of Glad.stone, which was for many years called 
Sagetown, in his honor. He Uved to be nearly 
ninet\-six years old. Seven children have been 
born to our subject and his wife, six sons and a 
daughter: John W., born November 2, 1862; 
James T., March 12, 1864; Hiram L., September 
16, 1865; Edd Ray, November 30, 1867; Gideon 
A., January 9, 1869; Charles E., August 29, 1871 ; 
and Katie M., May 17, 1873. Three of this num- 
ber are now deceased. Mrs. Tweed and her 
daughter hold member.ship with the United Pres- 
byterian Church. Their home is the abode of 
hospitality, and the members of the family rank 
high in the social circles in which they move. 

Throughout his entire life, Mr. Tweed has car- 
ried on general farming, and he now raises all 
kinds of stock. Long acquaintance with the busi- 
ness has made him a ma.ster of it, and he is now 
meeting with success, although in his earlier j-ears 
he had to overcome many obstacles and diiTiculties 
in the path to prosperity. His own energy and 



good management have been ably assisted by that 
of his wife, who has proved a true helpmate 
to him. Socially, Mr. Tweed is a Mason, belong- 
ing to Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. & A. M. 
In politics, he usually .supports the Democratic 
party, but occasionally voles the Prohibition 
ticket. In the history of his native county he 
well deserves representation, for he has long been 
numbered among its best citizens. 

gP. WILLIAM FROEHLICH, pension attor- 
ney and Notan,- Public of Oquawka, is one 
of the worthy citizens that Germany has 
furnished this locality, for he was born in the 
Rhine Province in Prussia. The date of this 
event was March 21, 1835. His father, Peter 
Froehlich, was a tanner by trade, and lived and 
died in Germany. The family numbered seven 
children, but four of the number died in infancy, 
and another, Francis, is also now deceased. Jo- 
.seph, a ranchman of San Diego, Cal., and Gott- 
fried Frederick William, of this .sketch, are the 
only ones now living. 

Our subject lost his mother when he was only 
four days old, and was reared by his grandmother. 
He acquired his early education in the village 
schools, but afterwards pursued his studies in the 
High School of Bonn. In iSsi.he entered the 
chemical factory of that place, where he was em- 
ployed as clerk for a j'ear, and in 1852 he emi- 
grated to America. The voyage was made in a 
sailing-vessel, and after fifty-two days .spent upon 
the bo.som of the Atlantic, anchor was dropped in 
the harbor of New Orleans, and the human cargo 
was landed in the Crescent City. Mr. Froehlich 
did not tarry long in the South, however, but by 
boat he at once proceeded up the Mississippi and 
located in Oquawka. For a year after his ar- 
rival, he was clerk in the store of F. Odendahl, 
which position he filled until he began learning 
the harness-maker's trade in Warsaw. There he 
remained from 1853 until 1856, when he went to 
Carthage, where he was employed as a journey- 
man until 1857. The following year was spent 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ill working at his trade through Illinois and Iowa, 
and in 1S58 he returned to Oquawka, where he 
engaged in harness-making and in teaching school 
until 1 86 1. 

Mr. Froehlich had given considerable time to 
the study of the questions which brought on the 
Civil War, and, warml>- advocating the Union 
cause, he at once responded to the President's 
first call for seventy-five thousand volunteers. 
On the 23d of April, 1861, he enlisted as a mem- 
ber of Company D, Tenth Illinois Infantn,-, and 
at Cairo, 111., was mustered out, July 29, 1861. 
On the 1 1 th of September of the same year, how- 
ever, he again entered the service as a member of 
Company G, Tenth Missouri Infantry, and par- 
ticipated in the battles of luka, Corinth, Yazoo 
Pass Expedition, Raymond, Jackson, Cham- 
pion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg and the bat- 
tle of Mission Ridge. At Corinth, on the 4th 
of October, 1862, he was wounded in the fore- 
head, and at the battle of Champion Hills was 
wounded in the right leg. His injuries were 
quite serious, bnt, nevertheless, he remained with 
his company until honorably discharged, Septem- 
ber 29, 1864. He was then employed in the 
civil ser\-ice in Nashville, as clerk in the Ordi- 
nance Department. At his own expense, he re- 
turned home to vote for Lincoln, and then again 
went to Nashville, where he remained until Sep- 
tember, 1865, when we once more find him at 
Oquawka, where he has since made his home. 

Mr. Froehlich's eye-sight having failed him, .so 
that he could no longer follow his trade, he en- 
gaged as clerk for a time, and was then elected 
Constable, in 1866, filling the office for two years. 
He served as Deputy Assessor in 1867, 1868 and 
1869, having half of the county in charge, and in 
1868 became Deputy County Clerk, which office 
he filled until 1877, with the exception of one 
year. He was then elected County Clerk, which 
position he continuously filled until 1890, when 
he became pension attorney and Notary Public. 
Other offices he has filled, having served as Dep- 
uty Circuit Clerk and as Deputy Sheriff, and 
for five terms he has been \'illage Clerk, a position 
which he now occupies. When first elected 
County Clerk he received a majority of one hun- 



dred and ten. At the second election he carried 
the county by three hundred and .seventy-nine; 
and at the third election by a majority of eleven 
hundred and twenty-five. No higher testimonial 
to his efficient and faithful service could be given. 
The prompt and able manner in which he dis- 
charged his duties has gained him the confidence 
and trust of the entire community, and, feeling 
that no better officer could be secured, many of 
the opposing part}- gave him their votes. 

Mr. Froehlich was married November 2 1 , 1865, 
to Mrs. Margaret Herbertz, who was also a na- 
tive of Germany. There are four children bj- Mrs. 
Froehlich's former marriage, namely: Charles 
Herbertz, a miner in Colorado; Sophie, residing 
with her mother; William P., a travehng insur- 
ance and building association agent; and Her- 
man J., editor of the '/Vwct at Roseville, Warren 
Coiuity, 111. 

Our subject has ne\'er had occasion to regret 
the fact that he sought a home in the New 
World about the time he started out in life for 
himself, for here he has made for himself a good 
living, and has won many friends, who give him 
their high regard. In politics, he has been a 
stanch Republican since casting his first Presi- 
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He belongs to 
Ellsworth Post No. 172, G.A.R., and has served 
as its Commander, as Adjutant, Quartermaster, 
vSergeant-Major and as Quartermaster-Sergeant. 



=-l^^-^l-- 



pQlLLIAM CORADEN HOVEY, who is 
\ A / now practically living a retired life on his 
VY for"! in Henderson County, on section 24, 
township 1 1 north, range 5 west, is a native of the 
Buckeye State. He was born in Raccoon County, 
Ohio, September 21, 1 844, and is of Welsh lineage. 
His father, Lorenzo Hovey, was a native of Con- 
necticut, and by occupation was a ship carpenter 
and miller. He married Harriet Stevens, and 
they became the parents of nine children, four 
sons and five daughters: Marinda, wife of E. 
Wyckoff, of Iiidianola, Neb. ; George L. and Sarah 
M., who are now deceased; Charlotte L., of Indi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



421 



auola; Jasper A., who was killed at the battle of 
Chickamauga during the late war; William C; 
Deborah F. , deceased; Lorenzo D., who makes 
his home in Nebraska; and Harriet A., wife of 
Calvin Newberry, of Red Willow County, Neb. 

William C. Hove>- was a lad of only seven 
summers when, with his parents, he came to 
Hender.son County, 111. His education was ac- 
quired in the district schools, and under his 
father's direction lie became familiar with all the 
departments of farm labor. He continued to en- 
gage in the cultivation of the home farm until 
eighteen years of age, when, on the nth of Aug- 
ust, 1862, he responded to the country's call for 
troops, and was assigned to Company C, Ninety- 
first Illinois Infantry, under the command of Col. 
Day. With his regiment he participated in 
the battles of Mobile, Whistler, Mt. Vernon Ar- 
senal and Brownsville, Tex., as well as many 
minor engagements. He was captured by Morgan 
in Kentucky, but was paroled the same night and 
had to walk home. This was on the 24th of De- 
cember, 1862, and he reached his home on the 
12th of January, 1863. In May, following, he 
was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. When 
the war was over he was honorably discharged, 
on the 28th of May, 1865, at the Mobile hospital, 
where he had remained for about a month pre- 
vious. 

During the time he spent at home Mr. Hovey 
was married to Miss Charlotte Smith, daughter of 
John and Amanda (Gilbert) Smitli. The mar- 
riage was celebrated January 22, 1863, and was 
blessed with three children, but two died in in- 
fancy. John A., who is still living, now follows 
fanning in Rock Island County-, 111. 

On his return from the South Mr. Hovey re- 
sumed farming, which he carried on until 1867, 
when he embarked in the milling business, wliicli 
he continued for fifteen years. In 1882 he went 
to Gladstone, and for one year was employed in a 
sugar refinery, but in 1883 he returned to his 
farm, where he has since practically lived a retired 
life. Mr. Hovey has acquired a comfortable com- 
petence through indu.stry, perseverance and good 
management, and is now enabled to surround 
himself with the comforts of life. He is a leading 



citizen of the community, and takes an active in- 
terest in all those enterprises which are calculated 
to promote the general welfare. He has voted 
with the Republican party since casting his. first 
presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, and is a 
member of Ellsworth Post No. 173, G. A. R. In 
all positions of trust, whether public or private, 
he is as true to his duty as when, in days gone 
by, he followed the Stars and Stripes on .southern 
battlefields. 



(lOHN H. RICKETTS, who is engaged in 
I the operation of a good farm on section 24, 
Q) town II north, range 5 west, has spent his 
entire life in Henderson County, and is a repre- 
sentative of one of its early families. Mention is 
made of his parents in connection with the sketch 
of Samuel A. Ricketts on another page of this 
work. Our subject was born on the old home- 
stead, April 29, 1852, and midst play and work 
his boyhood days were passed. His educational 
privileges were quite limited, being confined to 
tliose afforded by the common schools of the 
neighborhood, and the schools of that day were 
not of the be.st. His physical training, however, 
was ample, for as soon as old enough he began 
work on his father's farm, and .soon took his place 
in the fields as a regular hand. 

Mr. Ricketts remained with his parents until 
he had attained his majority, when he left home 
to begin life for himself. He took up the pursuit 
to which he had been reared, and has made it his 
life occupation, following it continuously until 
1888, when he engaged in the butchering busi- 
ness. He was thus employed for about a year, 
when he returned to his fother's farm, which he 
has since operated. The land is now under a 
high state of cultivation, and there are good im- 
provements upon the place. liverything is neat 
and thrifty in appearance and well indicates the 
careful supervision of Mr. Ricketts. 

On the 2d of October, 1879, our subject was 
married, tlie lady of his choice being Miss Delia 
Forgey, who has been to him a faithful companion 



422 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and helpmeet. Their union has been blessed 
with four children, all daughters: Jessie, Marj', 
Sadie and Annie. 

Mr. Ricketts cast his first presidential vote for 
Samuel J. Tilden, and has since been an advocate 
of the Democratic part}- and its principles, but 
has never had time or inclination to seek public 
office. He holds membership with the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and has led an honorable, 
upright life, worthy the esteem and confidence 
which are his. 



"SJ 



^-^ 



[^ 



[^" 



(TOHN W. GOFF, who devotes his time and 
I attention to agricultural pursuits, owning a 
(*/ farm of seventy-five acres on section 31, 
township 12 north, range 4 west, Henderson 
County, was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., 
on the 1 8th of December, 1850, and is of Scotch 
lineage. His father, James R. Goff, was also 
born in the Hoo.sier State, and he too carried on 
farming as a means of livelihood. When he had 
arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Lu- 
cinda, daughter of John and Betsy E. (Crouch) 
Crose, and to them were born eight children, 
five of whom are yet living: George A., a farmer 
residing in Iowa; John W.; Elizabeth, deceased; 
one who died in infancj^; Andrew F., who has 
aLso passed away ; Sarah C. , wife of E. P. McNall, 
a farmer of Mercer County, 111.; James W. , who 
carries on farming in Henderson Count\-; and 
William G., who follows the same pursuit in Mer- 
cer County. 

When Mr. Goff of this sketch was only two 
years old, his parents came to Henderson County, 
111. He was reared amid the wild scenes of fron- 
tier life, for the country was then but .slightly im- 
proved. He acquired his education in the dis- 
trict schools, and remained upon the home farm 
until twenty-five years of age, giving his father 
the benefit of his .services. He then left the par- 
ental roof, and began farming for himself on 
rented land, for he had no capital with which to 
purchase property. The following year he worked 
by the month as a farm hand, and in 1877 again 



rented land. In this way he carried on farming 
until 1880, when he once more began working by 
the month. He saved his monej', and when he 
had acquired a sufficient sum he purchased, in the 
spring of 1882, the farm upon which he now re- 
sides, comprising seventy-five acres. The entire 
amount he has placed under a high state of culti- 
vation, and the well-tilled fields are thus made to 
yield to him a good income. 

Asa companion and helpmate on life's journey, 
Mr. Goffcho.se Miss Nancy E. Forgey, daughter 
of Amos and Elizabeth (Lannin) Forgey. Their 
marriage was celebrated on the 20th of January, 
1876, and has been blessed with a family of five 
children: Annie M., wife of James M. Smith, a 
farmer of Henderson County; William W., at 
home; two who died in infancy; and John F., 
who is still with his parents. The Goff household 
is the abode of hospitality, and the members of 
the family rank high in the social circles in which 
they move. 

Socially, Mr. Goff is a member of Oquawka 
Camp No. 1037, M. W. A. He has served as 
School Director, and on the jury, but the greater 
part of his time and attention has been devoted to 
private interests. He cast his first Presidential 
vote for Horace Greeley, but has since .supported 
the Republican party, and is a .stanch adherent of 
its principles. The greater part of his life has 
been spent in Henderson Count.\-, and here he is 
both widely and favorably known. 



gREENUP vSTILLWELL, who now carries on 
farming on section 4, Rozetta Township, 
Henderson County, is a native of the Hoosier 
State, having been born in Clarke County, on the 
2C)th of October, 1817. He is the only child of 
Isaiah and Nancy (Huckleberry; Stilhvell. His 
father died when he was an infant, and he was 
reared by his mother's people. In his youth he 
received no special advantages. At the age of 
eighteen he started out in life for himself and has 
since been dependent on his own resources, .so 
that whatever success he has achieved is due en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



423 



tirely to his own efforts. He began as a cabinet- 
maker, working at that trade for two years. He 
then followed the river for about two years, serv- 
ing as pilot on the United States mail line be- 
tween Louisville and Cincinnati. 

At length Mr. Stillwell determined to seek a 
home in Illinois, and in 1S40 came to Henderson 
County, which was just being opened up to civil- 
ization. He is therefore numbered among its pio- 
neer settlers, and may also be classed among its 
founders, for in the fifty-four years which have 
passed since his arrival he has ever borne his part 
in its upbuilding and development. He began 
work at the carpenter's trade, which he has fol- 
low^ed more or less ever since that time. In 1846, 
he purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, 
Rozetta Township, and is now making his home 
upon that farm. 

Mr. Stillwell has been twice married. In 1835, 
he was joined in wedlock with Miss Margaret 
Metheny, and to them was born a daughter, 
Susan. For his second wife, Mr. Stillwell chose 
Mrs. Pereann Morris, and their union was cele- 
brated Januarj' 24, 1847. The lady is a daughter 
of Thomas and Joanna Adams. The father was 
a native of Wales, born in 18 12. When young, 
he came to America, crossing the Atlantic in a 
sailing-vessel, and located in Pennsylvania, where 
he lived for several years. He later removed to 
Ohio, and afterward came to Illinois, locating in 
Henderson County in 1840. Purchasing a farm 
in Rozetta Township, he there made his home un- 
til 1875, when he removed to Kansas, where his 
death occurred in his ninety-third year. He fol- 
lowed farming throughout his entire life, was a 
member of the Baptist Church, and in political 
belief was a Democrat. His wife passed away in 
1877, in the eighty -eighth year of her age. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stillwell have been born 
nine children: Alonzo, who died in infancy; Ger- 
trude, wife of Harry Van Winkle; Clara J., wife 
of J. B. Reynolds; Greenup O. ; Nathaniel, who died 
in infancy; Luna F., who died in 1893; MelvinT.; 
William H. H. ; and Helen, who completes the fam- 
il\-. The parents and their children are widely and 
favorably known in this locality and occupy an 
enviable position in social circles. Mr. Stillwell 



oast his lirst Presidential vote for William Henry 
Harri.son, but since the organization of the Re- 
publican party has been one of its .stanch .support- 
ers. He holds membership with the Methodist 
Church, and has lived an honorable, upright life, 
that has not only gained him many friends, but 
has won him the respect and esteem of all with 
whom business or social relations have brought 
him in contact. 



"S] 



^-^ 



o_ 



(TOHN WALTERS, who owns and operates a 
I fine farm of two hundred and forty acres on 
\Z/ section 12, township 12 north, range 4 west, 
is one of the worthy citizens Britain has fur- 
nished to Henderson County. He was born in 
Lanitian Parish, Monmouth.shire, on the 12th of 
February, 1820, and is a son of John and Eliza- 
beth (Baldwin) Walters. Of their family of sev- 
en children, he is the eldest, and was followed 
by Thomas and Amelia, who are now- deceased; 
Charlotta; Elizabeth, deceased; and Marj', widow 
of Alex Christie. 

John Walters was reared by his grandfather, 
with whom he remained until sixteen years of 
age, during which time he attended the common 
schools. When he had attained that age he 
.started out in life for himself, working as a farm 
hand, and has since been dependent on his own 
resources, so that the .success which he has 
achieved in life is the ju.st reward of his own la- 
bors. During his entire residence in England 
he worked for wages. Believing that he could 
better his financial condition by emigrating to 
America, he made arrangements to cross the At- 
lantic. On the 4th of May, 1852, he boarded a 
sailing-vessel at Liverpool, England, and after 
forty-three days spent upon the briny deep landed 
in New York on the 20th of June. Coming at 
once to the West, he took up his residence in 
Henderson County, locating in Oquawka. 

Mr. Walters was married ere leaving his native 
land, having in 185 1 wedded Miss Frances Ed- 
wards. On the 13th of May, 1858, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Olive Jenkinson, and by 



424 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



their union were born eight children, five sons 
and three daughters: Thomas; Frances, wife of 
L. Lauver; Wesley; George; William; Nettie, 
wife of S. Simons; Joseph, deceased; and Amanda, 
wife of W. Brock. 

Mr. Walters made his first purcha,se of land in 
Henderson Count}- in 1853, becoming owner of a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he 
operated for a year and then sold. In 1855, he 
bought the farm on which he now lives, com- 
prising one hundred and sixtj' acres, but its 
boundaries he has .since extended, until two hun- 
dred and forty acres of rich land now pay tribute 
to his care and cultivation. It is a well-improved 
place, supplied with all the accessories and con- 
veniences of a model farm, and the buildings 
thereon stand as monuments to the enterprise and 
progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Walters is 
independent in politics, preferring to support the 
men whom he thinks best qualified for the office, 
regardless of party affiliations. He has served as 
School Director, and the cause of education finds 
in him a warm friend. For thirty-five years he 
has been a faithful and consistent member of the 
Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and during nearly 
all this period he has held some church office. 
He is a charitable and benevolent man, whose 
many excellencies of character have won him 
high esteem, and his example is well worthv of 
emulation. 



^■^ 



"^) 



[=" 



JOSEPH HURKA is a well-known farmer of 
I Henderson County, residing on section 24, 
O township 1 1 north, range 5 we.st. Here he 
has lived since 1866, and his fanu of ninety -one 
acres is now under a high state of cultivation, 
and well improved with all modern accessories 
and conveniences. He is a native of Schwehan, 
Bohemia, hi.s birth having occurred on the ist of 
April, 1836. His father, Ignatz Hurka, was born 
in the same locality, and was a weaver by occu- 
pation. His mother bore the maiden name of 
Mary Loyda. In the family were .seven children, 
five of whom are yet living: Joseph, whose name 



heads this record; Annie, at home; Jacob, who is 
living in St. Genevieve, Mo.; Ignatz, still living 
in Schwehan; and Maggie, wife of Franz Byer, 
of Vienna, Austria. 

In the common schools of his native land our 
subject acquired his education, and there re- 
mained until fifteen years of age, when, in 1852, 
he .sailed for America. The voyage consumed 
seven weeks, but at length he landed in New Or- 
leans, and made his way up the Mississippi River 
to St. Louis, where he remained for two years, 
learning his trade of cigar-making. In 1854 he 
came to Oquawka, where he followed that business 
for a period of seven years, and then entered the 
Union army. 

Opposed tosla\-er}' and to secession, Mr. Hurka 
responded to the country's call for troops, enlist- 
ing in October, 1861, as a musician of the Tenth 
Illinois Infantry; but when regimental bands were 
dispensed with, he was mustered out, on the i.st 
of January, 1862. He then returned to his home 
in Oquawka, where he remained for about a year, 
and in 1863 went to Mu.scatine, Iowa, where he 
spent two years, working at his trade. In 1865 
he became a resident of Burlington, where he 
again engaged in cigar-makiiig until 1866, when, 
his health preventing him from working longer 
at his trade, he returned to Henderson County. 
Here he purchased a farm of thirty acres, and has 
since made his home thereon, but its boundaries 
he has .since extended until ninet\'-one acres of 
land now pay tribute to his care and cultivation. 

On the 2 1st of November, i860, Mr. Hurka 
was united in marriage with Gertrude Kes.sel, a 
daughter of Joseph Kes.sel, of Burlington, Iowa. 
She died Deceniljer 13, 1886. By that luiion were 
born four .sons and five daughters, and eight of 
the number are now living: Josephine, wife of A. 
Boden, a farmer of Oquawka; Annie, at home; 
Carrie, wife of Henrj- Johnson, an agriculturi.st 
of Oquawka; Lottie, wife of Charles Knox, who 
carries on farming in Rozetta, 111. ; John, of 
Oquawka; and William A., Robert and Luzetta 
B., at home. Joseph, the third child, is deceased. 

By his first Presidential vote, Mr. Hurka sup- 
ported Abraham Lincoln, and has since been a 
warm advocate of the Republican party and its 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



425 



principles, but has never sought or desired poHti- 
cal preferment for himself. He is a member of 
Ellsworth Post No. 172, G. A. R., and has filled 
a number of its offices. He is now successfully 
engaged in farming, and is recognized as one of 
the leading and enterprising citizens of the com- 
munity. He need never have occasion to regret 
that he left his native land for America, for here 
he has met with prosperity, and has gained a 
pleasant home and many friends. 



"S) 



^+^1 



(TOHN THOMAS GARRETT, who .since 1885 
I has resided upon his present farm of one hun- 
(z) dred and sixty acres on section 25. Raritan 
Township, Henderson County, has spent the 
greater part of his life in this section of the State. 
He was born in Schuyler County, 111., September 
20, 1843, and is one of ten children whose parents 
were Coleman and Mildred (Willis) Garrett. The 
father was a native of Virginia, and was of Irish 
de.scent. On leaving the Old Dominion, he re- 
moved to Kentucky, settling near Elizabethtown, 
where he made his home until 1837. In that 
year he came to Illinois, locating in Schuj-ler 
County, near Augu.sta. There he purchased one 
hundred and .sixty acres of land, which was largely 
covered with timber, and after erecting a log cabin 
began to clear and improve his farm, on which he 
made his home until 1848. In that year he came 
to Henderson County, and purchased eighty acres 
of wild prairie land on .section 36, Walnut Grove 
Township. To this he added from time to time 
until he had three hundred and twenty- acres, con- 
stituting one of the best farms of the community. 
In connection with its cultivation, he was also 
extensively engaged in horse-rai.sing. He pos- 
.sessed good business ability, and the success 
which crowned his undertakings made him a well- 
to-do farmer. He held membership with the 
Methodist Church, and died July 6, 1878. His 
wife, who survived him several years, passed 
away November 22, 1888. 

In the Garrett family were the following chil- 
dren: James, a farmer of Nebraska: Elijah, who 



died in 1887; Harvey, a fanner and stock-rai.ser 
of Walnut Grove Township, Henderson County; 
Isaac and William, who carry on agricultural 
pursuits in Maha,ska County, Iowa; Other S., a 
farmer of Henderson County; Susan, wife of John 
F. Pendarvis, of Nebraska; Amanda, wife of 
George Gilmore, who is living near Biggsville, 
111.; and Marj- E., who died in infancy. 

In taking up the personal history of J. T. Gar- 
rett we present to our readers the life record of 
one who is widely and favorably known in Hen- 
derson County, for here he has made his home 
since the age of ten years. During his boyhood 
he had to walk four miles to a log schoolhouse, 
and the school was conducted on the sub.scription 
plan. He was still at home at the breaking out 
of the late war, but in July, 1862, he responded to 
the President's call for volunteers, and became a 
member of Company B, Ninety-first Illinois In- 
fantry. After being niu.stered in at Camp Butler, 
he was sent to the front, and at the battle of Ba- 
con Creek, Ky., was taken prisoner with all his 
regiment, which was engaged in guarding rail- 
roads. The following day, however, he was pa- 
roled and returned to St. Louis, where after six 
months he was exchanged. He then went with his 
regiment down the Mississippi River, took part in 
the battle of Red River, for two weeks was in the 
siege of \'icksburg, and then went to New Orleans, 
where he did guard duty for three months. Cross- 
ing the Gulf, he took part in the battle of Brazos 
Island, Tex., after which he marched to the mouth 
of the Rio Grande, and thence to Brown.sville, 
Tex., where his regiment built forts and did guard 
duty for several months. Subsequently, Mr. Gar- 
rett took part in the battles of Mobile and Ft. 
Blakel}', and was at the fonner place when the 
war closed. He was wounded at the siege of 
Mobile by a shell that burst over his head. In 
Springfield, 111., he received his final discharge, 
Jul}' 12, 1865, and at once returned home. 

For two years, Mr. Garrett engaged in operat- 
ing rented land, and then purcha.sed a tract of 
eighty acres in Walnut Grove Town.ship. He was 
married October 11, 1867, to Miss Emma Thomp- 
son, and their home was blessed with three chil- 
dren, but one died in infancw Mazie and Nellie, 



426 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



however, are still with their parents. The family 
lived in Walnut Grove Township until 1 885, when 
tliey came to Raritan Township, where they have 
a very pleasant home, which is the abode of hos- 
pitality and good cheer. Mr. Garrett now owns 
two hundred and twenty-four acres of rich and . 
valuable land, and is succes.sfully engaged in gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising. In politics, he is 
a stalwart Republican, and is a member of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. A faithful and 
loyal citizen, he discharges all duties, whether 
public or pri\'ate, with the same fidelity which he 
manifested while following the Old Flag, which 
now floats so triumphantly over the united nation. 

HARRY F. McAllister, of Oquawka, has 
for many years been prominently connected 
with business and official interests in Hen- 
derson County, and is widely and favorably known 
in this locality. He was born in Westmoreland 
County, Pa., April 27, 1840, and is of Scotch 
descent. The family was probably founded in 
America at a verj- early day in the history of this 
country'. The grandfather of our subject, Archi- 
bald McAUi.ster, who was one of the heroes of the 
Revolutionary- War, lived for many years near 
Philadelphia, Pa., and the father, James McAl- 
lister, was born in the Keystone vState. Having 
attained to mature years, he was united in mar- 
riage with Mi.ss Christina Baker, who was also 
born in Westmoreland County, Pa., and they be- 
came the parents of seven children, five sons and 
two daughters, as follows: Mary, now deceased; 
Robert, of St. Louis, Mo., general agent of the 
American Refrigerator Car Line; William A., a 
grain merchant of Reinbeck, Iowa; Harry F., 
whose name heads this record; two sons who bore 
the name of John, and died in infancy; and Nancy 
J., who died in infancy. The father was for some 
years prothouotary of Westmoreland County, Pa., 
and died when our subject was quite young. 

Harry Fo.ster McAllister was educated in the 
public .schools of Greensburg and New Alexan- 
dria, Pa., and upon his father'sdeath was thrown 



on his own resources, so that whatever success he 
has achieved in life is due to his own eiforts. In 
1854, when fourteen years of age, he left the Key- 
stone State and became a resident of Rock Lsland 
County, 111. He began to provide for his own 
maintenance by clerking in a dry-goods store in 
Rock Island, where he was employed for about 
three years. He then entered the Circuit Clerk's 
office in that city, and learned the bu.siness of 
making abstracts and titles, after which he went 
to Milwaukee, Wis., where he engaged in the 
abstract business. He was also employed in a 
similar way in Waukesha County, and in Mc- 
Henry Countj-, 111., remaining in the three places 
for a period of Ihree years. In 1859, he took up 
his residence in Geneseo, Henn,' County, 111., 
where for two years he was engaged in the dry- 
goods business. 

The year 1861 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Mc- 
Allister in Oquawka, where he has since made 
his home. In that j'ear he was given a clerical 
position in the Circuit Clerk's office, with which 
he has been connected continuously since. He 
served as chief deputy from 1861 until 1868, and 
in the latter year was elected Circuit Clerk. The 
term of office is four j^ears, and he was re-elected 
in 1872, 1876, 1880, 1884, 1888 and 1892. He is 
therefore filling the office at this writing, and has 
.ser\'ed as the superior officer for about twenty-six 
years, while for seven years he serv^ed as deputy. 
No higher testimonial of efficiency could be given 
than the fact that he has .so long held the office, 
for his continuous .service could only be secured 
through merit, ability and fidelity to duty. 

On the 30th of August, 1866, Mr. McAllister 
married Miss Esther Root, a daughter of Chris- 
tian and Sarah (Nye) Root, of Williamsville, 
N. Y. Mr. McAllister is a warm advocate of 
Republican principles, and does all in his power 
for the advancement of the party . He has served 
as Master in Chancerj' and Notary Public, hold- 
ing the latter office since 1867, when he was 
commi.ssioned by Richard J. Oglesby, then Gov- 
ernor of the State. He has al.so been Town.ship 
Trea-surer of Oquawka for .several years, and has 
been a member of the Village Board of Trustees. 
He has .served as a member of the State Re- 





Joseph Dixon 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



429 



publican Central Committee for ten years. His 
wife, a most estimable lady, holds membership 
with the Presbyterian Church, and he is a mem- 
ber of Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. &: A. M. 
He is also President of the Monmouth Miltona 
Club, a fishing and boating club of Lake Miltona, 
Minn., at which place he and his family spend a 
part of each summer. 



e^+^p=- 



(TOSEPH DIXSON, deceased, was for many 
I years a prominent and enterprising citizen of 
C2/ Henderson County. He was born in Greene 
County, Ind., on the 5th of August, 1841, and 
was a son of Stephen and Joan (Lewis) Dixson. 
The parents were both natives of Tennessee, and 
in 1849 they removed with their family from In- 
diana to Henderson County, 111. Joseph was at 
that time eight years of age. His educational privi- 
leges were limited to those afforded by the common 
schools, but he always made the most of his op- 
portunities through life. 

On the 3d of June, 1869, Mr. Dixson was united 
in marriage with Mi.ss Mary Dean, daughter of 
Michael and Susan (Cummings) Dean, the 
former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of 
Scotland. During her girlhood the mother came 
from her native land to America with her parents, 
in 1829, and located in Maine, but after a few 
j'ears became a resident of Warren County, 111. 
On the loth of Marcli, 1842, in Fulton County, 
111., she became the wife of Michael Dean. Eleven 
children were born of their union, eight of whom 
are yet living, as follows: Susan, wife of \V. T. 
Boyd, of Roseville, 111. ; Mary, wife of our .subject; 
Meli.ssa, wife of J. C. Perrj^ who is now living in 
Hamilton County, Neb.; Charles E. , who follows 
farming in McDonough County, 111. ; Cora, wife 
of Elijah Lemmon, who is living near Good Hope, 
111. ; William, a resident farmer of Seward County, 
Neb.; Bessie, wife of Earl Byers, who is living 
near Good Hope; and Clara, wifeof Lambert Rati- 
can, a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. 



Mr. Dixson had few advantages in his youth, 
l)ut always made the most of his opportunities and 
privileges, and was regarded as one of the best 
financiers of the count}'. At the time of his mar- 
riage he owned four hundred and eighty-eight 
acres of land, but by his industry- and well-directed 
efforts he added to this until at one time he had 
thirteen hundred acres. At the time of his death 
he owned seven hundred and twenty' acres of fine 
farming land, besides considerable valuable prop- 
erty in Stronghurst. He was the honored founder 
of Stronghurst, and with the best interest of that 
place was ever prominently identified, doing all 
in his power to aid in its upbuilding and advance- 
ment. Mr. Dixson was local agent for the sale 
of the Town Lot Company, of Stronghurst. He 
put in eightj- acres of laud in the business, while 
the company put in one hundred acres. He wias 
the leader of all the enterprises of the place. 

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dix- 
son: Willis E., who was born January 31, 1871, 
but is now deceased; Cora, born February 17, 
1873; Lula, born July 5, 1875; George, born June 
7, 1880; Delbert, born December 11, 1882; Joseph, 
born January 29,. 1885; and Laverna, born June 
19, 1890. 

In his political views, Mr. Dixson was a Dem- 
ocrat, but never sought or desired the honors or 
emoluments of public office. All who knew him 
respected him for his sterling worth and strict in- 
tegrity, and his friends were many throughout the 
community. On the ist of January, 1893, he was 
run over at the crossing of the Santa Fe Railroad. 
He lived only si.xteen hours, and after the acci- 
dent was unable to sp?ak to his family. Death 
brought him release from his sufferings, but sor- 
row came to the entire community, for he was a 
valued citizen, a kind and faithful friend and 
neighbor, and a loving and tender husband and 
father. Mrs. Dixson and her children still reside 
in Stronghurst. He left them an estate valued at 
$50,000, including the farm property before men- 
tioned, most of the vacant lots in Stronghurst, and 
two business houses of that place. Mrs. Dixson 
is a most estimable lady, and like her husband 
shares in the high regard of all who know her. 



22 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'HOMAS COKE SHARP was born Septem- 
ber 25, 1818, at Mt. Holly, N. J., and died 
at his home in Carthage, Monday, April 9, 
1 894. Services were conducted at the family resi- 
dence, Wednesday aftenioon, by Rev. Barton, as- 
sisted by Rev. Wirick. The Methodist choir 
rendered some sweet and appropriate music; the 
floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Rev. 
Barton preached an excellent discourse, taking 
for his text the first ^•erse of the fifth chapter of 
Second Corinthians, and then the procession 
moved slowly to Moss Ridge Cemeterj-, and all 
that was mortal of Judge Sharp was laid away in 
its narrow and windowless home. Deceased was 
the son of Rev. Solomon Sharp, a pioneer Meth- 
odist minister of the Philadelphia Conference, his 
mother being a member of the Budd famih- of 
Pemberton, N. J. He became an orphan at an 
early age, and had to struggle with the battles of 
life alone. In 1835 he entered Dickinson Col- 
lege at Carhsle, Pa. , and took the scientific course. 
In 1837 he entered the law school in Carlisle, and 
in 1840 was admitted to the Bar. During the 
course of his legal .studies he taught the male 
High School in Carlisle, and for six months was 
a tutor of mathematics in the college. As soon 
as he was admitted to the Bar, he started West to 
seek his fortune in the then new country of Illi- 
nois. On August II, 1840, he landed at Quincy, 
111., and determined to locate there. He at once 
opened an office and began the practice of his 
chosen profession, but for some reason he only 
remained there about two months, and on Sep- 
tember 24, 1840, removed to Warsaw, where he 
opened a law office and "l^egan real active life. 
Even at that early period of life he was affected 
with a dullness of hearing that greatly interfered 
with his legal duties, and largely on account 
thereof he changed his business the first year, and 
on November 6, 1840, when only twenty-two 
years of age, he bought and began to publish in 
Warsaw The Wcdcrii World, and from the be- 
ginning achieved great success. In 1841 he 
changed the name of his paper to the Warsav: 
Signal, and published it until 1842, when he sold 
it, and for a year or two tried farming. In 1844 
he again purchased the Signal, and for several 



years republished it. Tho.se were stormy Mor- 
mon times, and the Signal became the most noted 
paper in the We.st, its editorials on the Mormon 
question being extensively copied all over the 
country. After the Mormon troubles were settled, 
in 1846, he again sold the Signal, and for a year 
or two was out of business. In 1847 he was 
elected as a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention, and as.sisted in drafting the Constitution 
of 1 848. In 1851 he was elected Justice of the 
Peace in Warsaw, then quite an important office, 
and returned to office work. In 1853 he was 
elected the first Mayor of the city of Warsaw, and 
held this office for three successive terms. In 
1854 he again embarked in what seemed to be 
his favorite calling, journali.sm, purcha.sed the 
]Varsa~a' Express, which was neutral in politics, 
and began its publication. At that time railroads 
were being warmly discussed, and the Express 
strongly advocated their construction. In 1856, 
having sold the Express, he was nominated for 
Congress on the Republican ticket, and although 
the district was largely Democratic, he made a 
canvass of the entire district, and a very credit- 
able race. 

In 1864 the Union League of Hancock County 
desired a new paper, and it invited him to take 
charge of it. In response to this request he started 
in Warsaw the IVarsatv New Era, which he 
conducted verj- successfully for over a year, when 
it was thought best to remove the paper to Carth- 
age, which was done, and it was taken charge of 
by F. E. Fowler, June 29, 1865, and named the 
Carthage Gazette. In the fall of 1864 he was 
elected County Judge of Hancock County on the 
Republican ticket, and the same fall removed 
with his family to Carthage, where he has since 
resided. At the expiration of his term of office 
as Judge, he formed a partnership with the late 
Henry W. Draper, and again went into the prac- 
tice of law, he and Mr. Draper remaining to- 
gether three years. In December, 1869, he again 
took charge of the Gazette, and, finding editorial 
work congenial to his nature, he kept it, and gave 
it his personal attention for many years, making 
it one of the very best and ablest Republican pa- 
pers in the State of Illinois. About theyear 1878, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



431 



he formed a partnership with O, F. and M. P. 
Berrj-, for the practice of law. and remained the 
head of thi.'s firm until the date of his death. Oc- 
tober 20, 1890, he had a paralytic stroke, which 
substantially rendered him unable to do any work, 
but left his mind clear and his general health 
good. Since that time the Ga sef/ehasheen under 
the control and management of his son, W. O. 
Sharp. After his affliction, deceased was not 
able to walk, but was convej-ed from place to 
place in an invalid's chair on wheels; but he did 
not lose any of his interest in the events of the 
day, nor in the companionship of his friends, and 
seemed to enjoy life reasonably well, under the 
faithful and loving care of his devoted wife, 
adopted daughter, and other relatives and friends. 
A few davs ago he received two other slight para- 
13'tic strokes, under which he gradually sank into 
the sleep of death, peacefully and quietly passing 
through the valley and over the Jordan to the 
"other side, ' ' and the news went forth that Thomas 
C. Sharp was dead, bringing tears to many an eye 
and sorrow to many a heart. 

In September, 1842, deceased was united in 
marriage to Mrs. Hannah G. Wilcox, widow of 
John R. Wilcox, who was one of the original 
proprietors of Warsaw. As the fruit of this mar- 
riage five children were born, three of whom are 
still living: W. O. Sharp, now editor of the (/a- 
zettc; Guilford Sharp, who now resides in Ne- 
braska; and Mrs. Kate Bennett, whose home is in 
Nebraska. Mrs. .Sharp was a very excellent 
woman, and was highly respected by all who 
knew her. She lived with decea.sed in Carthage 
until the time of her death, which occurred Oc- 
tober 3, 1879. 

On November 24, 188 1, deceased was married 
to Mrs. Anna E. Hewitt, in Hannibal, Mo., at 
the residence of her son, S. E. Worrell. Mrs. 
Sharp survives her hu.sband, and has during all 
these years of his affliction been to him a devoted, 
faithful and con.stant companion, scattering rays 
of -sun.shine and gladness into each of his dark 
hours, and surrounding his daily life with the 
.sweet influences of love, and kind and .sympathetic 
words. A few years ago. Judge and Mrs. Sharp 
took to raise a little girl, now known as Ella Sharp, 



who has proven to be a great blessing to them, 
and who was dearly beloved by decea.sed. She, 
too, did much to lighten the burdens of his 
afflictions, and had for him alwaj'S a smile and 
gracious word. Will O. Sharp, the only child of 
deceased residing in Carthage, has been the duti- 
ful companion of his father in his afflictions, and 
could very often be seen wheeling him in his com- 
fortable chair over the city, and .stopping to greet 
almo-st every one they met. He loved to meet 
and greet his old neighbors, friends and acquaint- 
ances, and everybody loved Judge Sharp. The 
la.st four years of his life he was fortunately sur- 
rounded, and everything was done that could be 
done to make his life pleasant and cheerful. His 
hours were filled with frequent visits of sympathiz- 
ing friends, with loving words, and many deeds of 
kindness from those who loved him most, all of 
which he highly appreciated, and of which he 
often spoke, while tears of gratitude coursed their 
way down the cheeks of this grand old man. 
Judge Sharp grew old in years; time silvered his 
locks and wrinkled his face, and even paralyzed 
his limbs, but in heart and .spirit he remained 
young until the day of his departure. As long as 
he remained conscious he loved the company of 
his friends and took peculiar delight in the pres- 
ence of some Noung people that were his favorites. 
His heart was always warm, cheerful and bright, 
as if it were in the enjoyment of the spring-time 
of life: his clear, loud and hearty laugh was heard 
even in his affliction, and sounded as sweet and 
joyful as the .song of the birds at earh- dawn. 
Even when old age had dimmed the lustre of his 
bright mind, when the zenith of his capacity had 
been reached and passed, and he began to descend 
the other side of tlie hill, he still retained the 
same sweetness of disposition, the .same serenity 
of .soul, the .same sweet smile on his face, the same 
kind words on his lips, that characterized his early 
life. He grew old beautifully. 

Judge vSharj) was a resident of Hancock Coun- 
ty for more than half a century — more than 
sixty years. When he first saw it, and as a >oung 
man ca.st his lot here, it was not what it is to- 
day. There were many acres of raw prairie, many 
forests of heavy timber, ven,' few towns, no rail- 



432 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



roads and no telegraphs, but, having cast his lot 
in a new countr)-, he at once entered upon an ac- 
tive life, doing all in his power, both by precept 
and example, to develop it; not only in material 
things, but in all those things which tend to make 
a countrj' prosperous and happy. With his pow- 
erful pen he vigorously fought wrong and injus- 
tice, and warred against vice in all its forms. The 
influence of his life, of his every editorial, from 
his first in the Warsaw Signal to his last in the 
Carthage Gazette, was pure and clean. He was 
always on the right side of ever>' moral question, 
and no one, either for love or money, could per- 
suade him to publish what he did not believe to 
be true. The influence of such a life, beaming 
down through all these years, cannot be expressed 
in words. It cannot die. 

■' Were a star quenched on high. 

For ajies would its light. 
Still traveling downward from on high. 

siiine on our mortal sight; 
So wiien a good man dies. 

For years, beyond our ken. 
The light he leaves behind him lies 

Upon the path of men." 

Hearts, not books, contain and preserve the 
story of such a life; the record of a noble life is 
that life's best eulogy; the history of the deeds of 
good men, their most lasting epitaph. "He has 
done the work of a true man; crown him, honor 
him, love him." 

Judge Sharp was a partisan in the best sense of 
that term. He believed in the principles of his 
party with all his soul, and at all times defended 
them with all his powers. He was courageous 
and firm, yet generous. Ever>' true man admires 
a partisan, — one who has earnest convictions and 
the courage to proclaim them ; one who defends 
his principles with honesty and enthusiasm; such 
a man is a u.seful citizen, no matter to what party 
he belongs. Such a man was Thomas C. Sharp. 
As a lawyer he ranked high among the members 
of the Bar, and was always held in the highest 
esteem by his as.sociates. He was not an able 
trial lawyer; the trial of cases, the wrangling with 
witnes.ses, and contention over .small matters, were 
not congenial to his nature, but he delighted in 
the study of a case, in its preparation for trial, in 
the examination of the rules of the law that ap- 
plied to it. The rules of law and the principles 



of justice were a delight to him, and rendered 
him at all times a wise counselor and an able 
judge of the law. His well-known honesty and 
integrity in his profession brought him into con- 
tact with the best class of citizens who desired 
counsel and advice, and he always had many 
clients who relied implicitly on his judgment and 
trusted their all to him, and not a single voice 
was ever heard to say that Thomas C. Sharp ever 
betrayed a tru.st that was repo.sed in him. He 
was by nature and education an honest, pure- 
minded, upright and honorable man. He was 
quiet in manner, pure in character, upright in all 
his dealings with his fellow-men, kind hearted, 
charitable, and a devoted father, husband and 
friend. "His life was gentle, and the elements .so 
mixed in him, that nature might stand up and 
.say to the world, 'This was a man."' His hand and 
purse were ever open to the needy, and his heart 
was a great temple, in which daily thronged myr- 
iads of tender thoughts and kindly emotions. 
His generosity prevented him from ever becoming 
a rich man, and he only sought to accumulate a 
competency, which he .succeeded in doing. In a 
long, personal, and close business acquaintance 
and relationship with deceased, the writer can 
testify to his exalted character, his ptirity of 
thought and motive, his .sweet, even-tempered 
disposition, and his kind and sympathetic nature; 
and in .sorrowing over his death the writer wants 
to add the deep feeling of his own heart, and drop 
a tear of .sympathy and sorrow with those who 
loved him be.st. Judge Sharp's life and history 
from boyhood down to old age should be an in- 
spiration to every young man. He did not rise 
rapidly into an exalted position, nor jump from 
obscurity into prominence. His ri.se was not sud- 
den, but slowly and surely he won his way into 
public confi-dence, and won an enviable reputa- 
tion for honesty and noble manhood. 

Whether as a lawyer, journalist, judge or citi- 
zen, he kept on the even tenor of his way, a faith- 
ful, industrious, energetic, conscientious worker, 
day after daJ^ week after week, and year after 
year, never for one moment wavering from the 
path of rectitude and right. In his private life, 
in his family and with his friends, he wore always 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



433 



the same kindlj- disposition that carried with it 
the respect, the esteem, and love of all who knew 
him; but husband, father, grandfather, friend and 
citizen has passed from earth to the great beyond; 
his face, his voice, his presence, have vanished 
from earth forever. He knew several days be- 
fore the end came that soon the final summons 
would come to him to go, and he patiently waited 
the hour; he was not afraid to die. The inexor- 
able message brought no dismay to him. He 
seemed in his last days to possess that ' 'peace that 
passeth understanding;" he knew his life's work 
was done; he was ready and willing, even an.x- 
ious, to go to his reward. The thought of leav- 
ing his patient, loving, faithful and devoted wife 
and family no doubt was painful to him, but his 
un.selfishness was even greater than his love of 
life or fear of death. He wanted to be a burden 
to no one: he wanted to relie\e all those so dear 
to him from the constant, cheerful and loving 
sacrifices they were making for him day by day, 
and on Monday afternoon the Lord granted his 
request and took him home, where now we hope 
and believe his paralyzed tongue has been loosened 
in order that he may sing the songs of the re- 
deemed. ' 'Peace to his ashes, reverence to his 
memory-, and all honor to his fair name." 

Well may the citizens of Carthage and of Han- 
cock County mourn the lo.ss of this good man; 
well may his family weep over the desolation of a 
home his loving, thoughtful care made happy; 
but for him we should not mourn. His was a 
long, full, well-rounded, noble life, a sweet, peace- 
ful and painless ending. Earth's loss is his gain, 
and whatever the rewards of having lived a life 
of purity, honesty and goodness are, they will 
certainly be his. — M. P. B., in Carthage Gazette. 



e^H^! 



C3_ 



["RANK McFARLAND is one of Oquawka's 
r^ native sons. He was born on the gth of 
I October, 1861, and is a representative of 
one of the early families of the conununity. His 
father, John McFarland, was a native of Knox 
County, Ohio. Immigrating to Illinois, he took 



up his residence in Oquawka, where for a num- 
ber of years he engaged in business as a lumber 
merchant, but at this writing is living retired. 
He was united in marriage with Miss Ellen King, 
a native of Kentucky, and to them were born six 
children, three .sons and three daughters, as fol- 
lows: Laura, deceased, wife of T. C. Allen; Don- 
zela, who has also passed away; Frank of this 
sketch; Harvey, a cutter by trade, living in 
Oquawka: Walter, a cutter of ladies' garments, 
now employed in Washington, D. C. ; and Maude, 
yet at home. 

Midst play and work the boyhood and youth 
of our subject were pa.s.sed, unmarked by any 
event of special importance. His education was 
acquired in the public .schools of Oquawka, which 
he attended until sixteen years of age. In 1887, 
he began clerking for R. D. Stanley, in whose 
employ he remained for a period of three years. 
On the I ith of October, 1893, he accepted a posi- 
tion as salesman with the well-known mercantile 
firm of McFarland & Allen, and has since con- 
tinued with them. He has always lived in 
Oquawka, save in 1889, when he made a trip to 
the We.st, and was employed in a dry-goods store 
for a time. He also engaged in painting, but 
during the latter part of the year he returned to 
his native city. 

On the ist of June, 1882, Mr. McFarland was 
united in marriage with Miss Carrie Cunning- 
ham, of Oquawka, and their union has been 
bles.sed with six children, five of whom are yet 
living: Chester, Bernice, Harvey, Gladys and 
Frank. Ida, the second child, died in infancy. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have a wide ac- 
quaintance in this community and have many 
warm friends, who hold them in high esteem. 

On attaining his majority, Mr. McFarland 
proudly ca.st his first Presidential vote for Gen. 
James A. Garfield, and has since supported the 
Republican party, for he is a warm advocate of its 
principles. He has served as Alderman of the 
city for two years, and is now a member of the 
School Board. The be.st interests of the com- 
munity ever find in him a friend, ready to aid in 
their advancement and progre.ss. Mr. McFar- 
land's career has not been a brilliant one, in the 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD. 



sense of attracting extended public notice, but 
his life has been honorable and upright, and has 
gained him the confidence and high regard of all 
with whom he has been brought in contact. 



_^) 



-^ 



^+^ 



[=- 



REV. ADAM BLUMER, pastor of the Evan- 
gelical Church of North America of Oquaw- 
ka, and one of the highly esteemed citizens 
of that place, claims Switzerland as the land of 
his birth. He was born in Engi, Canton Glarus, 
on the 27th of November, 1827, and was the 
sixth in a familj- of eight children born unto 
Fridolin and Magdelene (MartjO Blumer. The 
father was one of the high officers in the French 
army under Napoleon I., and for some years 
carried on a large hotel in Engi, where his death 
occurred in 1845. His wife had passed away in 
1840. Since 1446 the first-born .son of this family 
has borne the name of Fridolin. This name was 
borne by an Irish missionary in the fourth cen- 
tury, who traveled up the Rhine into Switzerland, 
where he died. 

Our subject spent the days of his lx)yhood and 
>-outh in his native land, and acquired his educa- 
tion in the Pilgrim Mission at St. Chrischona, 
near Basle. At the age of twenty -.seven, he bade 
adieu to home and friends, and in 1854 .sailed for 
America as a missionary. He first located in 
Muscatine, Iowa, where he was ordained to the 
ministry by the Congregational Church. He or- 
ganized churches throughout the .Stale, under the 
auspices of the Home Mi.ssionarj- Society, being 
thus employed for two years. He then received 
a call to Stillwater, Minn., and, accepting the 
same, organized a church at that place, remain- 
ing as its pastor for two jears. 

In 1856, Mr. Blumer was united in marriage 
with Mrs. Augnstina Stock, who has l)een to her 
husband a faithful companion and heliimate on 
life's journey, aiding him in his labors and en- 
couraging him b>- her warm .sympathy. Their 
union has been ble.ssed with one daughter, Mary. 

On leaving the Congregational Church in Still- 
water, the Rev. Mr. Blumer united with the 



Lutheran Church, and was sent to Shakopee, 
where he remained as pastor for seven years. He 
also worked throughout the State during that 
time, and on the expiration of that period he was 
sent to Reed's Landing, where he remained for 
eighteen months, after which he went to Rock 
Island, 111., on account of his health. Although 
physically unfitted for duty, he was not content 
to remain idle, and organized a church in the 
southern part of Rock Island County, where he 
remained for about twelve years. The succeed- 
ing two years of his life were passed in Winona 
Countj', Minn., after which he was called back to 
Rock Island County, and also worked in Henrj" 
County for two years. He was then sent to Sut- 
ter, Hancock County, where he remained for nine 
years. In 1889, he came to Oquawka, and took 
charge of the church in this place. On account 
of the infirmity of partial deafness, he is now on 
the retired list, though still active in pastoral la- 
bors, and continues in charge of the parish at 
Oquawka. His entire life has been devoted to the 
work of the rainistrj', and his untiring labors and 
his earnest words, strengthened by a consistent 
life, have made him a power for good in church 
work. 



b<"T'SG 



©WANSON ESSEX, a carpenter and builder, 
r\ now engaged in business in Oquawka, claims 
V,*y this place as his native city. He was born 
on the 3d of October, 1857, and is the fifth in a 
family of six children, whose parents were Camp- 
bell and Emzy (Smith) Essex. They were num- 
bered among theearh' settlers of this community, 
and were prominently identified with its history 
and pioneer days. Mr. Essex was born in Chilli- 
cothe, Ohio, on the 19th of December, 18 15, and 
was of German extraction. In his native city he 
was reared and educated, and there worked in a 
store until he had attained his majority-. In 
1834, he came West, and, locating in Oquawka, 
engaged in freighting from this place to Peoria 
for a number of years. He also owned a stone- 
quarry, and furnished .stone for a great many of 
the old buildings of this localitj'. In later years 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



435 



he worked at the carpenter's trade A great 
many Indians still lived in the count}- at the time 
of his arrival, and on one occasion, when he was 
riding along the bluff three miles east of Oquawka, 
he had the horn shot off his saddle by one of the 
red men. His death occurred in Oquawka in 
1882, at the age of sixty-seven years, and was 
mourned by many friends. His wife was born in 
Somerset, Ohio, June 16, 1828, and when a 
maiden of five summers came to this county with 
her parents. They were also natives of the Buck- 
eye State, and were of English extraction. In 
1833 they took up their residence near Oquawka, 
where thej- spent their remaining days. Mrs. 
Essex was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and died in that faith on the 20th of 
December, 1892, at the age of sixty-four years. 

Swanson Essex remained with his parents until 
he had attained his majority, and in the common 
.schools he acquired a good English education. 
He, himself, is familiar with many incidents of 
frontier life, and can also relate many interesting 
stories of pioneer days told him bj- his parents. 
On attaining his majority, he began working at 
the carpenter's trade in Oquawka, where he has 
made his home continuously since, although he 
has done business in the surrounding towns. He is 
an expert workman, and now, as a contractor and 
builder, is enjoying a large and lucrative trade. 
He always faithfulh- performs his part of the con- 
tract, and therefore has the confidence of all. 

On the 2 1 St of September, 1876, Mr. Es.sex was 
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Hess, a 
native of Iowa. She was born March 24, 1857, 
and when quite young came with her parents to 
Oquawka. Six children grace the union of our 
subject and his wife: Clyde, Frederick, Eva, Efiie, 
Enuna and Verna, all of whom are still at home 
with their parents. 

In his j)olitical views, Mr. Es.sex is a Democrat, 
but has never sought or desired the emoluments 
of public office. He is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America, and his wife belongs to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support of 
which he contributes liberally. He now owns a 
pleasant home in Oquawka, and has become one 
of its substantial citizens, as the result of his own 



enterprise. He has always lived in Oquawka, 
and here has many friends, including people who 
have known him from boyhood and those whom 
he has met in maturer )-ears. 



-=]. 



'^+^1 



|ILLIAM CALDWELL, a retired farmer 
residing on section 24, Raritan Township, 
is numbered among the earh' settlers ot 
Henderson County, dating his residence here from 
1S55. In the many years which have since come 
and gone, he has witnessed many great changes. 
He has seen the wild land transfonaied into beau- 
tiful homes and farms, and has watched the growth 
and upbuilding of towns and villages. In the 
work of public improvement he has ever taken a 
commendable interest, and has always borne his 
part in the work of advancement. 

Mr. Caldwell is a native of Ireland. He was 
born in County Antrim, December 18, 1826, and 
is a son of John and Annie (Robb) Caldwell, who 
were both natives of the Emerald Isle, but were 
of Scotch descent. Their family numbered nine 
children, three sons and six daughters. William 
spent the first twelve years of his life in Ireland, 
and then accompanied his parents in their emi- 
gration to America, in 1838. They boarded a 
sailing-ves.sel, which, after a voyage of .six weeks, 
landed them .safely in New York City. They 
took up their residence in Greene County, N. Y., 
where our subject remained until eighteen years 
of age, when he went to New Jersey. He there 
began working by the month as a farm hand, re- 
ceiving $7 per month for his services, and, in con- 
nection with farm labor, he also followed the car- 
penter's trade. 

It was in 1855 that Mr. Caldwell left llie Ea.st 
and came to Illinois. He first located near Glad- 
stone, Henderson County, where he followed car- 
pentering and farm work until 1S58. He then 
began farming in his own interest, and in 1865 he 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unim- 
proved prairie land, constituting a part of the 
farm upon which he now resides. His agricul- 
tural labors, however, were interrupted on the 



436 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



14th of May, 1864, by his enlistment for service 
among the boys in bUie. He became a member 
of Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth 
Illinois Infantry, was mustered in at Quincy, and 
ser\^ed for five months and fourteen days, after 
which he was honorably discharged. 

On the 1 2th of March, 1866, Mr. Caldwell led 
to the marriage altar Miss Sophia Gould. He 
and his wife together now own seven hundred 
and sixty acres of valuable land. All is well im- 
proved, and yields to the owners a good income. 
Mr. Caldwell has become one of the substantial 
citizens of the county, and his career demonstrates 
what can be accomplished through industr\-, per- 
.severance and judicious management, for he 
started out in life a poor boy. He exercises his 
right of franchise in support of the Republican 
party, and for seventeen years has faithfully served 
as Township Trustee. He is a consistent and 
active member of the Baptist Church, and is a 
highly-esteemed citizen, who well deserves repre- 
sentation in the history of his adopted county. 



e^+^^-= 



(Tames G. CHALFANT, one of the honored 
I veterans of the late war, and a prominent and 
Qj highly respected citizen of Oquawka, where 
he is now engaged in the practice of law, claims 
Ohio as the State of his nativity, for he was born 
in Co.shocton County, Augu.st 30, 1837. His 
father, John R. Chalfant, was a native of the same 
county, and by occupation was a farmer. Hav- 
ing attained his majority, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Delilah Hayes, daughter of 
Joseph and Hannah Hayes, and their union was 
blessed with six children. David Y., who was a 
physician, is now deceased; James G. is the sec- 
ond in order of birth; Henry M. is living in Co- 
.shocton County, Ohio; Phoebe E. is the wife of 
George lilliott, a resident of Forest City, Mo.; 
Nancy J. is the widow of Israel McConnell; and 
Mary E., twin sister of Nancy J., is now de- 
ceased. 

Mr. Chalfant whose name heads this record 
acquired his early education in the district .schools. 



and afterward completed the scientific course of 
study in the Ohio Wesleyan University of Dela- 
ware, Ohio. He then engaged in farm work for 
a time, and devoted his leisure hours to the stud>- 
of law, for he did not wish to follow agricultural 
pursuits throughout his life. In September, 1859, 
when twenty-two j-ears of age, he left the Buck- 
eye State and came to Illinois, locating in Mor- 
gan County, where for two years he engaged in 
teaching. He then responded to the country's 
call for troops, enlisting with the hundred-day 
men of the Eleventh Regiment of Illinois Volun- 
teers. When this term had expired he returned 
home, and on the ist of August, 1862, joined the 
boys in blue of Company D, One Hundred and 
Sixth Illinois Infantry. He participated in the 
siege of Vick.sburg, the battles of Yazoo River 
and Helena, and the Red River expedition. Near 
Moscow, he was taken prisoner, and, though un- 
mounted, he was compelled to keep up with his 
captors, who were on horseback. He continued 
in the service until August i, 1865, when he was 
honorably discharged. For three years he had 
been at the front, and was ever found faithful to 
the Old Flag and the cause it represented. 

After his return, Mr. Chalfant took up his resi- 
dence in Lincoln, Logan County, 111., and in Sep- 
tember, 1865, he was nominated as County Super- 
intendent of Public Instruction for a term of four 
years. He won the election, and during that 
period faithfully discharged the duties of the office. 
Having in the mean time studied law, he was ad- 
mitted to the Bar on the 9th of March, 1870, and 
engaged in the practice of the legal profession un- 
til November, 1873, when he was re-elected Coun- 
ty Superintendent of Schools. From 1877 initil 
1883 he again practiced at the Bar of Logan 
County, but in the latter year went to Pierre, vS. 
Dak., where he made a claim of one hundred and 
sixty acres of Government land, wliicli he still 
owns. He made his home upon it for four years, 
and then, in 1887, cama toOquawka,wherehehas 
since resided. His time and attention have been 
gi\'en to the cause of education and to the prac- 
tice of law, and along both lines he has met with 
good success. 

On the 2d of February, 1867, Mr. Chalfant 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



437 



wedded Mary A. Carroll, a daughter of Thomas 
Carroll, of Aiuboy, 111. They became tlie par- 
ents of four children: Hallie S. and May E., both 
of whom are engaged in teaching in Moinnouth; 
William P., who is serving as Police Magistrate 
of Oquawka; and Frank, who is attending school 
in Monmouth. Mr. Chalfant is independent in 
politics, supporting the man whom he thinks best 
qualified for the office, regardless of party affilia- 
tions. He holds membership with the Method 
ist Episcopal Church, and belongs to Ellsworth 
Post No. 172, G. A. R., in which lie has held 
various offices, including that of Commander. 
During his service as County Superintendent he 
organized the Institute of Logan County, and in 
many ways advanced the educational interests of 
the community. The cau.se has ever found in 
him a warm friend, and he has done much for its 
upbuilding. He has now become quite widely 
known in Henderson County, and is highly es- 
teemed bv his many warm friends. 



-=]. 



=«=^-^-f^&=*^== 



mEORGE W. NOBLE, who resides on section 
|_ 14, township 12 north, range 4 west, is one 
^J of the honored pioneers of Henderson Coun- 
t\ . Few, if any, have longer resided in this coun- 
ty than he, for he dates his arrival from 1836. 
When he came to the W'est, the land was wild 
and uncultivated, much of it still being in pos- 
.session of the Government. There were very 
few settlements, and many of the now thriving 
towns and villages were umnarked by even a 
single building. In the transformation which has 
placed Henderson County among the best in the 
State, he has borne his part, and well deserves 
mention. 

A native of Virginia, Mr. Noble was born in 
Che.sterfield County on the 6th of May, 1815, and 
is of Engli.sh descent. His parents were John and 
Mary (Walthall) Noble. Their family numbered 
seven children, but James, John, Thomas, Mark, 
Jefferson and Baker are all deceased. Our sub- 
ject is now the only living representative of the 
family. He acquired his education in the Mrs. 



Falkner .School of his native county, and during 
the days of vacation worked upon the home farm, 
thus receiving a good physical and mental train- 
ing. On attaining his majority he left the State 
of his nativity and started westward for Illinois. 
He began the journey on the 1 2th of September, 
1S36, and after eleven weeks of travel across the 
country by team he reached Henderson County 
on the 27th of Novemljer. Since that time he 
has always made his home here. Wild game of 
all kinds was plentiful, including deer, which 
frequently roamed o\er the prairie. Mr. Noble 
began life in the West with a cash capital of only 
fifty cents, but he pos.se.ssed a young man's 
bright hope of the future and a determination to 
succeed, and soon began work as a farm hand. In 
this way he made a start in life, and soon, as the 
result of his industrj', perseverance and economy, 
he had accumulated enough capital to purchase 
eighty acres of land. After a time he .sold that 
tract and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, 
in 1864, The following year he located thereon 
and has since made that farm his home. With 
characteristic energy he began its development, 
and in the course of time the richly cultivated 
fields yielded to him abundant harvests, and he 
thereby- secured a good income. 

On the 13th of July, 1842, Mr. Noble and Miss 
Julia A. Morehead were united in marriage, the 
lady being a daughter of William A. and Lucretia 
(Spires) Morehead. Six children were born of 
their union: Mary L., now deceased; Cyrus O., 
of Holton, Kan. ; James, who is living in Hender- 
.son County; George, who resides in Bridgeport, 
Cal.; Thomas, deceased; and Alice, who com- 
pletes the family. 

Mr. Noble ca.st his first Presidential vote for 
James K. Polk, and has since supported the men 
and measures of the Democracy. He has served 
as Supervisor, but has never been a politician in 
the .sen.se of office-seeking. With the Baptist 
Church he holds membership, and, in harmony 
with his profession, his life has been an honor- 
able and upright one. Although he has attained 
the age of seventy-nine years, he is .still hale and 
hearty, and bids fair to live for .some time to come. 
In the work of de\eloping the county he has ever 



438 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



borne his part, and has aided in its progress and 
advancement. He has ever taken a commend- 
able interest in the general welfare, and gives his 
support to all enterprises calculated to prove of 
public benefit. 



_=] 



^^-^ 



B" 



0AMUEL A. RICKETTS, who carries on 
/\ agricultural pursuits on section 24, township 
Q) 1 1 north, range 5 west, has long made his 
home in Henderson County, and has resided 
upon his present farm since 1866. He is num- 
bered among the earlj- .settlers of 1849, and has 
therefore witnessed much of the growth and de- 
velopment of the county. He has taken a com- 
mendable interest in its progress, has aided in its 
advancement, and has given his support to its 
most worthy enterprises. 

Mr. Ricketts was born in Bullitt County, Ky., 
September i, 1822, and comes of a family of 
Engli-sh origin. He is the elder of two children 
who were born to Jonathan and Nancy t Steven- 
son) Ricketts. His brother, William, is now de- 
ceased. He lost his father when he was quite 
young, and was reared on his grandfather's farm, 
spending the days of his youth in the usual man- 
ner of farmer lads. The public schools of his 
native county afforded his educational privileges. 
He continued to engage in farm labor until after 
the lireakiug out of the Mexican War, when he 
enlisted in the .service, as a member of Capt. 
Hardin's company. His regiment was the la.st 
sent to the field. They went to the City of Mex- 
ico, where they remained until peace was declared, 
when they were discharged and returned home. 

Mr. Ricketts continued his residence in Ken- 
tucky until the .spring of 1849, when he decided 
to seek a home in Illinois, and came to Hender- 
son County, reaching Oqnawka in the early part 
of March. Soon alter his arrival, he began farm- 
ing on rented land, and has since engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. For some time he cultivated 
land belonging to others, but at length purchased 
the farrii on which he now resides, having ac- 
quired the necessary capital through his own in- 



dustry and perseverance. His farm is now well 
developed, the fields are highly cultivated, and the 
many good improvements upon the place attest 
the thrift and enterprise of the owner, who is 
recognized as one of the practical and progressive 
farmers of the community. 

Ere coming to this State, Mr. Ricketts was 
married, on the 29th of October, 1848, the lady of 
his choice being Mi.ss Louisa Hamilton, daughter 
of Thomas and Mary (Stickels) Hamilton. Eight 
children were born of their union, and six of 
the number are yet living, namely; Thomas, 
who makes his home in Nebraska; John H., at 
home; Mary J., wife of John Ross, who is living 
in Denver, Colo.; Douglas, residing in Colorado; 
Susan, wife of Charles Grassmiller, of Henderson 
County; and Charles, who completes the family. 
Those who have passed away are Sarah F. and 
Ehza A. 

Mr. Ricketts cast his first Presidential vote for 
James Buchanan, and has .since supported the 
men and measures of the Democracy. He keeps 
well informed on the questions of the day, but has 
never aspired to public office, preferring to give 
his entire time and attention to his business in- 
terests. With the United Brethren Church he 
holds membership. Whatever success he has 
achieved in life is due to his own efforts, for he 
started out to make his own waj- in the world 
empty-handed, and the success which has come 
to him is the ju.st reward of his own labors. 



..^l 



-=] 



^^^ 



f=3 



(=" 



Gl DAM AUGUSTUS GOEMPLER, whoisen- 
Ll gaged in business in Oquawka as a mason 
I 1 and contractor, was born on the 27th of July, 
1S50, in Philipsdale, Hessen, Germany, and is a 
son of Peter and Amelia (Bohn) Goempler, who 
were al.so natives of that country. The father 
was a stone-cutter and mason by trade, and fol- 
lowed that pursuit in his native land until late in 
the year 1853, when he bade adieu to home and 
friends and, with his family, started for America. 
He crossed the briny deep in a sailing-vessel, which 
after a voyage of nine weeks reached Castle Gar- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



439 



den, N. Y. From the eastern metropolis he went 
to Pittsburg, and thence down the Ohio, and up 
the Mississippi River, finally reaching Oquawka 
in the month of March, 1854, and here he still 
resides. The family numbered ten children, two 
sons and eight daughters, of whom Augustus and 
Gertrude died in infancy. Adam A. is the next 
younger; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of 
Jacob Gayer, of Monmouth, 111. ; Louisa has, since 
the death of her sister, married Mr. Gayer, of 
Monmouth; Emeline is the wife of George Rade- 
niacher, a brick manufacturer of Monmouth; Mary 
is the wife of Joseph Wiegand, who is engaged in 
the manufacture of cigars in Oquawka; Christina, 
Helena and Caroline are at home. 

Mr. Goempler of this sketch was less than four 
years old when, with his parents, he crossed the 
Atlantic and became a resident of Oquawka. He 
was educated in its public and German schools, 
which he attended until fifteen years of age, when 
he began earning his own livelihood by working 
at the .stone-cutter's and mason's trade, learning 
the same with his father. He finished his term 
of apprenticeship at the age of twenty, and then 
began business in his own interest. He first went 
to Chicago, where he was employed from 1872 
until 1874, and then returned to Oquawka, where 
he has since been engaged in business. He is an 
expert workman, and now enjoys a good trade in 
his line. 

On the loth of August, 1875, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Goempler and Miss Caroline 
Schell, a daughter of Leonard Schell. Her death 
occurred March 16, 1876, and on the22dof May, 
1879, our subject was again married, his second 
union being with Mi.ss Loui.sa Braun, a daughter 
of John Braun, of West Point, Iowa. Four chil- 
dren graced this union, of whom three are yet 
living: Elsie, Arthur and Willis, who are still at 
home. Elizabeth, the first-born, died in infancy. 
The parents are well-known people of this com- 
nuinity, hold a high position in .social circles, and 
have many warm friends. Their residence, in the 
eastern part of the town, is a model home, and is 
the abode of hospitality. 

Mr. Goempler is a Republican in politics, and 
by his first Presidential vote, ca.st in 1872, sup- 



ported Gen. Grant. He has never sought or de- 
sired political preferment, desiring rather to give 
his entire time and attention to his business inter- 
ests. Both he and his wife hold membership with 
the German Evangelical Church of Oquawka, and 
he is a member of Tranquil Lodge No. 193, I. O. 
O. F.,and Oquawka Camp No. 1037, M. W. A. 
He is an enterprising and progre.s.sive citizen, 
whose support is given to anything that will re- 
doiuid to the good of the community. He is now 
enjoying a good business, as the result of his in- 
dustrj' and well-directed efforts. 



l^-^^l 



WILLIAM BENJAMIN ROSE, a farmer of 
Henderson County since 1880, has lived 
upon his present farm on section 1 1 , town- 
ship 1 1 north, range 5 west. Here he has one 
hundred and sixty acres of good land, which his 
care and cultivation have transformed into one of 
the valuable places of the neighborhood. Its 
fields are well tilled, and, together with the good 
improvements upon the place, indicate the careful 
super\'ision of the owner. 

Our subject is a native of Kentucky. He was 
born in Garrett County, in 1842, and is a son of 
George W. and Eliza (Champ) Rose. Their fam- 
ily numbered only two children: William B., and 
George, who is now deceased. The father was 
also a native of Kentucky, and was a carpenter 
and wagon-maker by trade. When William was 
a lad of fourteen years, he began earning his own 
livelihood, and has since been dependent upon his 
own resources, so that whatever success he has 
achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts. 
For five years he worked at carding wool, and 
then engaged in teaming for a year, but, the war 
having broken out, he no longer felt content to 
remain at home, and in March, 1863, responded 
to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a 
member of Company H, Seventh Kentucky Cav- 
alry. He participated in various engagements, 
including the battles of Mill Springs, Wild Cat, 
Richmond, Perryville, Gallatin and Franklin, 
and under Burn.side took part in the battle and 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



siege of Knoxville. When the war was over and 
the Stars and Stripes floated victoriously over a 
still united nation, he was mustered out in Nash- 
ville, Tenn., on the 8th of July, 1865. He was 
a valiant soldier, brave and fearless in the dis- 
charge of duty, and was always found at his post. 

After receiving his discharge, Mr. Rose returned 
to his Kentucky home and there remained until 
1866, when he removed to Illinois, becoming a 
resident of^ Henderson County in November of 
that year. * On the 4th of August, 1867, he was 
united in marriage with Mrs. AmeHa S., widow 
of Andrew Erwin. She was born in England, and 
is a daughter of William and Amelia (Ellis) 
Smith, with whom she crossed the broad Atlantic 
to America in 1844. Five children have been 
born to our subject and his wife, of whom Amelia 
and Clyde are now deceased; Newton Benjamin, 
Samuel Robert and Flora complete the family, the 
last two residing at home. 

On coming to Henderson County Mr. Rose be- 
gan farming upon his present place, renting the 
land until 1880, when he purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres. He thoroughly understands his 
business, and by his well-directed efforts he has 
won success. In politics, he is a Demociat, but 
his first Presidential vote was cast for Abraham 
Lincoln. Mr. Rose possesses many excellencies 
of character, and his sterling worth has won him 
the high regard of his many friends and acquaint- 
ances in this community. 



1^+^ 



[=_ 



[ALTER PRESTON MARTIN, who is 
now serving as Deputy County Sheriff of 
Henderson County, and resides in Oquaw- 
ka, is a native of Biggsville, in the same county. 
He was born on the ist of August, 1854, and is 
the second in a family of five children, whose par- 
ents were Benjamin H. and Cynthia F. (Downey) 
Martin. The paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject, Preston Martin (see biography elsewhere), 
was a native of Kentucky, and, emigrating to Ill- 
inois, became a resident of Morgan Countj', where 
Benjamin Martin was born and reared. The latter 



has followed farming throughout the greater part 
of his life, carrying on that pursuit for many 
years in Biggsville, Henderson Countj-, whither 
he removed at an early day. For twelve years, 
he was engaged in the grain business in Biggs- 
ville. He married Miss Downey, daughter of 
Peter Downey, and their union was blessed with 
three sons and two daughters, namely: Edwin, 
now deceased; Walter P. ,the subject of this sketch; 
Jessie and F'lorence, who died in infancy; and 
Karl, who is engaged in .school teaching in Biggs- 
ville. 

W. P. Martin was reared on his father's farm, 
and in early life enjoyed the advantages afforded 
by the district schools, which he attended through 
the winter season, while in the summer months 
he aided in the labors of the field. At the age of 
seventeen, he entered Monmouth Business Col- 
lege, and after attending that institution one 
term, spent two terms pursuing a literary course 
in the school known as Monmouth College. On 
attaining his majority, he began farming for him- 
self on his father's land, and for fourteen years 
carried on agricultural pursuits. He was rec<ig- 
nized as one of the practical and progressive 
farmers of the neighborhood, and his place was 
always neat and thrifty in appearance. 

During this time, Mr. Martin was married. 
On the i4tli of December, 1875, he led to the 
marriage altar Miss Laura A. Francis, a daugh- 
ter of William Francis, of Monmouth, 111. Four 
children grace this marriage, all daughters, Bes- 
sie, Jessie, Jean and Helen. The family is well 
known in the community and its members rank 
high in social circles. 

Mr. Martin is a member of Oquawka Lodge 
No. 123, A. F. & A. M.; and Osage Lodge No. 
346, K. P., of which he is the first Past Chancel- 
lor. He cast his first Presidential vote for R. B. 
Hayes, but since that time has been a Democrat. 
While in Bigg.sville, he ser\-ed as Justice of the 
Peace for one year, and since 1890 he has filled 
the office of Deputy Sheriff of Henderson County, 
being acting Sheriff and Collector. He is fear- 
less and true in the discharge of the duties de- 
volving upon him, and his faithful service has 
given general satisfaction. Having always lived 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



441 



in this county, Mr. Martin is quite widely known 
within its borders and has many warm friends 
among its citizens. 

b<~T>B=* — 3 

lILLIAM N. SPECK, Jr., has the honor of 
being a native of Henderson County. He 
was boni on the old homestead September 
II, 1850, and now resides on section 4, township 
II north, range 4 west. His father. William N. 
Speck, Sr., who is niuubered among the honored 
pioneers of this locality, is a native of North Car- 
olina, born August 10, 1823. Throughout his 
busiueas career he followed farming, but in 1884 
laid aside business cares and afterward lived a re- 
tired life. He was numbered among the self-made 
men of the county, for bj- his well-directed efforts, 
his enterprise and perseverance, he acquired the 
capital which later enabled him to spend his de- 
clining days free from toil and labor. He came 
to Henderson County in the spring of 1837, and 
was therefore one of its oldest .settlers. .Securing a 
tract of wild land, he transformed it into rich and 
fertile fields, and the once barren prairie was made 
to bloom and blos.som as the rose. He also lived 
in Warren Count)-, 111. , for four years, and on the 
discovery of gold in California, he crossed the 
plains to the Pacific Slope, where he remained for 
eighteen months engaged in mining. He then 
returned to Henderson Coimty, in 1851, where 
he remained until his death, which occurred March 
18, 1894. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Sarah A. Rice. She married Mr. Speck, 
and they became the parents of five children, but 
four of the number died in infancy. Mrs. Speck 
having died, the father was afterwards again mar- 
ried, his second union being with Mi.ss Olive Sewel, 
by whom he had two children: Lura C, at home; 
and Carrie, now the wife of A. Marshall, of Hop- 
per's Mills. 

We now take up the personal history of Mr. 
Speck, who has .spent the greater part of his life 
in Henderson County, and is widely and favora- 
bly known within its torders. His education was 



acquired in the district .schools of the neighbor- 
hood, which he attended through the winter sea- 
son. He early began work upon the home farm 
and was thus employed until twenty-eight years 
of age. In 1881 he went to Georgia, spending 
four years in that State, but since his return to 
Henderson County in 1885, he has made his home 
continuously in this neighborhood. 

On the 24th of April, 1883, Mr. .Speck was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Dearth, a 
daughter of Neal and Mima (Maples) Dearth. 
Their union has been blessed with two children, 
both sons: Robert W. and Walter C. Mr. Speck 
votes with the Democratic party, but has never 
.sought or desired political preferment. He holds 
membership with the Methodist Church, and is a 
man of .sterling worth and .strict integrity, who.se 
upright life has won him the high regard of his 
many friends throughout the countv. 

ROBERT HODSON, of Oquawka, is one of 
the oldest merchants in years of continuous 
business in this place. In the spring of 
185S, he began dealing in drugs, groceries and 
hardware, and has since carried on operations 
along that line. He began on a small .scale, but 
his business has .steadil\- increased, and he now 
receives a generous share of the public patronage, 
which is given him on account of his fair and 
honest dealings and his courteous treatment of 
his customers. Oquawka would sadly miss this 
honorable merchant, who is now so widely known 
throughout the county. 

Mr. Hodson was born in Yorkshire, EIngland, 
April II, 1830, and is a .son of Thomas and Sarah 
(Atkin.son) Hodson, who were aLso nativesofthe 
same country. The family numbered five chil- 
dren: James, who is now living a retired life in 
Caiuionsburgh, Pa.; John A., a grocer of Peoria: 
Robert: Thomas, who follows farming in Mis- 
souri; and Mary A., deceased. 

In 1835, accompanied by his mother and broth- 
ers, Mr. Hodson came to America, making the 
voyage in a .sailing-vessel, which, after four weeks, 



442 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



landed them at Philadelphia. They first located 
in Wellsville, Ohio, and during about three months 
of the year our subject pursued his studies in a 
log schoolhouse in Carroll County, Ohio, Dur- 
ing the remaining nine months he worked upon 
tlie home farm, and soon became familiar with all 
the duties of farm life. In 1845 he became a resi- 
dent of Martin County, Ind., but after two years 
returned to Carroll County, where he spent one 
year at work as a farm hand. It was in 1847 
that he first came to Henderson County, 111., 
where he .secured work on the farm of Obediah 
Edmunds, spending about a year in that place. 
In the autumn of 1848 he went to the pineries of 
Wisconsin, where he engaged in logging until the 
fall of 1 85 1. 

Mr. Hodson then returned to Henderson Coun- 
ty and embarked in merchandising in Shokokon, 
where he continued business until April i, 1852, 
when he started across the plains to California, 
making the journey with an ox-team. He en- 
gaged in mining on the Pacific vSlope until the 
fall of 1856, meeting with excellent success, and 
then went by way of the Panama route to New 
York, from whence lie made his way to Peoria, 
111., and on to Oquawka. Here he engaged in 
the lumber business for about a year; but finding 
it an unprofitable venture, he embarked in his 
present line of business in the .spring of 1858. 
His dealings have been eminently successful, and 
as his financial resources have increased he has 
made judicious investments in real estate, until 
he is now the owner of fifteen hundred acres of 
fanning land in Henderson County. 

In January, 1859, was celebrated the marriage 
of Mr. Hod.son and Miss Adeline T. Phelps, a 
daughter of Sumner S. and Phrtl)e (Chase) 
Phelps. Her father, who was one of the earlie.st 
settlers of Oquawka, serv'ed as an Indian agent for 
the Government, and was a Major in the Black 
Hawk War. His daughter was born in this city. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hodson had two children, but both 
are deceased, Louis Arthur, liaving died in in- 
fancy, while Hattie Belle died at the age of six- 
teen years. 

Mr. Hodson is the oldest living Mason in 
Oquawka, having been identified with the fra- 



ternity since 1858. He cast his first Presidential 
vote for Winfield Scott, has supported the Repub- 
lican party since its organization, and for the past 
ten \-ears has ser\-ed as Deputy Treasurer. Mr. 
Hodson has traveled quite e.xtensively, has sailed 
on the Atlantic and the Pacific, has made the 
journe>' from New York acro.ss the continent to 
San Francisco, and has lived for a time in the 
pine woods of Wiscon.sin. His life has been a 
successful one. Knowing that he started out 
empty-handed, and with a knowledge of the re- 
sults he has attained, we know that his career 
must have been one of enterprise and industry, 
or his present prosperity would not have come to 
him . 



■"S) 



I EON LEMAIRE, dealer in grain and agri- 
I C cultural implements of Oquawka, has here 
|_2/ built up a good trade, receiving from the 
public a liberal patronage. A native of Paris, 
France, he was born November i, 1862, and is a 
son of Edward Leinaire, who was al.so born in 
France. The grandfather, Julian Lemaire, was a 
French soldier, who served as an officer under 
Napoleon. The father of our subject kept a ho- 
tel in Paris until 1S65, when he cro.ssed the At- 
lantic to America. Afterwards, however, he re- 
turned to France, but in i86g we again find him 
in the New World, living upon a farm near Bas- 
co, Hancock County, where he still resides. He 
married Mi.ss Emily Juglard, daughter of Jo.seph 
Juglard, and their only child is our subject. Mrs. 
Lemaire died at the birth of her son, and the fa- 
ther was afterwards again married, his second 
union being with Elvina Hiegel, by whom he 
had four children, a .son and three daughters, 
Edward, Clemence, Emma and Mary, all at 
home. 

Our subject was brought by his father to Amer- 
ica and was reared as an American citizen. He 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his 
'father's farm, and in attendance at the district 
.schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired a 
fair English education. As soon as old enough, 
he began work in the fields, and remained upon 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



443 



the old homestead until twenty -six years of age, 
at which time he began business for himself. His 
first independent effort in life was as a buyer and 
shipper of hay, which enterprise he carried on for 
one year in Hancock Count}". In 1889 he came to 
Oquawka, and began buying and shipping grain, 
which he has followed continuou.sly since. In 
1 89 1, he also began dealing in agricultural im- 
plements, and has met with good success in this 
line. 

It was on the 5th of December, 1889, that Mr. 
Lemaire led to the marriage altar Miss R. May 
Overman, a daughter of Charles and Martha 
(Garner) Ovennan. One child graces this union, 
a daughter, Emily Marthena. The parents hold 
an enviable position in social circles, being widely 
and favorably' known in this community. 

Mr. Lemaire votes with the Democratic part\-, 
and by his first ballot supported Grover Cleve- 
land. He sen-ed as School Director while living 
in Hancock County, but has never sought public 
oiBce. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic 
fraternity. He was made a Mason in Basco 
Lodge, Hancock County, but now holds member- 
ship with Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. & A. 
M. He also belongs to Oquawka Camp No. 
1037, M. W. A. He is a wide-awake and pro- 
gressive young business man, and his undertak- 
ings deserve success. 



1^+^ 



ROBERT P. GEDDES, a representative and 
well-known farmer of Fountain Green Town- 
shi]), Hancock County, resides on .section 20, 
and upon this farm he was born, the date of that 
event being Januarj' 8, 1840. His parents lo- 
cated here in pioneer days, and are numbered 
among the honored early settlers of the commu- 
nity. He shared with the family the trials and 
hardships of frontier life, for the county was still 
greatly undeveloped during his earlier years. No 
event of special importance occurred during his 
childhood. He attended the subscription and dis- 
trict schools at various intervals until twenty years 



of age, and in the winter of i860 lie attended the 
.seminary in Oquawka, 111. 

When the war broke out. Mr. Geddcs aban- 
doned the plow for the rifle, and entered the .service 
of his country. He enli.sted on the 24th of May, 
1861, becoming one of the first volunteers of Com- 
pany D, Sixteenth Illinois Infantr}-. He was mus- 
tered into service at Quinc}-, and from tliere went 
to Hannibal, Mo., and thence to the front. The 
first active engagement of importance in which he 
participated was at Monroe City, and later he 
took part in the battles of New Madrid, Mo., 
Corinth, Nashville and the Atlanta campaign. 
He was under Sherman in all the engagements in 
Georgia, and took part in the battles of Dalton, 
Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, .Savan- 
nah and Bentonville, together with other engage- 
ments of lesser importance. He was very fortu- 
nate, in that he was never wounded or taken pris- 
oner, yet he was often found in the verj- thickest 
of the fight and was always at his post, faithful 
to the duty intrusted to his care. He was mus- 
tered out of service in Louisville, Ky., and re- 
ceived his discharge in Springfield, 111., on the 
17th of July, 1865. 

When his country no longer needed his .sen-ices, 
Mr. Geddes returned home, and the following fall 
went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., entering Ea.stman's 
Business College of that city, where he pursued a 
commercial course of study during that winter. 
In the .spring he returned to Illinois, and on the 
2ist of March, 1871, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Lizzie M. Brandon. Seven children 
have been born to them: Paul; Eddie; Linn; 
Charles, deceased; Mary Grace; and one who died 
in infancy. 

In politics, Mr. Geddes is a stalwart advocate 
of the Republican party and its principles. He 
has filled the position of Assessor, yet has never 
been a politician in the sense of office-seeking. 
Socially, he is connected with the Ma.sonic fra- 
ternity and the Grand Army of the Republic, and 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Upon 
his marriage, Mr. Geddes purchased a farm of 
eighty acres on section 29, Fountain Green Town- 
ship, and there made his home until 1891, when 
he removed to the old homestead farm. Here he 



444 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



owns one hundred and forty-four acres, and in 
addition to this he has one hundred acres else- 
where in the township. His land is under a high 
state of cultivation, and his farm is well improved 
with good buildings and all modern accessories 
and conveniences. The owner is both practical 
and progressive, and' is recognized as one of the 
leading agriculturists of the community. 



■=^ 



^-^ 



CS- 



(S" 



0UMNER H. McMillan, who is now serv- 
Ny ing the people as County Clerk of Hender- 
j2/ son County, is a native of the said county, 
his birth having occurred in vSouth Henderson 
Precinct, on the 13th day of June, 1862. The 
family is of Scotch-Irish lineage, the .second gen- 
eration back having emigrated to this country 
from the North of Ireland in an early day. The 
father, William L- McMillan, was a native of 
South Carolina, but moved to this county in 1837, 
at the age of three years, and here he has since 
continued to reside. On the ist day of April, 
1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan 
Small, daughter of James Small, who had emi- 
grated from Ohio to this county in the early '50s. 
By their union were born nine children, four sons 
and five daughters, who, in the order of their 
births, are as follows: Carrie D., wife of Frank 
Graham, a farmer of Biggsville Township; Jennie 
F., wife of John Weir, a machinist residing at 
Stronghurst; Sumner H., the subject of this 
sketch; Mary E., who died in 1868, at the age of 
four years; Charles W. and James S., who are 
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Biggsville 
Township; Zettie J., wife of O.scar Sanderson, 
also a farmer of Bigg.svilleTown.ship; Jessie May, 
who died in 1874, in infancy; and Herbert I., the 
youngest of the family, who yet resides at home 
with the parents. 

Sumner Horace, the subject of this .sketch, was 
reared at home upon his father's farm, and being 
the eldest of the .sons, was imired to much hard 
and patient labor from early boyhood. His edu- 
cation was acquired mainly in the district school, 
well known in that locality as Coloma, one of the 



be.st countr}- schools of the county. Having 
finished the common- school branches and being 
desirous of a business education, in the fall of 
1883 he entered Elliot's Bu.sine.ss College, at 
Burlington, Iowa, where he took a .six-months 
course in the business training of this well-known 
institution. Having finished his education and 
being anxious to begin business on his own ac- 
count, he now began prospecting for an opening 
somewhere. Always having a desire for news- 
paper and literary work, he soon found an oppor- 
tunity for a beginning in this direction. In the 
.spring of 1886, in partnership with C. W. Brels- 
ford, they began the publication of the Gladstone 
Aru's, which was, in June of the same year, re- 
moved to Biggsville, they continuing its publica- 
tion under the name of the Biggsville jVctcs. But 
after a year spent in this work, journalism in a 
small country town, and in a county already over- 
stocked with newspapers, having demonstrated 
itself non-remunerative in a financial way, and 
his health having failed, he sold out his interests 
here and went back to the country home. In a 
couple of months thereafter, viz., in April, 1887, 
he went west for his health and a vi.sit with rela- 
tives, and while at Lyons, Rice County, Kan., 
was employed for a time in the revenue depart- 
ment of the County Clerk's office at that place. 
Returning to Illinois in July of that year, he again 
remained at home until the following .spring, 
when he was elected Clerk and Treasurer of the 
Conuni.ssioners of Highways of Road District 
No. 2, of his county, which office he held until 
in the fall of 1890, when he was elected County 
Clerk of Henderson County, for a term of four 
years. On Januarj- 24, 1889, he was appointed 
by Hon. J. O. Anderson, a member of the Legis- 
lature from this, the Twenty-fourth Senatorial 
Di.strict, to a Committee Clerk.ship in the Thirty - 
sixth General As.sembly of Illinois, where he 
.serv'ed the Legi.slature of that session in this 
capacity, having charge of four of the important 
committees of the house, viz.: "Penal and Re- 
formatory Institutions," "Miscellaneous Sub- 
jects," "Drainage," and Vi.siting Conunittee on 
" Penal and Reformatory Institutions. " At the 
close of the session, on May 30, he came home 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



445 



with many pleasant recollections of the time thus 
spent at the State capital. 

Mr. McMillan is a Republican in politics, cast- 
ing his fir.st vote for James G. Blaine, in 1884, 
and, while not a fierce partisan, is always ready to 
defend the principles and advocate the doctrines 
fearlessly which he believes. In religion, he 
holds an active membership in the United Pres- 
byterian Church of South Henderson, which was 
" the church of his fathers," and of whose con- 
fession of faith and rules of church governflient 
and practice he is a warm supporter, as Ijeing the 
"church of his choice." Quiet and una.s.suming 
in manner, he considers friendship the first con- 
sideration of life; and honesty, .sobriety and 
industry the fulfilling purposes for which man 
was created. The best interests of the community 
ever receive his hearty support, and all worthy 
enterprises are sure of his co-operation. 



=-l-^+^P-= 



r^A\'ID A. BEATV, who owns and operates 
I ^ I one hundred and thirty -five acres of good land 
\q) on .section g, Rozetta Township, is one of 
the early settlers of Hender.son County, and .since 
1 85 1 has resided upon his present farm. His 
time and attention are given to the cultivation of 
his land and to .stock-rai.sing, and by his well- 
directed efiforts he has become one of the well-to- 
do citizens of the community. 

Mr. Beaty is a native of Champaign County, 
Ohio, born October 4, 1818. The family is of 
Irish lineage. His father, William Beaty, was a 
native of Berkeley- County, Va. The mother 
bore the maiden name of Mary Pence. They had 
three children: David; Rachel, who is living in 
Oquawka; and Israel, who died in 1S70. The 
mother of this family having passed away, Mr. 
Beaty was again married, and by his second 
union had seven children: George, who died in 
Illinois; Ira; Sarah, now deceased; and four who 
died in early childhood. The family came to the 
West about 1830, making the journey by team, 
and William Beaty entered one hundred and 
sixty acres of land from the Government in Hen- 

23 



derson County, pa>ing the usual price of $1.25 
per acre. He then built a log cabin, and in true 
pioneer .style those earl\- days were pa.ssed. He 
was a member of the Presbj-terian Church, and 
in early life was a Democrat, but after the organi- 
zation of the Republican party he joined its ranks. 
He sen-ed in the War of 1812, and wasalwaj-s a 
valued citizen. He sen'ed as one of the first Su- 
pervisors of his town.ship, helped to lay out the 
roads, and aided in the organization of the school 
district. On the farm which he had developed 
his death occurred May 18, 1869. 

David Beaty whose name heads this record 
grew to manhood in the township which is now 
his home, and attended its subscription schools, 
which were held in a log schoolhouse. Although 
his advantages in this direction were quite limited, 
his training at farm labor was not meagre, for at an 
early age he began to follow the plow, and soon 
became familiar with farm work in all its depart- 
ments. He continued under the parental roof 
until twentj'-two years of age, when he began to 
earn his own livelihood by chopping wood and 
making rails. The following year he rented land, 
and then purcha.sed eighty acres of land, a part 
of the farm on which he now resides, the purchase 
price being $200. There were no impro\ements 
uyxm the place, but he at once began its develop- 
ment and continued its cultivation initil 1850, 
when he went to California, making the overland 
journe>- with ox-teams. There were seven teams 
in the jjarty and twenty-eight men. They cro.ssed 
the river at the site of the present city of Omaha, 
and after five months of travel reached Hang- 
town. 

Mr. Beaty then engaged in prospecting and 
mining, and remained on the Pacific Slope for 
about a year. He then started on the return 
trip, traveling by steamer to Mexico. He made 
the journey on foot from the City of Mexico to 
Vera Cruz, where he again boarded a ve.s.sel. On 
once more reaching Henderson County, he re- 
.siuned farming, and has .since made it his exclus- 
ive occui)ation. 

On the 20th of December, 1842, Mr. Beaty was 
united in marriage with Miss Abigail Roberts, 
and to them were born eight children, but only 



446 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



three are now living: Adolphus, a blacksmith 
residing in Rozetta; Florence, wife of Harry 
Patterson, editor of the Democrat, of Oquawka; 
and Phoebe, wife of Jacob Kirkhart, of Warren 
County, Iowa. 

Mr. Beaty cast his first Presidential vote for 
William Henrj- Harrison, and since the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party has been one of its 
stanch advocates. He has tra\-eled over much of 
this country', and his life has been an eventful one, 
filled with many interesting experiences. His 
career, too, has always been upright and honor- 
able, and in this connnunity he has man\' warm 
friends. 



^HJH^ 



(=_ 



"=] 



EOLEMAN J. EADS, M. D., is one of the 
younger menil)ers of the medical profession 
of Oquawka, but during the three years of 
his residence here his skill and ability have won 
recognition by a liberal and lucrative practice, 
which is well deserved. The Doctor was born in 
Wayne County, Ky., on the 19th of April, 1866, 
and is a son of Jacob H. and Nancy (Tuttle) 
Eads. His mother is now deceased. His father, 
who was born in Wayne County, Ky., October 
9, 1829, has carried on agricultural pursuits 
throughout his entire life. In the faniih' were 
eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, 
as follows: Martha J., wife of vS. I). Foster, a 
planter of Wayne County, Ky.; William O. and 
Charles M., who are also planters of that county; 
Henderson M., who is proprietor of a grocery and 
market in Chicago; Joseph, who died in infancy; 
Amanda F., wife of O. T. Stringer, a miner of 
Ardmore, Mo.; Coleman, of this sketch; John P., 
a planter of Wayne County; James M. and Leslie 
J., who are living at home; and Nannie E. , wife 
of John Bond, a farmer of Wayne County, Ky. 

The Doctor spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth on the old plantation in the county of his 
nativity, and until .seventeen years of age he at- 
tended the conunon schools. He then entered 
the Southern Normal College of Bowling Green, 
Ky. , where he j)ursucd a literary course, there 



remaining for a year and a half. On leaving 
school in 1887, he began teaching, which profes- 
sion he followed for two years, when, in 1889, he 
entered the medical department of the University 
of Kentucky at Louisville. For two years previ- 
ous he had studied medicine during his leisure 
hours, and in 1890 was graduated from that in- 
stitution with the degree of M. D. Immediately 
after he opened an office and began practice in 
Parnell, Wayne County, Ky., where he remained 
for d year and a half 

It was in 1891 that Doctor Eads came to Oquaw- 
ka, 111., where he has since been engaged in the 
prosecution of his profession. He is one of the 
busiest men of Hender.son County to-day, and 
has succeeded in building up a very exten.sive 
practice. He cast his finst presidential vote for 
Grover Cleveland, and is a supporter of Democ- 
racy, l)ut has never aspired to public office. In 
religious belief, he is a Baptist. Sociall}', he is 
connected with Tranquil Lodge No. 193, I. O. 
O. F., of which he is now serving as Noble Grand, 
and also belongs to Oquawka Camp No. 1037, 
M. W. A. He came here a young man, po.ssessed 
of an excellent knowledge of the science of medi- 
cine, but with little practical experience, yet his 
aptitude for his cho.sen profession was soon made 
manifest, and as the result of the success which 
he has secured he will probably make Oquawka 
his permanent home. 

6~ ' ^ ^ <"T'S fa~*' -a 

<ySAAC McCOY MARTIN, M. D., who is 
I now engaged in the practice of medicine in 
X La Harpe, and is also editing the La Harpe 
Quill, was born in Macomb, 111., on the 9th of 
September, 1853, and is a son of Joseph M. and 
Henrietta G. (Westfall) Martin, a sketch of whom 
appears elsewhere in this work. He acquired a 
good literarj- education in the public schools of 
his native city, and at the age of sixteen was 
graduated from the High vSchool, on the 20th of 
June, 1870. He early began work, for when 
only ten years old he sawed wood for a neigh- 
boring widow, receiving his pay from the county. 




I. M. Maktin. M. I). 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



447 



From that time he usually earned his spending 
money, and at the age of twenty years he began 
supporting himself entirely. He secured a posi- 
tion as teacher of the Oakwood School, McDon- 
ough County, commonly known as Rabbit Town, 
and followed teaching until 1875 through the 
winter season, while in the summer months he 
worked at the carpenter's trade. 

With the desire of entering the medical profes- 
sion, Dr. Martin began study in 187 1, tnider Dr. 
B. R. \^'estfall, of Macomb, and continued his 
reading during leisure hours until 1875, when he 
entered Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago. 
At the clo.se of that term he went to Eyota, Minn., 
where he engaged in practice until 1877. He 
then returned to Illinois, where it was his inten- 
tion to practice, but he was prevented from carry- 
ing out this resolution bj- the Medical Practice 
Act, when he resumed teaching. During the 
winter of 1880-81 he again attended Hahnemann 
Medical College, and after his graduation located 
in Macomb, in March of the latter year. There 
he at once opened an office and soon secured a 
fair share of public patronage. In 1887 he came 
to La Harpe, where he has since made his home, 
and from the beginning he has enjoyed a most 
lil)eral patronage. 

On the 5th of September, 1883, in Macomb, Dr. 
Martin was united in marriage with Miss Elsie, 
a daughter of Col. Sanuiel E. Taylor, comman- 
der of the One Hinidred and Nineteenth Illinois 
Infantn,- during the late war. Mrs. Martin was born 
in Mt. Sterling, 111., and died July 30, 1888, leaving 
two sons: Morris Carl, born July 27, 1884; and 
Edgar Scott, born June 4, 1886. The Doctor 
was again married, December 5, i88g, his .second 
union being with Mi.ss Clara A. Locke, of La 
Harpe, who was born in Blandinsville, May 8, 
i860, and is a daughter of George and Mary 
(Webster) Locke, who are still living in this 
place. By the second union has been born a 
daughter, Mary Etta, born Augu.st 17, 1891. 

In politics. Dr. Martin has always been a sup- 
porter of the Republican party, and while living 
in Macomb .served as City Clerk from 1881 until 
1887, being three times re-elected. He proved a 
popular and competent officer. In religious be- 



lief he is a Universalist, and .socially he is con- 
nected with the Odd Fellows' .society, the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen and the Modern Wood- 
men of America. He is now meeting with good 
success in his business, having a con.stantly in- 
creasing practice, and the publication of his paper 
has also proved a profitable investment. The 
Doctor has many friends throughout McDonough 
County, where he has spent the greater part of 
his life, and in Hancock County he is also widely 
and favorablv known. 



^>^ 



(=- 



(TOHN H. WELCH, deceased, was born in 
I Erie County, N. Y., October 29, 1814, and 
Q) was of English descent. He was reared in 
the usual manner of farm lads, and in the com- 
mon .schools acquired a fair education. In his 
native State he learned the mason's trade, which 
he followed during his residence in New York. 
At length he determined to come to the West, 
and in the spring of 1849 started for Illinois. At 
length he reached Henderson County, and cast his 
lot among the early settlers of Rozetta Town.ship. 
He had previously purchased one hundred and 
.sixty acres of land, of which eighty acres were an 
unimproved timber tract on section 17, and, loca- 
ting thereon, he began the development of a farm. 
He plowed and planted his land and continued its 
further cultivation and improvement until 1864, 
when he purchased one hundred and .sixty acres 
on section 28, Rozetta Township, where his son 
now resides. There he carried on agricultural 
pursuits until 1868, when he went to Oquawka, 
spending two and a-half years in the city, after 
which he returned to the old homestead. 

In Hender.son County, Mr. Welch was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary L. Lathrop, and to 
them were born five children, namely: Harriet 
Iv, wife of Sanuiel Reed: Nelson Q.; Nancy, 
wife of Andrew B. Cochran; E.sther, wife of 
Howard Ha.stings; and vSarah E., wife of Riley 
Moorhead. After his return to the farm, Mr. 
Welch there continued to make his home until 
called to his final rest. He died on the 6th of 



448 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



March, 1888, and his remains were interred in 
the Reed Cenieter\'. He was a member of the 
Methodist Church, and was an honorable, up- 
right man, who had the high regard of all with 
whom he was brought in contact. His wife still 
survives him and is now living in Arkansas. 

The only son of the family, Nel.son Q. Welch, 
was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, 
and in the summer months aided in the plowing, 
planting and har\-esting, while in the winter 
season he continued his lessons in the district 
.school of the neighborhood. Being an only son, 
he always remained at home with his parents and 
to his father gave the benefit of his .ser\'ices. On 
his father's death he took charge of the old farm, 
which he still owns and operates. He carries on 
both general farming and .stock-raising, and is re- 
garded as one of the leading agriculturists of the 
community. 

On the 5th of November, 1879, Mr. Welsh 
was imited in marriage with Miss Elizabeth 
Hamel, and to them have been born four children: 
Ralph, Annie M., John Clinton and Fred H. 

In his political views Mr. Welch is a Repub- 
lican, and is now serving as School Director of 
his district. The best interests of the community 
receive his support and co-operation, and he is a 
wide-awake and enterpri.sing man. His entire 
life has been passed in Henderson County, and 
those who have known him from boyhood are 
mnnbered among his stanchest friends, a fact 
which indicates an honorable career. 



c^ 



""SI 



^■^ 



(^~ 



Gl MOS HAINES, deceased, was born in Bel- 
l\ mont County, Ohio, on the 5th of December, 
/ I 18 13, and the days of his boyhood and youth 
were spent upon a fann. His education was ac- 
quired in the old-time subscription schools, which 
were held in a log schoolhouse, the exercises 
being conducted in a primitive style. On attain- 
ing his majority he started out in life for him- 
self, working as a farm hand, and in compensa- 
tion for his .ser\-ices he received $10 per month, 
lie al.so learned the carpenter's business, which 



he followed for about six years, when, with the 
capital he had acquired through indu.stry and 
economy, he purchased eighty-eight acres of land 
in Pickaway County, Ohio. This was entirely 
unimproved, being covered with heavy timber. 
In the mid.st of the forest, however, he built a log 
cabin, and at once began the development of his 
farm. There he lived until 1840, when he sold 
out, preparatory to mo\ing westward. He came 
to Henderson County, 111., and cast in his lot with 
its early settlers, for the connty at that time was 
just being opened up to civilization. Purchasing 
one hundred and sixtj^-seven acres of land on .sec- 
tion 27, Rozetta Township, at $4.40 per acre, he 
at once began the development of a farm, for the 
land was still in a primitive condition, not a 
furrow having been turned or an improvement 
made thereon. His enterprising and industrious 
labors, however, greatly changed the appearance 
of the place. The boundaries of the farm he 
also extended, until it comprised two hundred and 
sixty-seven acres. 

On the 4th of April, 1839, Mr. Haines was 
united in marriage with Mi,ss Catharine Miller, a 
native of Madison County, Ohio, bom December 
17, 18 19. They became the parents of seven 
children: Mary J., now deceased; Sarah, wife of 
George Palmer; Hugh, a farmer residing in Hen- 
derson Count\'; Newton, who is now engaged in 
the operation of the old homestead; John M., 
who carries on agricultural pursuits in Rozetta 
Township; Emma, who is living with her mother; 
and one child who died in infancy. The father 
of this family passed away August 15, 1855, 
and was laid to rest in Reed Cemetery. He was 
a member of the Christian Church, and was one 
of the most highly respected citizens of the com- 
munity. 

After the death of her first husband, Mrs. 
Haines, on the 17th of September, 1857, became 
the wife of William C. Mitchell. Two children 
v^'ere born to them: Edward B., who is now liv- 
ing near Waverly, Neb.; and William H., who 
resides on the home farm. Mr. Mitchell was 
also a native of the Buckeye State, and his death 
occurred in August, 1881. He held membership 
with the Chri.stian Church, and was held in high 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



449 



esteem for his many excellencies of character. 
Mrs. Mitchell also belongs to the same church. 
She is now living on the old homestead, and in 
this neighborhood she owns three hundred and 
sixty-five acres of valuable land, which is under 
a high state of cultivation, and therefore yields to 
her a good income. Her long residence in the 
county has made her widely known, and her 
friends in the community are many. 



.^. 



#+^[ 



-S) 



"HOM AS DIXON, one of the extensive land- 
owners and also one of the large stock-deal- 
ers of Henderson Count\-, now makes his 
home on section 5, township 9, range 5 west. He 
was born in Adams County, 111., August 29, 1854, 
and is of English descent. His father, James 
Dixon, was born in England in 1819, and after 
attaining mature years was there married to Ann 
Bladan, a native of the same countrj'. Four 
children were born to them in their native land. 
On emigrating to America, they located near Cin- 
cinati, Ohio, where Mr. Dixon carried on fanning 
for a few years. He then took up his residence 
in Adams County, 111., where he carried on agri- 
cultural pursuits for a year. His next place of 
residence was in the southern part of Henderson 
County, where he rented land for a time. It was 
in 1863 that he purchased his present farm, 
becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty 
acres in township 9, range 5. To this he added 
from time to time, until he now owns six hundred 
acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. 
His propert)- has all been acquired through his 
own efforts, with the assistance of his estimable 
wife and .sons, who were always ready to aid 
him. In the Dixon family were nine children, 
namely: James, Mrs. Mary A. Perrj-, William, 
Richard, Joseph, John ("now deceased), Thomas, 
Henry and Margaret J. 

Thomas Dixon of this sketch was reared to 
manhood under the parental roof, and to his 
father gave the benefit of his services until he had 
attained his majority. He early became inured 
to the ta.sk of developing new land, and all the 



departments of farm work were familiar to him 
from an early age. When he reached man's 
estate he was the owner of a team of horses, and 
with these he began operating his father's farm 
on shares. He continued to cultivate it for a few 
years, until, having acquired some capital, he 
purchased a farm, in coiniection with his brother. 
After a time this partnership was discontinued, 
Thomas Dixon .selling out. He then purchased 
two hundred acres of land south of his present 
farm, and about 1883 moved to the farm on which 
he now resides. 

On the 7th of March of that year, Mr. Dixon 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Hannah C. 
\'aughn, daughter of Matthew and Mary Ann 
(Marsden) Vaughn, both of whom are natives of 
England. Her father crossed the Atlantic in 
the .spring of 1849, and located in Cincinnati, 
Ohio. In 1 85 1 he came to Henderson County, 
settling near Carman, where he still lives. He has 
always followed farming, and is now one of the 
largest land-owners in the county. He was born 
November 10, 1829, in Monmouthshire, England. 
On the nth of April, 1854, he married Miss 
Marsden, who had come to the United States 
during her early girlhood. At that time he had 
only forty acres of land, but his well-directed ef- 
forts have made him one of the wealthiest citizens 
of the county. Eleven children were born unto 
Mr. and Mrs. \'aughn: William J., born Augu.st 
20, 1855, now deceased; Anna C, wife of Thomas 
Dixon, June 10, 1857: George A., July 14, 1S59: 
Arthur T., March 30, 1862: Alice N., September 
8, 1864; Miles M., November 25, 1866; James 
N., December 2, 1868; Mark N. and Luke M., 
twins, October i, 1870; Charles R., May 9, 1S73; 
and Manford R., May 16, 1876. 

One child graces the home of our subject and 
his wife, Edna W, born October i, 1885. The 
parents began their domestic life upon the farm 
which is still their home. In 1889, Mr. Dixon 
built a very large barn, and in 1892 erected one of 
the most beautiful country residences in Henderson 
County. It is the abode of hospitality, and the 
friends of the family are always sure to there 
receive a hearty welcome. Mr. Dixon devotes 
his time to general farming and stock-raising. 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



dealing verj' extensively- in stock. His home 
farm comprises three hundred and twentj- acres, 
and in addition to this he has a considerable 
amount elsewhere in the county. In politics, 
Mr. Dixon is a Republican, and both he and his 
wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
All who know them hold them in high regard, 
and they have a wide acquaintance in the com- 
munity. 



i^+^P-- 



pQlLLIAM E. SMITH, deceased, was a na- 
\KI tive of London, England, born on the 31st 
YY of January, 1832. His parents, William 
and Amelia Smith, were also natives of that coun- 
try. They had a family of fi\-e children, of whom 
our subject was the eldest. Charles is now en- 
gaged in merchandising in Avoca, Iowa; James 
makes his home near Oquawka; Susan is the wife 
of W. B. Rose; and George is also living in 
Oquawka. 

In the common schools of his native land, Will- 
iam E. Smith acquired his education, living in 
that countrj' until 1849, when, at the age of sev- 
enteen years, he bade adieu to the home and 
friends of his childhood, and boarded a we.stward- 
bound .sailing-vessel. He landed at Quebec, 
Canada, and immediately afterwards made his 
way to Henderson County, 111., where he located 
upon a farm. Here throughout his remaining 
years he carried on agricultural pursuits. He was 
a man of con.siderable mechanical genius, and 
invented a plow. The land which he purchased 
he transformed into rich and fertile fields, and in 
return for the care and cultivation which he be- 
stowed upon them they yielded to him a golden 
tribute. The boundaries of his farm he extended 
until it comprised three hundred acres of land. 

On the 12th of April, 1859, Mr. vSmith was 
united in marriage with Miss Susan A. Ranney, 
a native of Mi.s.souri. Their union was ble.s.sed 
with a family often children, eight of whom are 
yet living, namely: Emma M., wife of Albert 
Hawkins; Royal E.; Nathan W.; Esroni X.; 
Mary E. ; Samuel J. ; Araminta A. , wife of IL F. 



Fair; and William E. Martha E. and George O. 
are deceased. The familj- is one of prominence 
in the community, its members being held in 
high regard. 

Mr. Smith held the office of Justice of the Peace 
for three years, and in his political views was a 
Democrat. He held membership with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and took an active inter- 
est in church and benevolent work. He won suc- 
cess in his business career by his well-directed 
efforts, and became the owner of a good home and 
fine farm. He was never prominentl)- connected 
with public affairs, preferring to live a quiet and 
retired life, but he had the confidence and good 
will of all with whom he was brought in contact. 
His wife, who possessed manj' excellencies of 
character and was a most estimable lady, passed 
away on the 14th of April, 1889, and he was called 
to his final rest on the 15th of May following. 
Thus the worth}' couple who had traveled life's 
journey together for thirty years were separated 
only a short time by the hand of death. They will 
long be remembered by many friends, and their 
memory will ever be green in the hearts of their 
children. 



-^]. 



"S] 



^+^ 



[^^ 



|ILLIAM M. MALEY, deceased, was a na- 
tive of the Buckeye State, his birth having 
occurred near Da\ton, on the 29th of De- 
cember, 1820. His parents were Thomas and 
Elizabeth (Starrj Maley. Upon their farm he 
was born and reared, and in Ohio he remained 
until fourteen years of age, when he accompanied 
his parents on their removal to Illinois, the family 
locating in Warren County, where they spent two 
years. They then came to Henderson County, 
locating near Pleasant Green, where a farm of one 
hundred and sixtj- acres was purchased. Only a 
few acres had been broken, and the log cabin was 
the only improvement upon tlie place. 

At the age of seventeen, Mr. Maley started out 
in life for himself, and from that time was depend- 
ent upon his own resources; therefore, his success 
was due entirelv to his own efforts. He continued 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



451 



to make his home in Henderson County until 
1839, when he went to Keokuk County, Iowa. 
Two years later he made a claim of one hundred 
and sixty acres. Four years he resided upon that 
farm, after which he returned to this county, in 
1845. The following year he purchased a part of 
the fann on which his widow now resides, be- 
coming owner of a tract of eighty acres, of which 
twenty acres had been broken. There he lived 
until his death. He was very successful in his 
undertakings, and as his financial resources in- 
creased he made other purchases, until his landed 
possessions aggregated three hundred and twen- 
ty-nine acres, all in Oquawka and Rozetta Town- 
ships. 

On the 31st of Augu.st, 1841, Mr. Maley led to 
the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth vStevens, a 
native of Switzerland County, Ind., born on the 
3d of December, 1816, and a daughter of Harvey 
and Olive (May nard) Stevens, who were married 
in 1814, near Worthington , Ohio, the latter being 
a native of Mas.sachu,setts, and the former of Con- 
necticut. Mrs. Maley's father's people moved 
to the State of New York in an early day, when 
he was only three years old. Both her grand- 
fathers were in the Revolutionar>- War, grand- 
father Stevens having .served in the battle of 
White Plains, and grandfather Maynard in the 
battle of Long Island. The latter, who was only 
a small boy, served as a fifer. 

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Maley. Heniy H., who was a veteran of the 
late war, died March 14, 1892. He had married 
Kmma C. Rice, and to them were born five chil- 
dren: Olive, Thomas, Maude, Lee and William. 
Charles H., who is now a farmer of Lincoln 
County, Neb., wedded Mary Bailey, and they 
became the parents of three children: Nellie, 
Margaret and Charles. His present wife bore 
the maiden name of Amanda Burr. They have 
a son and daughter, Robert and Hazel. Thomas 
married Lucinda J. France, and is living on the 
old homestead. 

In his political views, Mr. Maley was a Repub- 
lican. He pcssessed good business and executive 
ability, and his well-directed efforts brought him 
a good property, which enabled him to leave his 



wife in comfortable circumstances. He was true 
and faithful to all trusts, whether public or private, 
and was a man of sterling worth and strict integ- 
rity. He passed away on the 26th of June, 1884, 
and was laid to rest in the Green Hill Cemetery, 
amid the deep regrets of many friends. 



l^HJH^ 



[=" 



I EWIS DUKE, one of the most extensive 
I C land-owners of Henderson County, who now 
l_2f carries on general farming and stock-raising 
on .section 15. Rozetta Township, is one of the 
worthy citizens that England has furnished to this 
connnunity. He was born in Devonshire, on the 
30th of December, 1831, and is a son of Lewis and 
Elizabeth (Holloway) Duke, who were also na- 
tives of the .same land. They had only two 
children: James, a retired fanner, now living in 
Monmouth, 111., and Lewis. Accompanied by 
his family, the father came to America in 1844, 
and took up his residence in Rozetta Township, 
Henderson County, where he purcha,sed an eighty- 
acre tract of land, on which he lived until called 
to the home bejond. He pas.sed awa>- on the 
13th of April, 1883, and his remains were interred 
in the Bapti.st Cemetery. His wife survived 
him a number of \ears, and died April 10, 1892. 
Quietly did our subject pass the days of his 
bovhood and \outh upon his father's farm. He 
attended the public .schools of England until the 
emigration of the family to the New World in 
1844. At that time he, too, bade adieu to the 
home and friends of his childhood, and on a .sail- 
ing-vessel crossed the briny deep, landing in New 
York Cit)- after a voyage of six weeks and three 
days. He was reared to manhood in his parents' 
home, and when twenty years of age started out 
in life for himself He began operating his 
father's farm, and continued the cultivation of the 
old homestead until i860, when he removed to 
the house on the same farm which has for thirty- 
four years been his home. Here he owns two 
hundred acres of good land, and altogether his 
possessions aggregate eight hundred and seventy- 
eight acres. The greater part of it is under a 



452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



high state of cultivation, and therefore yields to 
the owner a golden tribute. It is a valuable 
property, and has been acquired through his own 
efforts, being therefore a monument to his enter- 
prise and good management. He carries on 
general farming and stock-raising, and along 
both lines is meeting with a well-merited success. 

On the 1st of March, i860, Mr. Duke was 
united in marriage with Miss Fannie K. Coghill, 
daughter of Benjamin and Mar>' (Elliott) Cog- 
hill. Nine children grace this union, namely: 
Clyde E., now a farmer of Rozetta Township; 
MoUie K., wife of Francis M. Buck, a resident of 
Chicago, who is connected with the telephone 
business of that city; George L., a farmer of Ro- 
zetta Township; Grace, an artist of no mean 
abihty; Benjamin C: Annie; Victor L.; Blanche 
and Cleo. 

The Duke household is the abode of hospitalit\-, 
and the members of the family rank high in the 
social circles in which they move. Mr. Duke is 
a member of the Baptist Church, and votes with 
the Prohibition party, being a warm advocate of 
temperance principles. He has ser\-ed as Super- 
visor of his township, and takes an active intere.st 
in all public enterpri.ses which are calculated to 
benefit the comnuuiity. Thus has he won a place 
among the valued citizens of the town.ship. as well 
as among its substantial farmers. 



"SI 



^-^ 



cs_ 



RICHARD A. WOODS, who carries on gen- 
eral farming on .section 26, Kozetta Township, 
Henderson County, has the honor of being 
a native of Illinois, for his birth occurred in Mor- 
gan County, in 1839. His parents were John and 
Mar>- (Gilbreath) Woods, and the family num- 
bered eight children, namely: Henry, Elizabeth, 
Richard, Fatima, William, Mary, Emily and 
Martha. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the childhood and youth of our subject, whose 
boyhood days were quietly passed on his father's 
farm. He was ten years of age when the family 
came to Henderson County. During the .sunmier 



months he worked upon the home farm, and in 
the winter season he attended the subscription 
schools, which were held in a log schoolhouse. 
When twentj--two years of age he started out in 
life for hini-self with no capital save a young man's 
bright hope of the future and a detenuination to 
succeed. He began to earn his own livelihood by 
working as a farm hand, and was thus employed 
until the breaking out of the late war, when, 
prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded 
to the country's call for troops and on the 12th of 
August, 1862, became a member of Company 
K, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He was mus- 
tered into sen-ice at Quincy, and then went to the 
South. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, 
but was always found at his post, faithfully de- 
fending the Old Flag and the cause it represen- 
ted. When his term had expired he received an 
honorable discharge at Camp Butler and at once 
returned to his home. 

Mr. Woods than began farming for himself on 
rented land, for he had not the capital with which 
to buy property-. At the end of three years, how- 
ever, he had saved a sufficient sum to purchase a 
farm in Warren County, and there he lived for six 
years. On the expiration of that period he rented 
the farm on which he now resides, and as soon as 
possible he purchased it, becoming owner of a 
tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has 
placed under a high state of cultivation. In con- 
nection with general farming he carries on stock- 
raising. He has a well-improved place, supplied 
with all modern accessories and conveniences, and 
is regarded as one of the practical and progressive 
agriculturists of the community. 

Mr. Woods was married on tlie 19th of Septem- 
ber, 1867, thelady of his choice being Miss Calista 
A. Reed. Their union has been blessed with a 
family of .seven children, namely: George, Ada 
L. , Ida L- , Jesse L. , Otto, Earl, and one who died 
in infancy. The family is widely known in this 
community, and the members of the houshold have 
many warm friends. In his political views, Mr. 
Woods is a Republican, and has served as School 
Director. He holds membership with the Meth- 
odist Church, and is a warm friend to all worthy 
public enterprises which are calculated to advance 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



453 



the general welfare. The greater part of his life 
has been spent in Henderson Countj\ and he is 
numbered among its early settlers, having wit- 
nessed much of its growth and development. The 
agricultural interests of the community find in him 
a worthy representative, and it is with pleasure 
thai we present this record of his life to our readers. 



^+^1 



(TOSEPH ESSEX, one of the early settlers of 
I Henderson County, who since 1858 has car- 
C2/ ried on general farming on section 12, town- 
ship 10, range 5 west, is a native of Chillicothe, 
Ohio. His father, Isaac Essex, was a native of 
Marjland. He was born below Baltimore, on 
the bank of Chesapeake Bay, and in that local- 
ity spent his early childhood. At the age of 
seventeen he left his native State and removed to 
Virginia. Later he started westward, and took 
up his residence in Ro.ss County, Ohio, whence 
he went to Indianapolis, Ind., about 1830. Four 
years later he came to Illinois, settling in Rock 
Island. The remainder of his life was passed in 
this State, where his death occurred in 1850. In 
the Essex familj' were eight children, four sons 
and four daughters, namely: Mrs. Sarah Van 
Pelt, Mrs. Eleanor Peckham, Mrs. Maria Call, 
Mrs. Marj- Chapin, Francis Campbell, Joseph, 
James Doolittle and Solomon Bush. 

The subject of this sketch received but limited 
educational advantages, his knowledge having 
been acquired largely through business experi- 
ence, reading and ob.sen'ation, and not through 
school-room drill. At the earlj' age of fifteen he 
started out to make his own way in the world, 
and has since been dependent upon his own re- 
.sources, so that whatever success he has achieved 
in life is due entirely to his own efforts. He be- 
gan work on a canal-boat, and in this way pro- 
vided for his own maintenance for some time. At 
length he turned his attention to farming, and as 
.soon as possible became the owner of a farm. 

In 1850, Mr. Essex was married, the lady of 
his choice being Miss Julia A. Bailey, who came 
of an old Connecticut famil)-, and who has been to 



him a faithful companion and helpmate along life's 
journey. Their union has been blessed with two 
children, a son and daughter: Charles H. and 
Mary L,., the latter being now the wife of George 
Miller, of Biggsville. 

In 1858, Mr. Essex purchased a tract of land 
on section 12, township 10 north, range 5 west, 
and has since made his home thereon, giving his 
entire time and attention to the cultivation and 
improvement of his land. It is now a rich and 
fertile tract, and everj- department of the farm 
is characterized by an air of neatness and thrift. 
The owner has led a busy and useful life, yet has 
found time to devote to public interests, especially 
to those calculated to prove of public benefit. He 
votes with the Republican party, and has served 
as School Director for about six terms. During 
his long residence in Henderson County he has 
become widely known, and is held in high regard 
by all, for he possesses many excellent character- 
istics. 



=-^^+^1 



QAMUEL MATTHEWS STANSBURY, one 
r\ of the enterprising and highly respected 
Sz/ farmers of Henderson County, who now re- 
sides on section 12, township 10 north, range 5 
west, is a native of Tennessee, born April 25, 
1832. His parents were Solomon and Sarah 
(Willheight) Stansbury. The father was born 
in Jefferson, Tenn., in 1790, and made farming 
his life work. His wife was born in the same lo- 
cality in 1800. They became the parents of four- 
teen children, namely: Mrs. Katie Wil.son; Ezek- 
iel; Mrs. Susan Mulvaney; Mrs. Hattie WiLson; 
John, who is now deceased; Mrs. Rosanna Weath- 
ers; Mrs. Betsy Walden; Solomon, who is also 
deceased; Mrs. Hettie Donaldson; James; S. M., 
of this sketch; and Mrs. Sarah Pack. The father 
of this family passed away in 1855, and the mother 
died about 1879. 

Upon the old home farm S. M. Stansbury was 
reared. His educational privileges were quite 
limited. He had to walk a distance of four miles 
to school, and then could attend only through the 
winter season, for his .ser\-ices were needed at 



454 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



home during the summer months. Very seldom 
was an opportunity afforded to attend church 
services, fur the family lived far from town. Thus, 
with few privileges, Mr. Stansburj' grew to man- 
hood, but he has made the most of his opportu- 
nities, and has become a well-informed man on 
general topics. 

On the 19th of September, 1852, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Hayes, 
daughter of Absalom C. and Martha (Caldwell) 
Hayes, of Tennessee. She was one of a family 
of five children, three .sons and two daughters, 
all of whom reached mature years. By the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Stansbury have been born 
.seven children: Solomon C; ElvaJ., wifeofHosea 
Dougherty; John A.; Thomas C: MaryLoui.se, 
wife of James Tadlock; Martha, at home: and 
Sarah C, wife of David Shook. 

On coming to Illinois, Mr. Stansbury located 
first in Decatur, where he spent one year, and 
then came to Henderson County. In the vicinity 
of Biggsville he rented a farm, and continued the 
operation of land belonging to others until 1887, 
when he purchased his present farm. He is now 
comfortably situated, having a pleasant home and 
a good farm, and in return for the care and culti- 
vation he bestows upon his land he reaps there- 
from a good income. He has led a bu.sy and use- 
ful life, idleness being utterly foreign to his nature. 
Both he and his wife hold membership with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the conniuni- 
ity where they live the>- are widely and favorabh- 
known, being held in high esteem for their many 
excellencies of character. In politics, Mr. Stans- 
bury is a supporter of Republican principles. 



-=]. 



"^J 



^H^ 



C3_ 



HUGH Mcdonald, one of the practical 
and jirogre.ssive agriculturists of Henderson 
County, now living on section 9, Rozella 
Township, claims Kentucky as the State of his 
nativity, for he was born in Hardin County on 
the 26th of November, 1808. He is one of a 
family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, 
whose parents were John and Mary (Larue) Mc- 



Donald. Upon their farm his childhood days 
were pas.sed, and in the subscription .schools of 
the neighborhood his education was acquired. 
He had to walk four miles to a log schoolhouse, 
where the exercises were conducted in a primitive 
manner, but nevertheless he mastered the com- 
mon English branches, and by business experi- 
ence and ob.servation has become a well-informed 
man. 

Mr. McDonald remained at home until eighteen 
years of age, and then began working in his own 
interest at the shoemaker's trade, which he had 
learned of his father. He followed that pursuit 
at various intervals in Kentucky until 1832, which 
year witnessed his arrival in Illinois. The trip 
we.stvi'ard was made by team, and on reaching 
Warren County he made a location near Mon- 
mouth, where he purchased eighty- acres of un- 
improved prairie land. There he began the de- 
velopment of a farm, using the primitive agricul- 
al implements which were then employed. The 
unimproved condition of the county is shown by 
the fact that he mowed grass with a scythe where 
the court hou.se in Monmouth now stands. His 
time and attention were given to the cultivation of 
his farm until 1856, when he came to Henderson 
Count}', and purchased ninety acres on section 
9, Rozetta Township. Here he has since made 
his home. Indians still vi.sited the neighborhood 
at that time, and the work of progress and civili- 
zation .seemed hardly begun. 

Mr. McDonald was married on the 2d of Octo- 
ber, 1830, the lady of his choice being Mi.ss Eliza 
Shehi, who was born on the ist of April, 181 1. 
They became the parents of twelve children: 
John, who is now engaged in farming in Kan.sas; 
Nancy, wife of Hiram Vandever, who is living in 
Mapleton, Iowa; Mary, deceased; Jacob, who 
died in 1888; Hugh, who is living in Burlington; 
James, a grain-dealer of Kansas; Melvina, wife 
of Van Buren Shields, a resident of the Sunflower 
Slate; Festus, who operates the homestead farm; 
Margaret, at home; and four children who died 
in infancy. 

On attaining his majority, Mr. McDonald 
proudly cast his first vote for Henrj" Clay. Since 
1856 he has given his support to the men and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



measures of the Republican party, for he is a 
wann advocate of its principles. He started out 
in life for himself a poor boy, with nothing to de- 
pend upon save his own exertions, but, possessed 
of an enterprising and progressive spirit, he de- 
tennined to succeed, and has through life usually 
carried forward to successful completion whate\-er 
he has undertaken. This re.solute spirit, com- 
bined with judicious management, has made his 
career a prosperous one. 



455 



e^H|H^p-= 



^OHX I. HALEY was born in Barren County, 
I Ky.. near the city of Glasgow, on the 19th 
G/ of November, 1 83 1 , and came of a famil}' of 
Scotch-Irish origin. His parents were Max- 
imillian and Elizabeth (Easter) Haley, and 
both were natives of Virginia. They had seven 
children, who in order of birth are as follows: 
Edwin, who died October 10, 1882; Man,- J., who 
died July 4, 1891; Sarah E., who died January 
II, 1883; William H., whose death occurred 
December 12, 1871; John I., of this sketch; Jo- 
seph F., who died December i, 1875; and Julia, 
who is the onlj' one now living. By occupation 
the father was a farmer, and followed that pur- 
suit throughout life. He served as a soldier in 
the War of 18 12, and in 1837 came to Illinois, 
locating in Warren County. The trip westward 
was made by team, after the u.sual mode of travel 
in those daj's. In politics, he was a Repuljlican, 
and in 1840 and 1844 was elected to the State 
Legislature from Warren County, .ser\-ingfor two 
terms as a member of the House of Repre.senta- 
tives. He held membership with the Masonic 
fraternity. In 1864 he came to Henderson County, 
and here his la,st days were pa.s.sed. His death 
occurred June 4, 1869, and he was laid to rest in 
Warren County, by the side of his wife, who 
pa.ssed away March 16, 1856. 

Under the parental roof John I. Haley was 
reared to manhood. He was a child of only six 
summers when his parents came to Illinois, and 
amid the wild .scenes of the frontier the days of 
his boyhood and youth were passed. He contin- 



ued to live at home until twenty-two years of age, 
when, in 1853, he started out in life for himself 
He determined to seek a fortune in the West, and 
with ox-teams he cro.s.sed the plains to Oregon, 
where he spent about one year. He then went to 
California, where he engaged in mining and pros- 
pecting. His venture proved a profitable one, 
and altogether his trip was .succe.ssful. He re- 
mained in the We.st until 1856, when he returned 
to Warren County, and there made his home un- 
til 1864. In that 3-ear Mr. Haley came to Hen- 
derson County, and .soon after purcha.sed a farm 
of eightj- acres in Rozetta Township, on which he 
spent his remaining days. He placed his land 
under a high .state of cultivation, and made many 
good improvements upon his farm, which became 
one of the be.st in the neighborhood. 

Mr. Haley exercised his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, but never sought 
or desired office, preferring to devote his time and 
attention to his other interests. He carried on 
agricultural pursuits until his death, and his well- 
directed efforts brought him a comfortable com- 
petence. He passed away on the 4th of June, 
1893, and was laid to re.st in Oquawka Cemetery. 



-^1. 



^-^ 



Q" 



EEORGE C. WATSON, deceased, who for 
many years carried on agricultural pursuits 
in Henderson County, was born in Detroit, 
Mich., on the 25th of November, 1818. His par- 
ents were George and Lucy (Willis) Watson. 
The Watson family is of Scotch origin, and was 
probably founded in America during early Col- 
onial days. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, El- 
kanah Wat.son, was a native of Plymouth, Mass. 
He published a jounial under the title of " Men 
and Times of the American Revolution," and 
from it we glean the following facts: "Duringthe 
latter part of the struggle for independence, when 
he was t\venty-one years of age, he went to Eu- 
rope, where he spent several jears engaged in 
merchandising. During this period he was on 
intimate terms with Benjamin Franklin, John 



456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Adams, and others of the most eminent of his 
countrj'men. He crossed the Atlantic in 1779, 
in a small, swift-sailing packet, constructed for 
the purpose of conveying dispatches, and landed 
at St. Martin's, at the port of Rochelle. After 
his return to America, he visited Gen. Washing- 
ton at his home in Mt. Vernon." 

The parents of our subject had five sons; Freder- 
ick, Frank, Edward, Charles and George C. The 
last-named was only an infant at the time of his 
father' s death. His mother afterward married 
again, becoming the wife of Maj. Leonard, a soldier 
who had seen active service. Soon after his father' s 
death, George C. Watson was taken to the home 
of his grandfather, Nathan Willis, in Massachu- 
setts, and there lived until thirteen >ears of age, 
when he returned to his native city. 

When a youth of .sixteen years our subject be- 
gan earning his own livelihood by clerking in a 
clothing-store in Detroit, where he remained for 
about six years, a faithful and trusted employe. 
He then secured a Government position, being 
appointed Payma.ster for several different forts in 
Michigan. He .served under his step-father, Maj. 
Leonard, acting as assistant and clerk. He thus 
served until twenty-five years of age, when he 
began studying medicine with a phy.sician of De- 
troit, and also took a course of lectures in that 
city . He never practiced, however, circumstances 
causing him to engage in other pursuits. In 
1844 he went to St. Louis, and near tliat city 
purchased a fann, upon which he lived for .seven 
years. The two succeeding years of his life were 
spent near St. Louis as overseer of a slave farm, 
and he then again went to St. Louis. His next 
service was with the St. Louis & Pacific Rail- 
road Company, with which he remained for a short 
time, when, in 1850, he came to Henderson 
County. 

Soon after his arrival, Mr. Watson purchased 
the fann on which his widow now resides. He 
was married on the 1 9th of Fehruar\- of that year 
to Miss Catherine Welch, daughter of Morris and 
Margaret (Hogan) Welch. The young couple 
began their domestic life upon the farm, which at 
the time of its purchase was wild and unim- 
proved land. It was first bought by an uncle of 



Mr. Watson, as a soldier's claim, for $13. Every 
improvement upon the place was the work of our 
subject. He tran.sformed the wild tract into rich 
and fertile fielfls, and erected a commodious resi- 
dence and all the necessary outbuildings. For 
many years he successfully carried on farming 
and stock-raising, and his well-directed eflforts 
brought him a handsome competence. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born seven 
children, namely: Lucy, who died in 1872; Frank 
H., who operates the home farm; George M., 
who follows farming in Rozetta Township; May; 
Annie; Mark and Charles D. 

In his political views, Mr. Watson was a Dem- 
ocrat, and always kept well informed on the issues 
of the day. He was a public-spirited and pro- 
gressive citizen, and the best interests of the com- 
munit}^ alwa3's found in him a friend. He never 
withheld his support from any public enterprise, 
and all interests calculated to prove of public 
benefit received his heartj- support and co-opera- 
tion. He started out in Hfe for himself empty- 
handed, but, possessing a resolute spirit, he won 
success, and worked his waj- upward from a hum- 
ble position to one of affluence. His death oc- 
curred June 3, 1877, and his remains were laid to 
rest in Fall Creek Cemetery. 



c=i 



-=] 



^+^ 



r^=> 



jILLIAM J. REED, a retired farmer, now 
living on section 26, Rozetta Township, 
Henderson County, claims Kentucky as 
the State of his nativity. He was born in Eliza- 
bethtown, Hardin County, on the 17th of March, 
1829, and is a son of John and Julia (Merrifield) 
Reed. The father was a native of Massachu- 
.setts, and in an early da}- went South. He was 
twice married, and by the first union had the fol- 
lowing children; Rachel, Elizabeth, Amanda, 
William J., and James, Milton, George and Jane, 
who are decea.sed. By his .second marriage seven 
children were born, namely: Emily, John, Anth- 
ony, Asel, Calista, Annie and Joseph. 

The subject of this sketch spent his early boy- 
hood days on his father's farm in Kentucky, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



457 



attended the subscription schools, whicli were held 
in a log schoolhouse, to which he had to walk a 
distance of two miles. His privileges in that di- 
rection were quite limited, and he is practically 
self-educated. When a youth of twelve .sum- 
mers, he came to Illinois with his parents, the 
journey being made, by team. From the Gov- 
ernment his father secured the farm on which 
William is now living. Here he grew to man- 
hood, his time being largely passed in farm work. 
On attaining his majority, he .started out in life 
for himself and for a short time worked as a farm 
hand by the month. He then began improving 
an eighty-acre plot of wild prairie land, and 
for twenty years lived upon that farm, making it 
one of the valuable and desirable places in the 
neighborhood. At length, however, he returned 
to the old homestead, where he has one hundred 
and forty-four acres. This is under a high .state 
of cultivation, and well improved with all modern 
accessories and conveniences. All of the build- 
ings upon the place stand as monuments to his 
thrift and enterprise, for they were placed there 
through his own efforts. Of late years he has 
lived a retired life, enjoying the rest which he has 
so truly earned and richly deserves. 

Mrs. Reed bore the maiden name of Sarah E. 
Davis, and was a daughter of William and Eliza- 
beth (Sykes) Davis. Their marriage was cele- 
brated on the nth of August, 1854, and by their 
union were born six children, but three are 
now deceased. Henry died in infancy; Mary- 
died February 28, 1887; Francis died in infancy; 
Alice is the wife of Edward Salter, of Strong- 
hurst; Delia is the wife of Samuel Elwell, a Meth- 
odist preacher, now living in Washington, Kan.; 
and Eliza is the wife of James Hays, and resides on 
the old homestead. 

In his political views, Mr. Reed was formerly 
a Republican, but on account of the strong tem- 
perance principles which he entertains, he has of 
late years supported the Prohibition party. He 
has served as Road Commissioner and School 
Director, but has preferred to give his time and 
attention to business dealings rather than to pol- 
itics. He and his wife both hold membership 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and take 



an active part in its work and upbuilding. Dur- 
ing their long residence in the county they have 
always been immbered among its best'citizens, 
and their true worth has won them many warm 
friends. 



i^H^l-= 



*yRA W. BEATY was born on the farm where 
I he is now living, on section 17, Rozetta Town- 
JL ship, Henderson County, on the 7th of Octo- 
ber, 1834, and is justly numbered among the 
honored pioneers of the community. F'ew men 
have longer resided in this locality. He has wit- 
nessed almo.st its entire growth and development, 
has seen its wild lands tran.sformed into beautiful 
homes and farms, and watched with interest the 
advance of progress and civilization, which has 
placed the county among the foremost in this great 
commonwealth. The father of our subject, Will- 
iam Beaty, was a native of Virginia. When a 
young man he left that State, removing to Ohio, 
and some years later he became a resident of In- 
diana, where he remained until the spring of 1830, 
when he came to Henderson County, locating at 
the fort about two miles from his present farm. 
In the same spring he made a claim, becoming 
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on 
section 17, Rozetta Township, where our subject 
now resides. He paid the usual Government 
price, $1.25 per acre, and at once began clearing 
it of the timber with which it was largely covered. 
He erected a log cabin, 18x22 feet, and this prim- 
itive home is still standing, one of the few land- 
marks of pioneer days that yet remain. 

At that time the Indians still lived in the 
neighborhood, and frequently occasioned consider- 
able trouble with the .settlers. Mr. Beaty .ser\'ed 
in the Black Hawk War, which resulted in driv- 
ing the red men from this locality. He made a 
trip with ox-teams to St. Louis for provisions, and 
experienced many of the other difficulties of fron- 
tier life. In an early day he wa.s interested in the 
organization of the township, aided in laying out 
the roads, and in organizing the first school of the 
neighborhood. He held the ojffice of School Treas- 



458 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



urer and School Director, supported the Republi- 
can party, and was a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Beaty was twice married. He first wedded 
Mary Pence, and to them were born three chil- 
dren: David, Rachel, and Ezra, who is now de- 
ceased. After the death of his first wife, he mar- 
ried JaneT. Russell, and they had .six children: Ira 
\V.; Eli., of MediapoHs, Iowa; John and George, 
both deceased; Sarah, who died in 1S72; and Mary, 
who died in infancy. The father of this family 
passed away May 18, 1868, and his remains were 
interred in the Baptist Cenieterj- of RozettaTown- 
.ship. His wife is .still living, in her eighty-eighth 
year. 

Within the boundaries of the home farm Ira 
W. Beaty pas.sed his boyhood days mid.st play and 
work. His education was acquired in the sub- 
scription schools, which he attended until nineteen 
years of age, when he and his brothers took charge 
of the old homestead. In connection with his 
brother George, he owns the original tract of one 
lumdredand sixty acres, and has an addition to 
this land to the amount of one hundred and fifty- 
three acres. The entire farm is under the personal 
supervision of our subject. The land is a valuable 
tract, under a high state of cultivation, and is im- 
proved with all the accessories and conveniences of 
a model farm. In connection with general farming 
he also carries on stock-rai.sing. 

During the late war, Ira Beaty manifested his 
loyaltv to the Government by enlisting in the Un- 
ion sen-ice, on the 8th of August, 1862, as a pri- 
vate of Company K, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infan- 
try. He was mustered in at Biggsville, and going 
to the front took part in the battles of Perr>ville, 
Stone River, Woodbur\-, Chickamauga, Lookout 
Mountain, Missionar\- Ridge, Ringgold, Dalton, 
Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kenne- 
saw Mountain, Smyrna, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Love- 
joy, Franklin and Nashville, and many others of 
lesser importance. When the war was over he was 
honorably discharged from the sennce in Spring- 
field, 111. , June 8, 1 865. His brother George, who 
was six years his junior, was always his companion 
through life. They attended school together, en- 
listed the same time, in the same company, and 



were in all the battles together. When the war 
was over the\- returned home and then engaged 
in business together. George was married Feb- 
ruary 29, 1872, to Mi.ss Susan Helton, and they 
all lived upon the same farm, the brothers contin- 
uing their business partnership until the death of 
George Beaty, March 28, 1892. He was laid to 
rest beside his parents, and many warm friends 
mourned his loss, for he lived an honorable, up- 
right life, and all who knew him respected him. 
His widow is still living on the old homestead. 

Ira W. Beaty holds membership with the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. In politics, he has been a 
Republican since the organization of the party. 
He possessess good business and executive abil- 
ity, and in his career he has met with prosperity, 
becoming one of the substantial citizens of the 
community. He also manifests an interest in 
ever\thing pertaining to the welfare of the local- 
ity, for the advancement and the progress of his 
native county are dear to him. George was 
al.so a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic, in good standing. 



-S) 



^H-^[ 



^OHN LAIRD, deceased, wlio for .some years 
I succcs-sfully engaged in farming in Hender- 
C2/ son County, and is numbered among its 
highly respected citizens, claimed Ireland as the 
land of his birth. He was born in County Done- 
gal, and there spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth. At length he determined to seek a home 
in the New World, and in 1840, having bade adieu 
to home and friends, he crossed the broad Atlan- 
tic to America in a .sailing-vessel and landed in 
New York. For some years he remained in the 
Empire State, there making his home until 1851, 
when he resumed his westward journey and came 
to Henderson County, 111. The following year 
he purchased the farm on which his widow yet 
resides. 

Mr. Laird was twice married. His finst union 
was with Miss Elizabeth Wasson, and they be- 
came the parents of three children, Ralph, James 
and William, but all are now deceased. After 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



459 



the death of his first wife, Mr. Laird was again 
married, his second union being with Miss Mar- 
garet Venable, daughter of James and Ellen (Ew- 
ing) Venable. The lad}' is also a native of the 
Emerald I.sle, her birth having occurred in Coun- 
ty Tyrone. She was educated in the public 
schools of her native land, and there grew to wo- 
manhood. The year 1856 witnessed her arrival 
in Mercer County, and on the 23d of August, 
1857, she became the wife of John Laird. By 
their union were born eight children, six sons 
and two daughters: George, who is now engaged 
in the livery business in Little York, 111. ; Jennie, 
who re.sides in Little York; Ralph,at home; Joseph, 
who is living in Henderson County; Charles; Lee; 
Stella and William. The jounger members of 
the family are .still with their mother. 

On purcha.sing his land, Mr. Laird at once be- 
gan its development and transformed it. into a 
good farm, placing it all under a high state of 
cultivation and improving it with the necessary- 
buildings, fences and other accessories of a model 
farm. He was an industrious and energetic man, 
and everj'where about his place could be seen 
evidences of his thrift and enterprise. In his 
political views, he was a Democrat, but never as- 
pired to public office. Socially, he was connected 
with Keithsburg Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and 
held membership with the United Presbyterian 
Church. He was a loyal citizen, ever interested 
in what tended to advance the general welfare, 
was a tnie and faithful friend, and a loving hus- 
band and father. He passed away on the 21st of 
January-, 1889, and his loss was deeply mourned 
throughout the community. Mrs. Laird and five 
of her children are still living on the homestead 
which was left her bv her husband. 



l^-^ 



[3_ 



[=^ 



ROBERT H. BARNES, President of the Rari- 
tan Exchange Bank, and one of the most 
prominent citizens of Raritan, was born in 
La Harpe, Hancock County, 111., April 29, 1849, 
and is a son of Harrison and Mary (Coulson) 
Barnes. The father was born in Madison County, 



N. Y., April I, 1820, and in 1837 came to Illi- 
nois, locating in Hancock County. The trip was 
made b>- team acro.ss the countPi-. For a time he 
engaged in driving a stage between Oquawka, 
Peoria and Monmouth, and in 1839 went to the 
pineries of Minnesota, where, with ten others, he 
engaged in lumbering on the St. Croix River. 
The Indians were exasperated at this intru.sion, 
and dro\-e the white settlers away, but as the}- 
were leaving they were met by Government 
agents, who were .sent to make the fir.st payments 
for the land to the red men. Mr. Barnes after- 
ward returned and spent eleven months there, 
being kindly treated. When he again came to 
Illinois, he located in Peoria, and engaged in 
staging from that point to Burlington, Iowa. 
In 1848 he went to La Harpe, where he worked 
at his trade of harness-making, and also engaged 
in dealing in wagons and carriages. This busi- 
ness proved quite profitable. He also owned the 
first new.spaper in La Harpe. In 1853 he was 
elected Con.stable and .served for about four years. 
He was Deputy Sheriff twelve years. City Mar- 
shal nine years. Mayor two terms, and was Al- 
derman for a number of years. Since 1873 he 
has acceptably and creditably filled the office of 
Ju.stice of the Peace. He also deals in horses, 
selling from four to five hundred a year. 

In 1844, Harrison Barnes wedded Mar\- Coul- 
son, who was born in Greenville, Pa., February 
25, 1828, and they became the parents of seven 
children, five .sons and two daughters, of whom 
Robert H. is the elde.st. Ephy.shro died at the 
age of seventeen years; Benjamin F. is now en- 
gaged in the harness business in Mercer Coun- 
ty, 111.; Edward O. is represented elsewhere in 
this work; Harrj-, a printer by trade, is now liv- 
ing in California; and two children died in in- 
fancy. 

In the common schools Robert Barnes was edu- 
cated, and under the parental roof was reared. 
About the time he attained his majority he went 
to Arkansas and Tennessee for his health, spend- 
ing two years in the South, during a jwrtion of 
which time he was overseer on a large planta- 
tion, having charge of about ninety men. He 
then returned to La Harpe, and on the 19th of 



460 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



March, 187 1, married Miss Julia Butler, of Rari- 
tan Township. With his bride he then removed 
to Tennessee, settling near Memphis, where he 
engaged in farming for about a year, and then 
returned to Illinois. In 1872 he embarked in the 
saddlerj- and harness business in Raritan, and in 
1876 added a stock of hardware and agricviltural 
implements. In 1880 he al.so opened a furniture 
department, and along these lines has secured a 
large and lucrative trade, doing a profitable busi- 
ness. In 1876 he also established a paper, called 
the Bulletin. It was seven by six inches, and 
the subscription price was ten cents per year, but 
after six months he enlarged it to a five-column, 
four-page paper, which he published for seven 
years. He then sold out, with the intention of 
going to Kansas, but, changing his mind, he re- 
turned to Raritan, and embarked in the implement 
business, which he conducted until 1893, when 
he sold out. In 1889 he established a private 
bank, and three years later formed a stock com- 
pany, which is now engaged in the banking 
business. Mr. Barnes is its President, and the 
success of the business is practically due to his 
efforts. He also owns and operates a farm, which 
is well improved. 

In 1877, Mr. Barnes was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife, who died on the i8th of Sep- 
tember, leaving a daughter, Julia, who makes 
her home with her maternal grandparents. Mr. 
Barnes was again married, March 17, 1880, his 
second union being with Miss Ida M. Beard, 
daughter of Dr. Beard, of Raritan. They have 
had two children: Jettie, who died in infancy; and 
Artie R., at home. 

Mr. Barnes is prominent in political, business, 
church and social circles. He votes the Dem- 
ocratic ticket, and is a member of the Demo- 
cratic Central Committee. He is now ser\-ing as 
Notary Public, has for some time been School 
Director, and takes quite an active interest in the 
cau.se of education. He holds membership with 
the Modern Woodmen of America, and the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen , and is a consist- 
ent member of the Christian Church. He is now 
serving as one of its Deacons, and contributes lib- 
erally- to its support, having probably done more 



for its upbuilding than any other of its members. 
He is well fitted for leadership along these vari- 
ous lines, for he carries forward to a .successful 
completion whatever he undertakes, and he un- 
dertakes nothing that is not calculated to benefit 
the community, either in a financial or moral way. 



i^HJH^P-- 



I EWIS IRA HUTCHINS, editor and pub- 

I I lisher of the Henderson County Democrat, of 
|i2f Oquawka, has been engaged in his present 
line of business .since 1890, and is now at the head 
of one of the leading newspapers of this part of 
the State. A native of Illinois, he was born in 
Wa.shington Township, Carroll County, on the 
14th of June, 1868. His father, Samuel Hutch- 
ins, was born in Conneaut, Ashtabula County, 
Ohio, in October, 1828, and in 1848 was united 
in marriage with Miss Amanda Southworth. She 
was a native of the State of Vermont, and went to 
Ohio with her parents when two j-ears of age. 
They became the parents of four children : Helen, 
wife of William Hunter, afarmerof Everly, Iowa; 
William A., who is engaged in the practice of 
medicine in Orangeville, 111.; Olive E., at home; 
and Lewis Ira. The father of this family, who is 
an agriculturist, came to Illinois in 1833, locat- 
ing near Galena, and in 1870 removed to Steph- 
enson County, locating upon a farm. 

In that locality, L. I. Hutchins spent the days 
of his boj'hood and youth, attending the district 
schools of the neighborhood through the winter 
season, while in the summer months he aided in 
the labors of the farm, plowing, planting and 
cultivating the land luitil seventeen years of age. 
He then accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to Orangeville, 111., whither they went on 
account of the better educational facilities there 
afforded. While in Orangeville, Lewis spent one 
year in the High School, and later pursued his 
studies for some time in the Northern Illinois 
College, at Dakota, 111. 

In 1886, Mr. Hutchins began teaching school, 
and was thus employed for two years. In 1888, 
at the age of twenty years, he established the 



i 



I 




Isaac I'^iikwakh 



I 




'^i 




Mks. Isaac Fokwarh 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



463 



Courier, a newspaper of Oraiige\-ille, which he 
continued to edit for a year. In 1890, desiring 
to pubHsh a paper in the interests of a political 
party, he purchased the Henderson County Denio- 
fra/, of Ocjuawka, and has since been in charge 
of the .same. He takes an active part in political 
affairs, warmly advocating the principles of the 
Democracy, and has attended its local, vState and 
National conventions, usually as a delegate. He 
.served as Assistant Enrolling Clerk of the House 
in the Thirty -eighth General A.ssembly , in Spring- 
field, 111., during the winter of 1893. He has 
been Secretary- of the County Democratic Central 
Committee for many years, and works earnestly 
in behalf of his party, doing all in his power to 
promote its growth and insure its success. He 
also takes an active interest in everything per- 
taining to the welfare of the community, and is a 
public-spirited and enterprising citizen. Socially, 
he is a member of Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. 
F. & A. M. His religious sympathy is with the 
Christian Church, of which his parents are mem- 
bers. He is a great lover of books and works of 
art, and is an earnest student of the best litera- 
ture. 



t=i 



"^] 



^+^ 



C3_ 



*ySAAC FORWARD, one of the extensive stock- 
I dealers and farmers of Henderson County, 
X now living in South Henderson Precinct, was 
born on the 23d of March, 1817, in Sussex, Eng- 
land. His father, Robert Forward, a son of 
Robert Forward, who was also a son of Robert 
Forward, was a native of Su.ssex, England, born 
May 24, 1789. His entire life was there pas.sed. 
On the 1 2th of December, 1S09, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary Waters, who was born 
in vSussex, April 23, 1786. Robert Forward held 
the positon of head game-keeper on the three- 
thousand-acre estate of Rev. Richard Wetherell. 
In his family were twelve children, eleven of 
whom grew to mature years and were married, 
namely: Robert, who was born October 26, 1810; 
Mrs. Ann Rose, August 7, 1812; William, No- 
vember 29, 1813; Mrs. Rebecca Coltington, May 
26, 1815; Isaac, March 23, 1817; Jonah, June 

24 



10, 1819; Mrs. Mary Mepham, March 10, 1821; 
Daniel, September 16, 1823; Joseph, July 31, 
1826; Hannah, February 13, 1828; Elizabeth, 
July 12, 1829; and Mrs. Fannie Wood, May 2, 
1 83 1. Five of the .sons and three of the daugh- 
ters crossed the Atlantic and became residents of 
America. 

No event of .special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of our subject, who, at the 
age of twenty-two, when his father was made Mr. 
Wetherell's bailiff, became head game-keeper 
of the estate, which position he held for two 
years. He then chose as a companion and 
helpmate on life's journey Miss Sarah John- 
son, who was born July 25, 182 1, and was a 
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Baker) John- 
.son, natives of England. Their marriage was 
celebrated on the 30th of March, 184 1, and five 
days later they started for America. With the 
hope of being benefited thereby, they resolved to 
.seek a home and fortune in the New World, and 
took passage on the sailing-ves.sel, " Prince 
George," which, after a voyage of six weeks, 
landed them safely on the shores of the New 
World. 

Mr. and Mrs. Forward fir.st located in Madison 
County, N. Y., where he engaged in raising hops, 
following that business for eleven years. The 
spring of 1852 witnessed their arrival in Illinois, 
and for two j'ears the}- resided in the northern 
part of the State. In 1 854 they came to Oquawka, 
where Mr. Forward made his home for twelve 
years, and then moved to his present location. 
The marriage of this worthy couiJle has been 
blessed with two children: Olive M., who was 
born February 20, 1843; and Charles R., Feb- 
ruary 10, 1846. Charles R. Forward married 
Martha E. Kemp, of Henderson County, Decem- 
ber 25, 1867. They have four living children, 
namely: Isaac F., who married Jennie Johnson, 
September 22, 1892, and has one .son, Frank C; 
and F^annie, Olive and Martha. Mrs. Lsaac For- 
ward was called to her final rest on the 22d of 
June, 1892, and her loss was deeply mourned, for 
she was a kind and faithful friend, and a loving 
and tender wife and mother. 

Since living in Hender.son Cotnity, Mr. For- 



464 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ward has been extensively engaged in stock-deal- 
ing, and has been ven' successful in his under- 
taking, so that he has now acquired a handsome 
competence, that enables him to secure all the 
comforts and many of the luxuries of life. His 
possessions have all been acquired through his 
own industrious efforts and the able assistance of 
his wife, who proved to him a true helpmate. 
Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his 
nature, and his untiring labors and judicious 
management have brought him a valuable prop- 
erty. For forty years, Mr. Forward has resided 
in this community, during which time he has be- 
come widely and favorably known; therefore it is 
with pleasure that we present to our readers this 
record of one of the representative citizens of the 
communitj'. 



■=1 



^+^ 



(^_ 



"HOMAS CORWIN SMITH, of Oquawka. 
is numbered among the long-time residents 
of this town, and is among its most re- 
spected and substantial citizens. His grandfa- 
ther, James Smith, was born on the ocean while 
his parents were .sailing from Ireland to America, 
and was reared in Pennsylvania. In the year 
1800 he settled on the Little Miami River, thirty 
miles above Cincinnati, Ohio. Indians were then 
numerous in that region, and his .son, Thomas 
Paxton Smith, then ten years old, subsequently 
served as a scout under Gen. Scott, in the war- 
fare with Indians in Ohio. 

Thomas P. Smith, born in 1790, pa.ssed his en- 
tire life, after he was ten years old, in Ohio, and, 
with the exception of three )-ears which he spent 
in the pork-packing business in Cinciimati, was 
engaged in farming at Lebanon. He was one of 
a family of four sons and a like number of daugh- 
ters. His father, James Smith, died there in 
1838, and the son in 1853, at the age of .six- 
ty-three years. Nancy Paxton, wife of James 
Smith, was born near Paris, Ky., and was a 
daughter of Jonas and listher Paxton, probably of 
Irish or Scotch-Iri.sh descent. Jonas Paxton was 
a pioneer settler of Kentucky, and received a 



wound from the red men in one of their encounters, 
from the effects of which he never recovered. 
One of his sons, Joseph Paxton, was for many 
years engaged in the slave trade about Paris, Ky. 
Being convinced of the iniquity of the traffic, he 
at la.st abandoned it, and settled on a farm at 
Lebanon, Ohio, where he passed the last days of 
his life. 

Thomas C. Smith is the fourth in a family of 
four sons and three daughters, and was reared on 
a farm at Lebanon. The schools of that region, 
in the days of his boyhood, were partially support- 
ed by a public fund, and he received a fair com- 
mon-school education. He was of a studious mind, 
and made good use of his opportunities. His 
father promised him that when he could read 
well he would present him with a good book, 
and this prize was secured when he reached the 
age of nine years, it being the "Life of Gen. Ma- 
rion," of RevolutionarA- fame. Books were not 
plentiful in those days in that region, and this 
volume was repeatedly perused by its proud owner, 
until he could repeat much of its contents ver- 
batim. Throughout his life, the studious habits 
then formed have been maintained, and he is al- 
ways found to be well informed upon any topic 
of general interest. Though his parents, who 
were religious and worthy people, were convinced 
of the right of the white people to enslave the 
blacks, he was influenced by reading and conver- 
sations with his uncle — the ex-slave-trader — to 
repudiate that doctrine at an early age. He was 
among the first to denounce this blot upon our 
nation, and was an earnest advocate of the war 
for the supprcs.sion of .slavery. Since its organi- 
zation, he has been found among the loyal ad- 
herents of the Republican party and its principles. 

At the age of twenty years, Mr. Smith began 
serving a three-years term at the trade of coach- 
maker in his native town, and, after completing 
his apprenticeship, continued for .some time as a 
journeyman at the same place. In 1852 he de- 
cided to move westward, and cast in his lot with 
the pioneers of Illinois. Building operations were 
then brisk at Oquawka, and he at once found em- 
ployment in that line, which he continued almost 
without interruption until 1872. In 1854 he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



465 



again moved westward, going from New York, 
by way of the Isthmus of Panama, to San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. He found the State thronged with 
mechanics, many of whom were glad to work for 
their board, and after staying a year there, in the 
vain search for remunerative employment, he re- 
turned by the same route to New York, and thence 
to Oquawka. In both journeys he walked across 
the Isthmus. The years 1856 and 1857 he spent 
in Chicago, working in a carpenter shop on the 
northeast corner of State and Congress Streets — 
the present site of the most magnificent depart- 
ment store in America. 

Returning to Oquawka, he continued building 
operations, much of the time as a contractor, un- 
til 1872, when he opened a hotel, and has ever 
since conducted a home for the traveling public. 
To the house which was his residence he added 
until he is prepared to provide comfortably for all 
who call upon him. The original structure has 
been built for more than fifty years, and was 
the most pretentious and substantial dwelling in 
the county at the time of its erection. It is con- 
structed of red brick, and occupies a pleasant site 
overlooking the Mississippi River. 

On the 31st of December, 1857, Mr. Smith was 
married to Miss Frances Cordelia Richards, a 
native of Henderson County, and daughter of 
Jonas and Elizabeth (Fonts) Richards, of Penn- 
sylvania. Mrs. .Smith's parents were among the 
pioneers of the county, coming in May, 1838, to 
township 8, range 5, where they continued to re- 
.side until the death of the father, June 7, 1849, 
at the age of fifty years. The mother died at 
the residence of Mr. .Smith, in Oquawka, on the 
24th of June, 1882, having nearly comjileted her 
eighty-third year. To the aid of his wife, who 
keeps the house in perfect order, Mr. Smith is 
partially indebted for his success as a landlord. 
Two children have been given to Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith: Arthur Henry and Effie Afton. The lat- 
ter is the wife of Louis Miller, proprietor of a 
general store at San Diego, Cal., and is the 
mother of one child, Effie Frances Miller, the de- 
light of her grandparents. 

Mr. Smith adheres to the religious faith of 
his mother, that of the Methodist Episcopal 



Church. He is a member of the Masonic order, 
being one of the charter members of William B. 
Warren Lodge No. 209, Chicago, 111. He has 
always been an eager hunter, and, until recently 
disabled by a severe attack of fever, has exacted 
tribute from the wild flocks of the Mi.ssi.ssippi 
River and Illinois prairies. His library furnishes 
interesting and instructive reading to the way- 
farer, and his conversation is replete with valua- 
ble remini.scences. 



-=l^-f^i 



Q LINTON SAMUEL CAMPBELL, one of the 
I { progressive and successful farmers of La 
\J Harpe Township, Hancock County, is now 
living on .section 28. He was born near Win- 
chester, Scott County, 111., January 22, 1839, and 
traces his ancestry back to Scotland. James 
Campbell, his grandfather, was born March 11, 
1775, and in October, 1808, removed from Ken- 
tucky to Tennessee. He was married December 
21, 1803, to Peggy Berr}', who was born Decem- 
ber 4, 1782. They became the parents often 
children, six sons and four daughters. In 1839, 
they removed with their family to Morgan Coun- 
ty, 111. Mr. Campbell died August 2, 1840, and 
his wife passed away February 17, 1869. The 
maternal grandparents of our subject were Samuel 
and Elizabeth Moore. The former was born May 
17, 1763, and died November 3, 1852. His wife 
was born F'ebruary 11, 1771, and died August 9, 
1838. They always lived in Kentucky and Tenn- 
essee. The father of our subject, Samuel F. 
Campbell, was born in Kentucky, Februar\- 29, 
1808, and after attaining to mature years he mar- 
ried Nancy Turner Moore, who was born in Tenn- 
essee April S, 18 16. Their marriage was cele- 
brated on the I ith of March, 1834, and iuunedi- 
atcly afterward they started for Illinois, intending 
to make their home in this inviting State. The 
journey was made in a covered wagon drawn by a 
yoke of oxen, and with a horse hitched to the end 
of the wagon-tongue. After three weeks of travel 
they reached Morgan County, and then began the 
arduous task of clearing a farm and making a 



46t> 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



home in the forest, Mr. Campbell thinking, as did 
others, that the prairies were unsuited for settle- 
ment. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell became the par- 
ents of fourteen children, eight of whom are yet 
living, namely: William M., who resides near Ab- 
ilene, Kan.; James H., of Morgan County, 111.; 
Clinton S., of this sketch; Mrs. Elizabeth Ann 
Dickinson, of Salem, Ore.; Mrs. Sarah J. Mitch- 
ell, of Waverly, 111.; Louis B., of Abilene, Kan.; 
Mrs. Eliza Ellen McKinny, of Lynnville, 111.; 
John B., of LaCrosse, 111.; Orpha M., who died 
September 14, 1843; John W., who died April 12, 
1846; Jeiferson B., who died September 19, 1873; 
Mary Lucinda, whose death occurred December 
21, 1859; and Hannah, who pas.sed away Decem- 
ber 28, 1861. 

Clinton S. Campbell attended the common 
schools but little. During his childhood he was a 
student in what was known as the old Hickory 
Schoolhouse, located about four or five miles 
southwest of Winchester. There Wilson Mich- 
ener reigned supreme. He taught the scholars 
little, and believed in the old maxim that sparing 
the rod is spoiling the child. Young Campbell 
received a whipping his first day at school by way 
of initiation. The schoolhouse had a puncheon 
floor and slab seats, and a desk ran along one side 
of the room. When our subject was about four- 
teen years of age his father removed to Cass Coun- 
ty, and for three years he did not attend school, 
being kept bu.sy on the farm. He then entered a 
winter school, and in a scuffle .sprained an ankle. 
For .some weeks he was forced to remain at home, 
and during that time he learned his once uninter- 
esting studies, which were attractive and profita- 
ble. He made rapid progress, and was .soon rec- 
ognized as one of the best scholars of the commu- 
nity. He took up higher mathematics and some 
of the sciences, and his aptne.ss for books led him 
to engage in teaching. He completed one term 
for a teacher who had been taken ill, and then 
was hired to teach the Hitt School for six months, 
at $30 per month. Here he was very successful, 
and the next winter his wages were doubled. Af- 
ter the clo.se of his second year he went to Cali- 
fornia, and for three years was engaged in teach- 
ing in St. Helena and C-.ilistoga, in Napa County. 



There it was that Mr. Campbell met and mar- 
ried his first wife, Frances Louisa Kellogg. Their 
wedding was celebrated August 29, 1865, and the 
lady died June 6, 1867. Shortly after, Mr. Camp- 
bell returned to Illinois by way of the I.sthmus of 
Panama, and the following winter taught the 
Campbell School. In the spring of 1868, in com- 
pany with his brother, J. H., he bought the old 
home farm. On the 2 2d of September of the same 
year, our subject married Mary Anne Eyre, and in 
October, 1870, removed to the farm known as the 
Aunt Nancy Jones farm, on which he lived for 
fourteen years. In 1885 he came to Hancock 
County (a change he was led to make in order to 
obtain better church and school privileges), where 
he has since made his home. He owns one of its 
most valuable farms, and his home is one of the 
finest countrj- residences in the count)-. 

The parents of Mrs. Campbell, John and Anne 
Eyre, were natives of Yorkshire, England, and 
came to America in 1843. They located near 
Lynnville, Morgan County, 111., and there Mr. 
Eyre embarked in farming, but in his native land 
he was employed in the celebrated Rogers Cut- 
lery Works. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have 
been born the following children: George E., 
born July 9, 1869; Frank L- , born February i, 
1871; JohnS., born May 27, 1872; Annie L., born 
July 27, 1877; Ella W., born January 22, 1880; 
Allan Berry, born July 20, 1884. The mother 
was born in Yorkshire, England, November 4, 
1840. The parents and five of their children are 
members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Camp- 
bell has served as one of its Elders .since 1886. He 
also frequently occupies the pulpit in the absence 
of the regular pastor, and is a speaker of no mean 
merit. He has served as School Director, as a 
member of the City Council, and was Justice of 
the Peace for six years, but it has been his en- 
deavor to keep out of office. When a young man 
he was fond of discussion, and became a ready off- 
liand debater. He takes quite an active interest 
in political affairs, keeping him.self well informed 
on the issues of the day. He despises aiTectatiou, 
and in maimer is plain and una.ssuming. He has 
always believed idleness to !)e the curse of the 
country, and keeps himself and those around him 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



467 



ever busy, and in consequence of liis industry he 
has prospered in his undertakings. He has been 
a great reader of good books, and has thus be- 
come a broad-minded man. He never caters to 
public opinion, but after careful consideration acts 
on Jiis own judgment. 



-^1. 



^-^l 



y ijRS. MARY GRAY has always lived in 
y Henderson County, and has a pleasant and 
y comfortable home in Gladstone Township. 
She was boni in this county on the 22d of vSep- 
tember, i860, and is a daughter of Thomas and 
Anna (Griffith) Roberts. Her parents were both 
natives of England, and in that country were 
reared and married. In June, 1854, they were 
joined in wedlock, and after some years they 
crossed the briny deep to the New World. Their 
first location was in Henderson County, where 
Mrs. Roberts has since li\-ed. Mr. Roberts 
carried on agricultural pursuits with good success 
until his death, and by his enterprise and indu.strj- 
became the posses.sor of a comfortable compe- 
tence. His death occurred November 25, 1875. 
His widow still survives him ami is )-et living in 
township 10, range 6. Further mention of this 
worthy couple is made on another page of this 
work. 

Mrs. Gray, of this .sketch, is the fifth in order 
of birth in a family of nine children; Thomas, 
born July 2, 1855; William, April 2, 1856; 
George, September 19, 1857; Hannah, who was 
born November 26, 1858, and is the wife of 
Arthur Gray; Mary, of this sketch; Mrs. Emma 
Russell, born November 29, 1862; Annie, Febru- 
arj- 15, 1864; Mrs. Sallie Walburn, April 29, 
1868; and Arthur, born on the 19th of November, 
1871. 

In a quiet manner Mrs. Gray spent her 
maidenhood days, living on a farm with her 
parents. She became familiar with the duties of 
the household, and thus, at the time of her mar- 
riage, was fitted to superintend a home of her 
own. In the schools of the neighborhood .she 
acquired a good English education. On the 31st 



of December, 1884, was celebrated the marriage 
which united the destinies of Thomas Gray and 
Marj' Roberts, the wedding taking place at her 
home in Hender.son County. Mr. Gray is one 
of the native sons of this county, born September 
19, 1858. He is of Irish lineage, and is a son 
of Patrick and Aiui (Logan) Gray. Both the 
parents were natives of the Emerald Isle, the 
former bom in 18 17, and the latter in 1827. The 
year 1849 witnes.sed their emigration to America. 
The first six years in this couutr}- were spent in 
New York City, after which they made their 
home in Chicago for a short time, and later went 
to Burlington, Iowa. Subsequently, they located 
upon a farm in Henderson County. 

Here Thomas Gra}' was reared to manhood. 
As soon as old enough to handle the plow, he be- 
gan work in the fields, and soon became familiar 
with all the duties of farm life. He continued to 
aid in the operation of the old homestead farm 
until his marriage, when he took his bride to the 
farm whereon they have since resided. Their 
home has been blessed b}- the presence of two 
children: Zelda A., born June i, 1886, and Iva, 
January 28, 1891. The farm comprises three 
hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land, 
which is under a high state of cultivation, the 
well-tilled fields yielding to the owner a golden 
tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows 
upon them. There are also good buildings upon 
the place, which is numbered among the valuable 
farms of the community. The property of Mr. 
and Mrs. Gray has been acquired through their 
own efforts, and their success is therefore well 
merited. 



=--^^-!-^§ 



|ILLIAM G. RICH, who is engaged in gen- 
eral farming on .section 28, Mound Town- 
ship, McDonough County, is a native of 
Germany, his birth having occurred at Wurteni- 
berg, on the 17th of June, i860. His parents, 
Frederick and Catherine (Muelberger) Rich, were 
also natives of that ctmntrj-. The father was 
born about 1834, and was reared as a German 



468 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fanner. Throughout his life he has carried on 
agricultural pursuits, and has met with good suc- 
cess in his work. Crossing the Atlantic to Amer- 
ica in 1866, he landed on the shores of the New 
World, and at once made his way to Knox Coun- 
tj', 111. Some time afterwards he removed to 
Mercer County, and purchased one hundred and 
.sixty acres of land, to which he has .since added a 
tract of eighty acres. He now has a good farm, 
which is under a high state of cultivation. He 
is a member of the Odd Fellows' society, and 
.since coming to Illinois has held several township 
offices. 

In the Rich family were eight children, three 
sons and five daughters, of whom William G. of 
this sketch is the eldest. The others are: Anna, 
Frederick, Katie, Paul, Mary, Rosa and- Carrie. 
The family circle yet remains unbroken by the 
hand of death, and the children younger than our 
subject are still living with their parents in Mer- 
cer County. 

William G. Rich was only six years old when 
he left the Fatherland and accompanied the fam- 
ily to the United States. He attended the district 
schools of the neighborhood until thirteen years 
of age, and then went to Galesburg, 111., where he 
entered a private German school, and pursued a 
German and English course of study for two 
years. The succeeding three years of his life 
were passed in learning the business of a florist 
and landscape gardener, under the direction of E. 
H. Miller, of Gale.sbnrg. In 1877, he went to 
F;imwood, where, in the employ of William Coe 
& Co., he learned the business of finishing furni- 
ture. One year was spent in that place, after 
which he came to McDonough County, where he 
has since been engaged in farming. 

On the 2ist of February, 1884, l\ir Rich led to 
the marriage altar Mi.ss Ida M. Scott, and by their 
union have been boni five children, all of whom 
are still at home, namely: Bernice E., Carl L,., 
Cloyd S., Harrison R. and Jeiniie Grace. The 
parents of Mrs. Rich were Harrison R. and Han- 
nah M. (Taggartj Scott. They were numbered 
among the early settlers of McDonough County, 
and here resided many years. The father was 
called to his final rest vSeptember 4, 1889, but the 



mother is now living in New Philadelphia, 111. 
Mr. and Mrs. Rich reside upon a good farm of 
eighty acres, forty acres of which Mrs. Rich in- 
herited from her father, while the remainder was 
purchased by our subject in 1893. He has placed 
the entire amount under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, and it yields to him a golden tribute in re- 
turn for the care and labor he bestows upon it. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Rich are members of the 
Free- Will Baptist Church, in which they take an 
active interest, and he also holds membership with 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He ex- 
ercises his right of franchise in .support of the 
Republican party. 

Mr. Rich is also engaged in grain-buying at 
Epperson, 111., buying for S. A. Hendee & Co., 
grain merchants of Bushnell, 111. Honest dealing 
is his practice, and the highest market prices are 
paid for all kinds of grain. Fair treatment and 
correct weights guaranteed. Any of his farmer 
friends will do well to patronize Mr. Rich when 
having any grain to market. 



-^ 



^-i^ 



(=" 



^ACOB H. GINGRICH, who is now engaged 
I in farming in Scotland Township, McDon- 
Qj ough County, his home being on section 
II, was born in York County, Pa., on the 23d of 
January, 1854, and is a son of Jacob and Cather- 
ine (Kauffman) Gingrich. The fatlier was born 
in York County, in 18 15, and as a means of live- 
lihood carried on agricultural pursuits. His 
death occurred in his native county about 1885, 
at the age of seventy years. His wife, who was 
born in 1825, is still living on the old homestead 
in the Keystone State. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
spent his early days upon the farm, and his edu- 
cational advantages were very meagre indeed, for 
at an early age he had to provide for his own 
maintenance. He began working as a farm hand, 
and continued with his first employer for three 
years. The compensation which he received for 
his .services was verj- small, but he managed to 
clothe him.self and .secure other necessaries. At 



! 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI^ RECORD. 



469 



length he determhied to seek a home in the West, 
where he believed better opportunities and privi- 
leges were afforded than in the more thicklj'-settled 
States of the East. Accordingly, he started for 
Indiana, and located in Marion County, where 
he worked for a short time in a tile factory. 
Later, however, he came to Illinois, settling in 
Clark County, where he rented land and began 
fanning in his own interest. He continued the 
cultivation of that tract for two and a-half years, 
and then came to McDonough County, where he 
ha.s since made his home. 

In 1873, Mr. Gingrich was united in marriage 
with Mi.ss Clara C. Caliman, who also came of an 
old Pennsylvanian family. An interesting family 
of seven children has been born to them and all 
are still with their parents. In order of birth 
they are as follows: Charles A., Martha D., 
William H.. Howard W., Nellie May, Fannie 
and Sarah. 

Mr. Gingrich cast his first Presidential vote for 
Grover Cleveland, but is now a supporter of the 
Republican party and its principles. He and his 
wife are members of the United Brethren Church, 
and, .socially, he is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America. He now carries on gen- 
eral farming, and is meeting with a fair degree of 
success in his undertakings. His life has been an 
honorable and upright one, and he has the confi- 
dence and respect of all with whom he has been 
brought in contact. 



-^^+^1 



— DWARD O. BARNES is recognized as one 
O of the leading citizens of Raritan, who is 
prominently identified with its best interests, 
and is acti\e in promoting those enterprises 
which are calculated to prove of public benefit. 
He is now engaged in the publication of the Rar- 
itan Reporler and also deals in groceries and 
gents' furni.shing goods. He was born in I<a 
Harpe, 111., on the iith of vSeptember, 1858, and 
is a .son of Harri.son H. and Mary E. (Coulsonj 
Barnes. They are among the honored pioneer 
settlers of Hancock County, and are still living in 



La Harpe. Further mention is made of them in 
connection with the sketch of Robert H. Barnes, 
on another page of this work. 

Our subject remained at home and attended the 
public schools of La Harpe until fourteen years of 
age, when he began working as a deli\-ery boy 
and assistant clerk in a grocery store. There he 
remained for about a year, when the La Harpe 
Leader was established, and he entered the new 
printing-office. Five months later he came to 
Raritan, where for half a year he was employed 
as a salesman in a general store. He then worked 
for eight months in his brother's harness-shop at 
this place, after which he began clerking in his 
brother's hardware store, and also became fore- 
man and local editor of the Raritan Bulletiu, 
with which he was connected until the spring of 
1 88 1. He then went to Kirkwood and estab- 
lished the Kirkwood Leader, in partnership with 
H. C. Smalley, but in the following December he 
sold out and returned to Raritan, working for 
his brother in the furniture store until September, 
1883. 

Mr. Barnes then went to Beadle County, S. 
Dak., and for a .short time worked on the Huron 
Leader. Later he became fmeman of the Jim 
River Pilot, of Altona, S. Dak., and continued 
his connection with the same until December, 
when he returned to Raritan for a few months. 
His next place of residence was in Omaha, Neb., 
where for three months he worked on the Omaha 
Bee, after which he came to this place and estab- 
lished the Raritan Reporler. It was at first only 
seven by ten inches in size, but the following Jan- 
uary' he enlarged it to a six-colunni folio, and has 
published it continuously since. In 1889, he 
erected the first brick building ever put up for an 
office in Raritan, and still occupies it. In the 
building adjoining his printing-office, he put in a 
stock of gents' furnishing goods, and in July, 
1S92, he formed a partnership with C. B. Gove, a 
dealer in groceries and funii.shing goods. They 
continued business together until August, 1893, 
when Mr. Barnes bought out his partner's inter- 
est and has since been alone in merchandising. 

On the 23d of November, 1880, was celebrated 
the marriage of Edward O. Barnes and Miss Em- 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ma May Stansburj-, of Raritan. Three children 
were born unto them, but Hennan S., the eldest, 
died at the age of two and a-half years. Charles 
Harrison and Edna Claribel are still with their 
parents. The lady is a member of the Reformed 
Church. 

Mr. Barnes votes with the Democratic party, 
but edits his paper independently. Socially, he 
is a member of Raritan Lodge No. 170, L O. O. 
F., and Raritan Camp No. 862, M. W. A., in 
both of which he has filled all the offices. He 
has for three years served as representative from 
the Odd Fellows' society to the Grand Lodge, 
and takes an active interest in the work of the 
fraternity. He conducts both his newspaper bus- 
iness and his store, and is one of the wide-awake 
and enterprising young business men who gi\-e 
life and prosperity to a town. 



c=i 



^+^ 



S3 



i yi RvS. RACHEL DILABOR, who is living on 
y section 13, Rosetta Township, Henderson 
(a County, was born in Ohio, on the 14th of 
April, 1818, and is a daughter of Thomas D. and 
Elizabeth (Pence) Wells. Her parents were na- 
tives of Virginia, and had a family of twelve chil- 
dren, three sons and nine daughters, four of 
whom are yet Uving. The father, on leaving the 
Old Dominion, removed to Ohio, where he was 
married. He was one of the pioneers of the 
Buckeye State, and there made his home until 
1820, when he went to Lidiana, locating in Bar- 
tholomew County. He took up land from the 
Government, making a claim of one hundred and 
sixty acres, nearly all of which was covered with 
timber. Erecting a log cabin, he at once began 
to clear and develop the fanu, and there carried 
on agricultural pursuits until 1822, when he came 
to Henderson County, 111. Here he secured a 
tract of about five hundred acres from the Gov- 
ernment, and to its improvement and cultivation 
devoted his energies until his death, which occur- 
red in 1879. His wife passed away many years 
previous, having been called lo the home beyond 
in 1845. 



Mrs. Dilabor, when a maiden of eleven sum- 
mers, accompanied her parents to Henderson 
County, 111. The first school which she attend- 
ed was held in a log schoolhouse, and was con- 
ducted on the subscription plan. She had to 
walk a mile and a-half, and the path of learning 
therefore did not always seem a flower\- one. Dur- 
ing her girlhood days she became familiar with 
the duties of the household, and remained at home 
until June, 1838, when she became the wife of 
David Howard. Two children were born of this 
marriage, namely: Thomas, a farmer now living 
in Kansas; and David, who carries on agricul- 
tural pursuits in Henderson County. The father 
of this family died in 1840, and for four years 
Mrs. Howard remained a wddow. She then, in 
1844, became the wife of John Dilabor. Four 
children were born of this union : Leander; Ed- 
ward B. ; Martha, wife of George Rockwell; and 
Mar}', wife of Quincy Swaim. 

When Mrs. Dilabor first came to Henderson 
County, there were only two or three small log 
cabins in Oquawka, many of the now thriving 
towns and villages had not yet sprung into exist- 
ence, and the work of progress and civilization 
seemed hardly begun. She has therefore wit- 
nessed almost the entire growth and develop- 
ment of this locality, and has seen the progress 
which has placed this count>- among the foremost 
in the State. Being a most estimable lady, she has 
man}- friends throughout the community, and it is 
with pleasure that we present to our readers this 
record of her life. 



_=] 



-s] 



^-^ 



ROBERT WILLIAM McMAHAN, who for 
many years has been connected with the 
agricultural interests of Hancock County, 
and now follows fanning on .section 30, Wythe 
Township, is lunnbered among the honored pio- 
neers who for a long period have aided in the 
development and upbuilding of this region, and 
promoted those interests which ha\e led to its 
prosperity and progress. In 1831, he came to 
this county and cast his lot among the honored 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



471 



pioneers. More than half a ceiitur}- has come 
and gone since that time, bringing with it many 
changes, and working a transformation that has 
placed Hancock among the leading counties of 
the State. 

The life record of our subject is as follows: He 
was born in Nicholas County, Ky., June 15, 1830, 
and is a .son of /Andrew McMahan, who was also 
a native of Nicholas County. The father grew- 
to manhood in that locality, and there wedded 
Mar}- Crawford, who was born in Nicholas Coun- 
ty. During the infancy of their .son Robert, they 
emigrated to Illinois, and spent about a year in 
Adams County, after which they took up their 
residence in Wythe Township, among its first 
settlers. Their nearest neighbor was four miles 
di.stant, and the entire locality was an almost un- 
broken wilderness. Mr. McMahan entered land 
from the Government, purchased other tracts, and 
built a large double log house, in which he made 
his home for a number of years. The primiti\-e 
structure was replaced by a substantial brick resi- 
dence in 1857. Its ow-ner commenced life here 
with very little capital, but through enterprise 
and good business ability he became one of the 
substantial and succe.ssful farmers of this locality, 
and accumulated through his own efforts a large 
estate. At length he left the farm, and, removing 
to War.saw, built a comfortable residence, in 
which he made his home for about five years; but 
on the expiration of that period he returned to 
the farm, and there remained until after the death of 
his wife, in 1869, when he again removed to 
Warsaw to live with his daughter. Two years 
later he was again married, but his wife lived but 
a few months, and his death occurred in 1875. 
He was an honored citizen, who had the w-arm 
regard of all w-ho knew him. 

Upon the old farm Mr. McMahan whose name 
heads this record w-as reared. No event of 
.special importance occurred to varj- the routine 
of farm life. His educational privileges were 
limited, for the schools in the connnunity at that 
time were not of a superior quality. When 
twenty years of age, in 1850, attracted by the dis- 
covery- of gold on the Pacific Slope, he made a trip 
to California. The journey was made across the 



plains, and consumed five months. Mr. McMahan 
remained only a few months in the West at that 
time, ill health causing him to return home. The 
ne.xt year, however, he returned by way of the 
Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans. When he 
had reached home he began fanning for himself 
on land adjoining the old homestead, and has 
since carried on agricultural pursuits. 

On the 13th of July, i860, Mr. McMahan .mar- 
ried Miss Susan Walker, daughter of George 
Walker, one of the pioneer .settlers of Hancock 
County, who located in Walker Town.ship in 
1832. He was a native of Marjland, and when a 
}'oung man removed to Kentucky, w-here he spent 
eight years, coming thence to Illinois. The 
township of Walker was named in his honor. 
There he reared his family and .spent his remain- 
ing days, his death occurring in 1878. Mrs. Mc- 
Mahan was born, reared and educated in Hancock 
County. After the marriage of our subject and 
his wife, they located upon the farm which he 
.still cultivates and improves. He at first built a 
small frame house, but after some years had 
passed, prosperity having attended his efforts, he 
erected a pleasant and comfortable home, which 
is .still his place of abode. Good barns and out- 
buildings have also been built, and no improve- 
ment of a model farm .seems lacking. The place 
is neat and thrifty in appearance, and indicates 
the careful supervision of the owner. The farm 
comprises two hundred and ninety acres. In 
addition to this he has purchased other land from 
time to time, and has given to one of his sons and 
to two of his daughters good and well-improved 
farms. He al.so owns three other farms, besides 
town property in Warsaw. In 1888 he made a 
trip to Em-ope, and visited many of the points of 
interest in England and France. He also com- 
bined business with pleasure, and bought several 
head of fine blooded horses, including French 
Coach and English Shire. Since that time he has 
been engaged in breeding standard-bred horses, 
having .some of the finest specimens in the county 
on his farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. McMahan have a family of two 
sons and two daughters, of whom C. H., the 
eldest, is a substantial farmer of Wilcox Town- 



472 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ship; Minnie is the wife of David Ayers, a pro- 
gressive farmer of Wythe Township: Nellie is the 
wife of Howard Baker, of St. Louis; and William, 
who completes the family, is yet at home. The 
parents attend the Christian Church. Mr. Mc- 
Mahan is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
and has served as Master of Warsaw Lodge. His 
wife belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. 
In politics, he is a Democrat, unfaltering in his 
.support of the men and measures of that party, 
yet he has never sought political preferment for 
himself. 

Mr. McMahan may truly be called a self-made 
man, and his honorable and straightforward ca- 
reer is worthy of emulation. Starting out for 
himself with no capital save a young man's bright 
hope of the future, he has steadily worked his 
way upward, and has accumulated a valued prop- 
erty, becoming one of the wealthy fanners of this 
locality. His success is well merited, being the 
reward of honest industrj-. 



=-l^H^P= 



flOHN M. LUKENS, who is now serving as 
I County Treasurer of Henderson County, and 
q\ is living on section 17, Rozetta Township, 
where he owns and operates a good farm, 
was born in Juniata County, Pa., September 11, 
1846, and is a son of John and Mary Lukens. 
They too were natives of the Keystone State, and 
on the paternal side the family is of Irish and 
Scotch descent. The parents had only two sons: 
William S., a fruit-grower now living in Olena, 
111.; and John M. The father was graduated 
from Reading College, of Pennsylvania, in 1841, 
and for thirty years engaged in teaching .school, 
most of the time being employed in Thompson- 
town. For some time he was Principal of the 
seminary in that place. He continued to make 
his home in Pennsylvania until 185 1, when he 
came by boat to Henderson County, 111., and lo- 
cated near Ward's Mill. There he purchased four 
hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, mostly 
timber, and at once began the development of 
a farm, there making his home until 1856. In 



1857, he purchased a tract of land in Warren 
County, 111., but was not long permitted to enjoy 
his new home, for his death occurred on the 8th 
of July of that year, and his remains were in- 
terred in the United Presbyterian Cemetery at 
Smith Creek. He was a member of the Baptist 
Church, and of the Odd Fellows' society. For 
several years he served as Justice of the Peace in 
Pennsylvania, and was always a public-spirited 
citizen, in whom the best interests of the com- 
munity found a friend. His wife, who was a 
member of the United Presbyterian Church, died 
on the 3d of April, 1869, and was laid to rest by 
the side of her husband. 

Our subject was only ten years of age when he 
came to this county, and upon the old home farm 
he was reared to manhood. His early education, 
acquired in the di.strict schools, was supplemented 
bj' study in Monmouth College, of Monmouth 
111., and he then embarked in teaching. He was 
still at home at the time of the breaking out of 
the war, but on the 7th of March, 1862, he en- 
rolled his name among the boys in blue for three 
years' service. 

Mr. Lukens was assigned to Company C, 
Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered 
in at Monmouth, 111. The first active engage- 
ment in which he participated was at Mission 
Ridge. This was followed by the battles of 
Penyville, Lookout Mountain, Kennesaw Moun- 
tain, Peach Tree Creek, Resaca, Buzzard's Roost 
and many others of lesser importance. In the 
fall of 1864, he returned home on a furlough of 
thirty days, and when that period had expired 
rejoined his regiment at Columbia, Tenn. Fif- 
teen minutes after reaching the forces he went in- 
to battle. The regiment took part in the engage- 
ments at Spring Hill and Franklin, and then fell 
back to Nashville, where they went into winter 
quarters. Mr. Lukens took part in the battle of 
Nashville, then went to Franklin, and on to New 
Orleans, where his regiment acted as guard at 
Gen. Phil Sheridan's headquarters. He was al- 
ways faithful to his duty, being one of the valiant 
defenders of the Union cause. 

After the war was over, Mr. Lukens was mus- 
tered out, in October, 1865, and returned to his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



473 



home in Warren County. He was then only nine- 
teen years of age. He completed his schooling, 
and then engaged in farming, after which he be- 
gan teaching .school in Hender.son County. He 
has made his home in this county since 1874, at 
which time he located near Rozetta, where for 
five years he taught school. He then engaged in 
teaching at Science Hill for two years, after which 
he again spent one year in Rozetta, and one year 
at Belmont Bluff. For four years he was teacher 
in the Knox district, and altogether has taught 
about seventeen terms in Henderson County. He 
was a successful educator, and the cause of educa- 
tion has ever found in him a warm friend. 

On the loth of December, 1873, Mr. Lukens 
married Miss Emma Woods, and to them have 
been born four children: Clarence A.; Frank M., 
who died in infancy; Ralph E. and Mabel Grace. 
In 18S9, Mr. Lukens became a traveling sales- 
man, representing the McNeal & Higgins whole- 
sale grocery, in whose emplo>- he remained for 
eighteen months. Since that time he has re- 
sided with his family in Rozetta Township, where 
he owns and operates one hundred and twenty- 
five acres of good land, his farm being under a 
high state of cultivation and well improved. In 
politics, he is a stalwart Republican. For two 
years he .served as County Surveyor to fill an un- 
expired term, and was then elected for a term of 
four years. In 1891, he was elected County 
Treasurer, and is now filling that office with cred- 
it to himself and satisfaction to his con.stituents. 
He holds membership with the Knights of Pythias 
Lodge, and the Grand Army of the Republic, and 
is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



^+^ 



"S) 



(^~ 



[ILLIAM A. M. CROUCH, one of the early 
.settlers of Hender.son Count\-, who since 
1862 has resided upon his present farm on 
section 3, township 1 1 north, range 4 west, is a 
native of the Key.stone State, and is of Scotch- Iri.sh 
extraction. Hewasborn in Washington County, 
Pa., on the 19th of September, 1841, and is a .sun 



of William Crouch, who was a native of Maryland, 
and a farmer by occupation. He traces the an- 
cestry of the family in America back to 1700, 
when representatives of the Crouch family in 
Scotland crossed the Atlantic to make homes in 
the New World. During his early life he emi- 
grated to Pennsylvania, and married Miss Nancy 
Mercer, a daughter of Boyd and Mary (Black- 
stone) Mercer. They became the parents of five 
children: John B., who is now living in St. Jo- 
seph, Mo.; Mary P., widow of Robert Moore, of 
Washington County, Pa.; Ebenezer M., whore- 
sides in the same county; William A. M., of this 
sketch; and Sarah, who died in infancy. 

Mr. Crouch of this notice was educated in the 
common schools of Pennsylvania, and remained 
in the Keystone State until the spring of i860, 
when he started westward. Taking up his resi- 
dence in Hender.son County, he engaged in teach- 
ing for two years, and on the expiration of that 
period purchased the farm on which he has made 
his home continuously since, covering a third of a 
centurv'. He is a wide-awake and enterprising 
agriculturist, and his farm is supplied with all 
modern accessories and conveniences. Fields of 
waving grain meet the ej-e on every side, and 
there are good buildings upon the place, which 
stand as monuments to the progressive spirit of 
the owner. 

In Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Crouch was united 
in marriage with Miss Sarah G. Leebrick, of that 
city, and to them have been born ten children: 
Ida E. , now the wife of Valentine Hazlett; Mary 
G., wife of John F. Main; Nannie M.; William 
L., vvho makes his home in Jewell City, Kan.; 
Rachel P. and Virginia E., who are attending 
school in Galesburg; Kate, Samuel, Hattie and 
Ruth, who are .still with their parents. Although 
the family is quite large, the circle yet remains 
unbroken by the hand of death. 

Mr. Crouch, his wife and children, are all mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and he takes an 
active part in its growth and uplniilding. He 
exerci.ses his right of franchise in support of the 
Republican party, and holds membership with 
Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. & A. M. The 
cause of education finds in him a warm friend, 



474 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and he has given his children good advantages, 
thus fitting them for the practical and responsible 
duties of life. The best interests of the communi- 
ty ever receive his heart}- support and co-opera- 
tion, and he is regarded as a valued citizen of the 
connnunity. Although he has not been promi- 
nent in public affairs, his career has been such as 
to win him the confidence and esteem of all with 
whom he has been brought in contact. 



^i^^^ 



Si 



/g FENCER T. RECORDvS, deceased, who for 
\ many years was a well-known citizen of 
QOj Henderson County, prominently identified 
with the business interests of both Oquawka and 
Rozetta, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., 
December 13, 1822, and is a son of James and 
Elizabeth (Heaton) Records. He was reared 
upon his father's farm, and was brought to Hen- 
derson County when a lad of six summers by 
Judge John Pence. During the first winter here 
his time was spent in Black Hawk's tent, on the 
Rock River. There were no schools for several 
years after his arrival, but at length one was start- 
ed on the subscription plan. It was held in a log 
.schoolhouse, and there Mr. Records acquired a 
knowledge of the common English branches. 

On attaining his majority, our subject started 
out in life for himself. In connection with his 
brother, Thomas Records, he purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land 
near Bigg.sville, but he never lived on that 
farm. At the age of twenty-two he went to 
Oquawka, where he began clerking in the .store 
of Mr. Phelps. There he remained until 1852, 
when he embarked in business for himself as 
proprietor of a grocer>' store of Oquawka, which 
he carried on until 1855. In that year he sold 
out, and purcha.sed a farm of one hundred and six- 
ty acres in Rozetta Township. He at once began 
the development and cultivation of his land, and 
.successfullj' devoted his time and energies to ag- 
ricultural pursuits until 1878, when he left the 
farm and went to Rozetta village. There he es- 
tablished a general merchandise store, which he 



carried on for a few years, and then retired from 
active business life. His last days were spent in 
the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. 

On the 26th of October, 1848, Mr. Records was 
united in marriage with Miss Tacj' C. Conger, 
daughter of Enoch and Eunice (Beach) Conger. 
By their union were born five children: Azro M., 
of Iowa; Mabel, who died in infancy; Thomas E., 
who carries on farming in Kan.sas; Annie E., wife 
of J. H. Smith, a merchant of Rozetta; and Tunis 
Q. , who is now located in Glenwood, Iowa. 

Mr. Records, who was a member of the Baptist 
Church, contributed liberally to its support, and 
always took an active part in church and benevo- 
lent work. The poor and needj' found in him a 
friend, and his aid was withheld from no worthy 
enterprise. In his business dealings he was suc- 
cessful. While engaged in merchandising he al- 
ways desired to plea.se his customers, and his fair 
and honest dealing and courteous treatment were 
the means ofwiiniinghim a liberal patronage. In 
this way he acquired a comfortable competence. 
All who knew him respected him, and when called 
to the home beyond his loss was deeplj' mourned. 
He died August 16, 1881, and was laid to rest in 
the Baptist Cemeterj- of Rozetta. 



_=] 



-S] 



^+^[ 



JOSEPH P. MOREY, one of the honored vet- 
I erans of the late war, is now the efficient su- 
(2/ perintendent of the Comity Poor Farm of 
Henderson County, and is also serving as Deputy 
Jailor. He is a western man by birth, having 
been born in Wa.shington Count}', Iowa, on the 
loth of September, 1844. His father, 'William 
Morey, was a native of Ohio, and was of Scotch 
descent. He married Eauzetta Disney, and to 
them were born eight children, but only two are 
now living: Joseph P., and Meli.s.sa, wife of Will- 
iam A. Vaughan, a farmer of Henderson County. 
Tho.se who have passed away are Lorenzo, Paul- 
ina, Maria, Martha, Sarah and Melvina. 

Joseph P. Morey spent the dajs of his boyhood 
and youth upon a farm. In 1850 the family came 
to Henderson Count v, but the father died the fol- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



475 



lowing year, while in Iowa, and the mother passed 
away about 1854. Our subject was then left an 
orphan. He continued to reside in Henderson 
County until 1857, when he went to Kansas, and 
located within ten miles of Topeka, there spend- 
ing a year. On horseback he then made his way 
to Be Kalb County, 111., where he spent one sea- 
son, working as a farm hand b}- the month, after 
which he again came to Henderson Count)-. Here 
he secured employment as a farm hand, and to 
agricultural pursuits devoted his energies until 
1859, when he went to St. Joseph, Mo. 

After the attempt at secession by the South, 
Mr. Morey responded to the call for troops to aid 
in the preser\-ation of the Union, and in Februarj-, 

1862, became a private of Company A, Fifth Mis- 
souri Cavalrj-. He was mustered into service at 
St. Joe, and remained with that command until 

1863, when he was discharged. Soon after, he 
enlisted in the Ninth Missouri Cavalry, and from 
that time until the close of the war was largely 
engaged in scouting duty. He was bugler of his 
regiment, and with his command took part in a 
numberof skirmishes with the bushwhackers. In 
July, 1865, when the South had laid down its 
arms, he was honorably discharged in St. Louis. 
After being mustered out he went to Buchanan 
Count)-, Mo., where he engaged in farming until 
1880. 

In the year after his return from the war, Mr. 
Morej' was united in marriage with Miss Louisa 
Storey, and to them were born five children, 
but James died in infancy. Those still living are: 
Lena, wife of Samuel Vaughn; Lillie; William 
and Loran. 

In Buchanan County, Mo., Mr. Morey contin- 
ued to engage in agricultural pursuits until 1880, 
the year of his removal to Henderson County. 
Here he followed farming until 1888, when he was 
appointed Superintendent of the County Poor 
Farm, and al.so Deputy Jailer, which positions he 
has since filled. He owns eight)' acres of land in 
Rozetta Township, which is now rented. In pol- 
itics, he is a supporter of Republican principles, 
and is a member of the Odd Fellows' .society, and 
the Grand Army of the Republic. He holds 
membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 



and takes an active interest in all public enter- 
prises calculated to prove of benefit to the com- 
munity. With the .same fidelity which he mani- 
fested when defending the Old Flag, he has dis- 
charged his official duties, and all who know him 
esteem him highly for his faithfulness and the 
many excellencies of his character. 



i^+^ 



c^- 



E RAVEN L. THOMAS, who now carries on 
general farming on .section 18, township 11 
north, range 4 west, has spent his entire life 
in Henderson County, and is a representative of 
one of its honored pioneer families. Mention is 
made of his parents on another page of this work, 
in connection with the sketch of James M. 
Thomas. Our .subject was born November 13, 
1855, on the old home.stead, and there .spent the 
days of his boyhood and youth. He acquired his 
education in the district schools of the neighbor- 
hood, which he attended through the winter sea- 
son, while in the summer months he aided in the 
labors of the field. Like a dutiful son, he gave 
to his father the benefit of his sen'ices until twenty- 
one years of age, when, having attained his major- 
ity, he left home and began life for himself 

Throughout his bu.siness career, Mr. Thomas 
has carried on agricultural pursuits. As he had 
no capital, at first he rented land, and continued 
the cultivation of property belonging to others for 
a number of years, but at length, with the capital 
which he had acquired through his own industry, 
enterprise and good management, he bought a 
farm of his own. In 1890, he l)ecame owner of 
one hundred and two and a-half acres of good 
land. This he has placed under a high state of 
cultivation, and the well-tilled fields and good 
improvements all indicate the careful supervision 
of the owner. 

On the 14th of February, 1877, i" Henderson 
County, Mr. Thomas was joined in wedlock with 
Miss Mary A. C. Johnson, a daughter of Godfrey 
John.son. Their union has been blessed with five 
children: Charles Edgar, Alexander A., William 
C, Walter E. and Hazel C. The family circle 



476 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



yet remains unbroken, the children being still 
with their parents. In politics, Mr. Thomas is a 
Democrat, but has no time for office-.seeking. vSo- 
cially, he is a member of Tranquil Lodge No. 
193, I. O. O. F. He is industrious, and his en- 
terprise and perseverance ha\'e brought to him a 
comfortable competence, which is well deser\'ed. 
All who know him esteem him highly, and it is 
with pleasure that we present to our readers this 
record of his life. 



-^I^hJh^I 



EAPT. D. CASWELL HANNA, an honored 
veteran of the late war, makes his home in 
Monmouth, but is one of the most extensive 
land-owners of Henderson County, and has been 
prominently identified with the history of this 
community for many years. He was born in 
Warren County, 111., on the 8th of June, 1S36, 
and is a .son of John and Sarah (Crawford) Hanna. 
The father was a native of Ohio, and from the 
Buckeye State removed to Indiana, from whence 
he went to Warren County in 1S35, locating ju.st 
across the line from Henderson Countj'. The 
trip westward was made by team. Hepurcha,sed 
eight hundred acres of land, built a log cabin, and 
developed a fine farm, upon which he lived until 
his death, which occurred on the 25th of Novem- 
ber, 1862. He was laid to rest in Monmouth 
cemeterj-, by the side of his wife, who was called 
to her final rest in 1852. This worthy couple 
were the parents of eleven children, eight sons 
and three daughters, namely: Elizabeth, Jane, 
William, Samuel, Robert, James R., D. C, Lewis 
C, Orin L., Mary E. and John C. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Capt. 
Hanna .spent the days of his boyhood and >outh, 
and in the sulxscription .schools which he attended 
through the winter sea.son his education was ac- 
(juired. He remained under the parental roof 
initil twenty-three years of age, when he went to 
Colorado, making the journey across the plains 
with ox and mule teams to Pike's Peak. There 
he engaged in prospecting, mining and freight- 
ing, until the aulunui of 1861, when he returned 



to his old home in Illinois. In the spring of the 
following year he took up his residence upon a 
farm of three hundred and twenty acres on .sec- 
tions II and 14, Rozetta Township, Hendenson 
County, and during the .summer devoted his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits, but on the 1 2th 
of August responded to the country's call for 
troops. 

Mr. Hanna enlisted as a private, but at Camp 
Butler was mustered into service as First Lieu- 
tenant of Company C, Ninety-first Illinois In- 
fantr\'. At the engagement at Elizabethtown, 
Ky., he and his company were captured by the 
rebel general, John Morgan, but he was only 
held prisoner for a .short time, when he was sent 
to Benton Barracks, where he remained until ex- 
changed, the following June. Later he partici- 
pated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and 
did scouting duty all along the river from that 
city to New Orleans. In the fall he started on 
the Banks expedition to Brownsville, Tex., where 
he remained over a year on duty along the Rio 
Grande and the Gulf Coast, and then returned to 
New Orleans, where he was engaged in garri.son 
duty for two months. Later he took part in the 
battles of Mobile, Ft. Blakel.v and Spanish Fort. 
In Brownsville, Tex., he was promoted to the 
rank of Captain, and when the war was over he 
was honorably discharged at Camp Butler, on the 
27th of July, 1865. His promotion was won by 
meritorous and faithful .service, for he was always 
found at his post, and the Union cau.se found in 
him a valiant defender. 

Capt. Hanna at once returned to his home in 
Warren County, where he lived until the autumn 
of 1S66. On the iSth of October of that year he 
married Mi.ss Martha Heaton, daughter of James 
and Nancy (Henry) Heaton, and they removed 
to a farm in Rozetta Township, which he still 
owns, and on which he made his home until 1869, 
when he was elected County Clerk on the Inde- 
pendent ticket. He filled that oflSce for eight 
years, or until 1877, and remained in Oquawka, 
where the succeeding ten years of his life were 
jia.ssed. Since the fall of 1887 he has made his 
home in Monmouth, and his time and attention 
are given to the management of his exten.sive 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



477 



business interests. As his financial resources 
have Vjeen increased he has made judicious in- 
vestments ill real estate, and now owns sixteen 
hundred and ninety-five acres of valuable land in 
Henderson Count}-, the greater part of which is 
under a high state of cultivation, and therefore 
yields to the owner a handsome income. 

The family of Capt. and Mrs. Hanna num- 
bered ten children, and nine are yet living, 
namely: Katherine, George F. , Lewis H., Ed- 
ward C, Mabel, Martha, Sippie, Quinta and 
John. Robert, the fourth in order of birth, died 
in infancy. 

In his .social relations, Capt. Hanna is con- 
nected with the Masonic fraternity and the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and his wife is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a 
Republican, and in the fall of 1892 was elected as 
Representative to the General Assembly from the 
Twenty-seventh District. A trust reposed in 
him, whether public or private, is never betrayed. 
In all the relations of life he manifests the same 
loyalty which characterized his armj' record. 
Through the legitimate channels of business he 
has won a handsome fortune, and although he 
.started out for him.self with little capital, he has 
steadily worked his wa\' upward from a humble 
position to one of affluence. 



_=] 



^4^1-- 



^ 



QHARLES vS. COOPER, one of the represen- 
J( tative citizens of Raritan, who is now en- 
11 gaged ill the harness business, claims Indi- 
ana as the State of his nativit>-, his l)irth having 
occurred in Greencastle on the 20th of Februar}', 
1S40. His parents were William K. and Loui.sa 
(Switzer) Coojier. The father was a native of 
Kentucky, and in that State .spent his early life. 
His parents were natives of \''irginia, and were of 
Scotch-Irish e.xtractiou. In Kentucky he mar- 
ried Mi.ss Switzer, a native of that State, and in 
I.S36 removed with his family to Greencastle, Ind., 
where he engaged in ineichandi.siiig until his 
death, which occurred at the age of fifty years. 
He was a well-educated man, and was one of the 



fir.st Trustees of Asbury University, now De Pauw, 
and was a member of the Methodist Epi.scopal 
Church. He was recognized as a leading citizen 
of the communitj- in which he made his home, 
and all who knew him re.spected him. His wife 
pas.sed away in Greencastle at the age of seventy- 
five years. She was of German lineage. In their 
family were eight children, six sons and two 
daughters, but three of the number are de- 
ceased. Milton J. is now living a retired life in 
Greenca.stle, Ind. Charles S. is the next younger. 
John W. is a contractor engaged in business in 
Indianapohs, Ind. William H. is located in Bra- 
zil, Ind. Joseph K. is engaged in business with 
his brother John in Indianapolis. 

Our subject was reared in Greencastle, and dur- 
ing his youth learned the harness-maker's trade, 
which he followed until June, 1862, when he en- 
listed in the Union army for three months' serv- 
ice, as a member of Company D, Fifty-fifth Indi- 
ana Infantry. On the 29th of August, 1862, he 
was wounded in the left arm by a minie-ball. This 
occurred at the battle of Richmond, Ky., after 
which he returned home, remaining at the North 
until he had recovered. On the 12th of March, 
1864, he re-enlisted in Company E, Twenty-first 
Indiana Heavy Artillery, and .ser\-ed until Jan- 
uary' 12, 1866. He took part in some important 
engagements, and was always found at his post 
of duty. At the time of his discharge he was a 
member of the regimental band. 

On being mustered out, Mr. Cooper returned to 
his home in Greencastle, where he engaged in 
harness-making for six months, after which he was 
appointed Deputy Sheriff. A year later he went 
to Lawrence, Kan., where he worked at the har- 
ness trade until 1875. when he came to Raritan, 
and followed the same pursuit in the employ of 
others for about a year. He then began business 
for himself, and has since successfully carried on 
operations along that line. His .store is filled with 
a good stock of harness and saddlerj-, and the 
owner is now enjoying an excellent trade. 

On the 20th of June, 1875, Mr. Cooper married 
Mi.ss Mary E. Beard, daughter of Dr. Beard, one 
of the honored pioneers of Henderson Count>-. 
Two children graced their union, but Pearl died 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



at the age of fourteen years. Lula is still with 
her parents. Mr. Cooper is a .stanch Republi- 
can in politics, and is a member of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen 
of America, and of the Reformed Church. He is a 
man of good business and executive ability, hon- 
orable and straightforward in all his dealings, and 
those who know him esteem him highh' for the 
many excellencies of his character. 



c=1 



^-^l 



^ AMES H. BUTLER, who is numbered among 
I the early settlers of Henderson County, now 
(2) resides on a farm on section 20, Raritan 
Township. He was born in Jefferson County, 
Ky., near Middletown, July 15, 1826. His fa- 
ther, Hezekiah Butler, was a native of Baltimore, 
Md., and was of Irish descent. Having arrived 
at years of maturity he married Margaret Payne, 
a native of Virginia, and they became the par- 
ents of the following children: Su.san, widow of 
WiUiam Groom, ^ind a resident of Camp Point, 
111.; N. v., who graduated from the Keokuk 
Medical College, and also from the St. Louis Med- 
ical College, and died September 16, 1878, leav- 
ing a widow, who is now living in La Harpe, 111.; 
James H., of this sketch; Norman R., who died 
in 1886; Charles S. , who is living in California; 
Mildred, decea.sed; Mary K., wife of Paul John- 
son, of Missouri; Elizabeth, who died in 1855; 
Hezekiah, a farmer of Henderson County; To- 
bias, who was wounded in the battle of Chicka- 
mauga, and died the following spring, a minie-ball 
having passed entirely through his body; George 
W., a merchant of Camp Point; Margaret, wife of 
Henry Hedges, who is living in Garnett, Kan.; 
Jefferson, who died in 1890; and one child who 
died in infancy. 

The father of this family followed farming 
throughout his life. He removed from Mary- 
land to Kentucky, where he lived until 1832, and 
in that State was married. In the year mention- 
ed he removed to Adams County, 111., locating 
near the present town of Columbus, where he en- 
tered two hundred acres of land from the Govern- 



ment, paying the usual price of $1.25 per acre. 
It was still in its primitive condition, not a fur- 
row having been turned or an improvement made 
thereon. He at once erected a log cabin, and con- 
tinued its development until 1865, when he re- 
moved to a farm in Hancock County. A few 
years later he took up his residence in the town 
of Augu.sta, where he made his home until his 
death, which occurred on the ist of February, 
1 89 1, at the age of ninety -three years, lacking a 
few months. His remains were interred in the 
Columbus Cemetery. His wife pa,s.sed away in 
April, 1858. Both were members of the Christ- 
ian Church, and were highly-respected people. 

James H. Butler was a child of only six sum- 
mers when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. 
In this State he grew to manhood upon a farm, 
and in a log schoolhouse, two miles from his 
home, he began his education, the school being 
conducted on the subscription plan. With the 
family he shared in all the hardships and trials of 
pioneer life. Quincy, which was eighteen miles 
away, was their nearest market, and they also 
had to go some distance to mill. Mr. Butler 
started out in life for himself at the age of nine- 
teen, and after working as a farm hand for his 
father for two years, he purchased a farm, upon 
which he resided until the spring of 1850. On 
the 25th of March of that year, with a horse-team, 
he started across the plains for California, at- 
tracted by the discovery of gold, and on the 5th 
of Julv he reached Weaverville. Until the fol- 
lowing October he engaged in mining, and then 
went to San Francisco. Later he made his way 
to Oregon, and took up .six hundred and forty 
acres of Government land within nine mile.s of 
Portland, but in the fall of 1851 he sold his 
claim and 1iy the water route returned to his 
home in Adams County. 

Ere leaving for the Pacific Slope, Mr. Butler 
was married, on the ist of March, 1849, the lady 
of his choice being Miss Nancy J. Matlock. vSix 
children have been born unto them: Julia, who 
became the wife of Roljert H. Barnes, a banker of 
Raritan, but is now deceased; George H., a liar- 
ness-dealer of Stronghurst ; John, who died April 
15, 1868; Tobias E., who married Mollie Houchin, 




4 



Thomas Geddes 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



481 



and follows farming in this locality; Charles C, 
County Superintendent of Schools of Henderson 
County: and James P., who is yet living on the 
home farm. 

After his return from California, Mr. Butler re- 
mained in Adams County until the .spring of 
1852, when he removed to Hancock County, and 
purcha.sed one hundred and sixty acres of partial- 
ly improved land near West Point, where he 
made his home for three years. He then rented 
a farm near La Harpe for a year, after which he 
purchased one hundred and si.Kty acres of land on 
section 29, Raritan Township, Henderson Coun- 
ty, upon which he made his home for fourteen 
years. His next purchase made him the owner 
of the two hundred and forty acre fann on which 
he now resides. 

Mr. Butler manifested his loyalty to the Gov- 
ernment during the Civil War by enlisting on 
the 14th of September, 1862, as a private of Com- 
pany G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois 
Infantry, and was elected First Lieutenant. He 
was mustered into service at Camp Butler, and 
took part in the engagements at Arkansas Post, 
Thompson Hill, Ft. Gibson, Black River Bridge, 
and the siege of Vicksburg. On account of phys- 
ical disability he had to leave the army, and was 
discharged August 2, 1863. In politics, he has 
always been a .stanch supporter of the Republican 
party. He holds membership with the Christian 
Church, and is one of the highly-esteemed citi- 
zens of the community, for his .sterling worth and 
strict integrity have gained him universal confi- 
dence and esteem. As one of the leading farmers, 
valued citizens, and early settlers of Henderson 
County, we pre.sent him to our readers. 



■=n 



-=3 



^+^ 



ts_ 



[=1 



HOMAS GEDDES, decea.sed, who for many 
years was an honored and prominent 
resident of Hancock County, A'as born in 
P'ranklin County. Pa., on the 7th of July, 1S05, 
and was of Scotch-Iri.sh descent. His father, 
Paul Geddes, was a farmer and earh' settler of 
Path Valley, Pa. He there made his home for 

25 



more than forty years, and was a man of promi- 
nence in the community. His life was an honor- 
able and upright one, well worthy of emulation. 
He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and 
reared his family to respect and reverence religion. 
His death occurred in 1832. His wife, a faithful 
and con.sistent Christian woman, pas.sed away in 
1816. 

The early life of Thomas Geddes was .spent on 
his father's farm, he there remaining until the 
age of eighteen, when he went to Shade Gap, 
Huntingdon County, Pa., where he learned the 
tanner's trade. For four years he continued with 
one employer, and for two years, of that time had 
charge of the tan-yard At length, at the re- 
quest of his father, who had become enfeebled 
by age, he returned home and took charge of the 
old farm, continuing to engage in its cultivation 
and further improvement for a period of seven 
years. 

During that time Mr. Geddes was united in 
marriage with Miss Susan R. Walker, the cere- 
mony being performed on the 9th of December, 
1830. The young couple continued to live on 
the old homestead in the Keystone State until the 
spring of 1837, when they bade adieu to their 
many friends in the East and emigrated to Illi- 
nois. On the nth of May, accompanied by his 
wife and two children, Mr. Geddes reached 
Fountain Green, Hancock County. The previous 
vear he had visited this locality and purchased 
three hundred and twenty acres of good farming 
land. As there was no vacant house in the 
neighborhood, they went to live in a double log 
cabin belonging to Jabez A. Beebe, but the fol- 
lowing year Mr. Geddes erected a frame house on 
his own land, the first frame dwelling in the 
neighborhood. The family bore the usual expe- 
riences and trials of pioneer life, but in course of 
time the wild land on which they at first located 
was transfonned into rich and fertile fields, and 
their home became one of tlie valuable farms of 
the neighborhood. 

Mrs. Geddes was called to her final rest on the 
13th of January, 1892, and on the 31st of the same 
month Mr. Geddes departed this life. Both were 
laid to rest in the family burying-ground on the 



482 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



old homestead. The children have fitted up a 
memorial room in honor of their mother in 
the Mary Holmes Seminar}- of Jackson, Miss., 
which is known as the Geddes Memorial 
Room. Both parents were also active in church 
and benevolent work, and in them the poor 
and needy found friends. Mr. Geddes, who was 
prominent in the organization of the Presbyterian 
Church of Fountain Green, did much toward 
the erection of the church, and for many years 
served as one of the church Elders. His life was 
always an honorable and upright one, passed in 
faithful service, and all who knew him respected 
him for his fidelity and sterling worth. His long 
residence in Hancock County made him widely 
known, and he had a large circle of warm friends. 



^+^[ 



-=) 



lESLEY MILLIKEN, who resides on sec- 
tion 33, Media Township, is numbered 
among the leading farmers and stock-raisers 
of Henderson Count)-. He owns and operates a 
good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which 
is under a high .state of cultivation. The fields 
are well tilled, and all the improvements upon the 
place stand as monuments to the enterprise and 
progressive spirit of the owner. 

Mr. Milliken was born in Dearborn County, 
Ind., near Manchester, on the 2i.st of October, 
1827, and is one of thirteen children whose par- 
ents were James P. and Pri.scilla P. (Noyesj 
Milliken. The father was a native of Maine, born 
October 16, 1803. In 1817 he emigrated to Indi- 
ana, and in 1841 he was elected as Representative 
to the General Assembly of that State. When his 
term had expired he was elected State Senator, and 
served for six years in that office. During his term 
a prohibitory liquor law was passed, and Mr. Milli- 
ken took an active part in securing the passage 
of the measure. Upon his return home his many 
friends in Dearborn County presented him with 
a siher cup as a testimonial of his services. In 
1S52 he was the Free-Soil candidate for Lieuten- 
ant-Governor. He was an active anti-slaverj' man, 
and possessed the courage of his convictions. 



When he became a resident of Missouri, he in- 
curred the di.spleasure of the slave-holders and 
their friends by distributing anti-slavery litera- 
ture. This led to threats of mobbing, and his life 
was in danger during his re,sidence in that .State. 
The family urged him to remove from that place, 
and they became residents of Iowa. When the 
war broke out, he enlisted in the Thirtieth Iowa 
Regiment, and was mortallj- wounded. May 22, 
1863, before Vicksburg, dying the next morning. 
At that time he was in command of the regiment. 
Mr. Milliken was a popular man among his 
friends, and possessed great influence. Of his eight 
sons and five daughters, only five be.side our sub- 
ject are living: James M., a farmer and carpen- 
ter residing in Scotland County, Mo.; Martha N., 
widow of Tyler Morris, and a resident of Scotland 
County, Mo.; Noyes, the proprietor of a bakery 
in Topeka, Kan.; Mary E., wife of Amos R. 
Lightfoot, a farmer of Scotland Count}-, Mo.; and 
Thomas D., an agriculturist of the same commu- 
nity. 

On the old home farm in the State of his nativ- 
it)-, Mr. Milliken spent his childhood days, and 
attended the subscription schools of the neighbor- 
hood, which were held in a log schoolhouse a 
mile from his home. He there conned his lessons 
at various intervals until eighteen years of age, 
but seldom found it possible to attend during the 
summer months, as his services were needed on 
the home farm. At the age of twenty-one he be- 
gan earning his own livelihood, working on a farm 
by the daj- or month. Thus he was employed 
until he had a sufficient sum of money to make a 
payment, securing to himself one hundred and 
eleven acres of partiall)- improved land. To the 
further development and cultivation of that tract 
he devoted his energies for three years, and then 
sold, buying another farm, upon which he lived 
until 1858. In that year he again sold out, and, 
removing to Mis.souri, bought one hundred and 
twenty acres of land near Kirksville, where he 
made his home until the summer of 1861. Then 
again his place of residence was changed, and he 
bought a farm of one hundred and forty acres in 
Davis County, Iowa, where !;-j continued to live 
until the spring of 1865. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



483 



On the 29th of May, 1849, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Millikeii and Miss Catherine 
Powell. To them have been born eleven children: 
Jefferson B., a farmer of Media Township; Caro- 
line A., wife of George \V. Henrx-, a farmer of 
Warren County, 111. ; Zennette J., wife of William 
Broom, an agriculturist of Fulton County, 111.; 
James, a farmer of Henderson County; Man,' 
Grace; Greeley; Albertie; one who died in in- 
fancy; and Orville E., Wade C. and Ellsworth. 
The three last-named are also decea.sed. 

In the spring of 1865 Mr. Milliken came to 
Henderson County, and purchased the farm on 
which he now resides. He has altogether one 
hundred and .seventy acres of land, constituting a 
valuable property. In politics, he has always 
been a supporter of the Republican party, and has 
been honored with several local offices, having 
ser\-ed as Township Trustee, Road Supervisor 
and School Director. He has ever discharged 
his duties with promptness and fidelity, and has 
thus won the commendation of all concerned. 
His life has been a busy and u.seful one, and, as 
the result of his untiring labor and well-directed 
efforts, it has also been a prosperous one. 



c=1 



^-^ 



~S] 



(Tames Marshall akin, who for many 

I yeari, has been prominently coiniected with 
0/ the educational interests of Henderson Coun- 
ty, and is recognized as one of its most successful 
teachers, now resides in Oquawka. He claims 
Ohio as the State of his nativity, his birth hav- 
ing occurred in Tuscarawas County, January 14, 
1845. The Akin family originated in Scotland, and 
removed from the north of Scotland into Ireland. 
We do not know who the founder of the family in 
America was, but the ancestors came here in early 
Colonial days. The town of Aiken, vSouth Caro- 
lina, was .settled by and named for them. On ac- 
count of their antipathy to the .slave trade, they 
early removed further north, thus removing their 
posterity from the pernicious influence of the sys- 
tem of slavery. The father of our subject, John 
G. Eakin, was bom in Ohio, and was a cabinet- 



maker and farmer by occupation. He married 
Eliza Connell, and eight children were born of 
their union, of whom James M. is the eldest. 
George W., decea.sed, was a farmer of Muskin- 
gum County, Ohio, and spent his la.st year near 
Benkleman, whither he removed about 1885; Sam- 
uel vS. is a stock-dealer of New Concord, Ohio; 
William P. is engaged in house-moving in Gales- 
burg, 111.; Martha and two sons died in infancy; 
and Lizzie is at home. 

The gentleman who,se name heads this record 
was reared in Guern.sey County, Ohio, whither 
his father removed when he was quite young. 
His early education, acquired in its common 
schools, was .supplemented by study in the Union 
High School of Cambridge, Ohio, and in the Mcln- 
tyre In.stitute in Zanesville, Ohio. He displayed 
special aptitude in the schoolroom, and in those 
various institutions of learning was regarded as 
one of the best students. At the age of eighteen 
he began teaching, and has followed the profession 
continuously since. For some time he was em- 
ployed as a teacher in the district .schools, but at 
length came to Henderson Count}-, 111., in 187 1, 
and secured a position as teacher in the graded 
schools in Biggsville, where he remained for three 
years. After teaching two years at Olena, he ac- 
cepted a position in Oquawka, where he contin- 
ued for eight years. He has taught for eleven years 
in the graded schools, for nine years in the dis- 
trict schools, and for nine years he filled the office 
of County Superintendent. To that position he 
was elected in 1877, serving for five years. In 
1886 he was re-elected for the regular term of 
four years, and was in charge of the schools of 
Henderson County until 1890. At this writing, 
he is a member of the Village Board of Trustees. 

On the 3d of .\ugu.st, 1S71, Mr. Akin was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Elizabeth li. Arthur, 
daughter of Samuel and Orpha (Callahan) Ar- 
thur. P'our children were born to them, of whom 
two died in infancy. Orlando H., a teacher, and 
James L., are still with their parents. The eld- 
er early manifested considerable literary taste 
and ability. At the age of fourteen, he wrote 
.stories, which were published in the local press, 
and attributed by the public to older persons. 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Akin is a warm advocate of Republican 
principles, and has supported that party since 
ca.sting hi.s first Presidential vote for Gen. U. S. 
Grant, in 1868. Sociallj', he is a member of Tran- 
quil Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F., and of Oquawka 
Camp No. 1037, M. W. A. Himself and wife 
are members of the Presbjterian Church, and are 
highly respected citizens of this community. Mr. 
Akin has a wide reputation as a teacher, having 
been most successful in his choice of vocation. 



-^1. 



^+^ 



[=~ 



ROBERT T. McMillan, one of the hlghly- 
respected and well-known citizens of Hen- 
derson County, who is sen-ing as County 
Sheiiff, now makes his home in Biggsville. His 
entire life has been pas.sed in Ilhnois. He was 
born on the 9th of November, 1835, near Jackson- 
ville, Morgan County, and is a son of James 
and Mary (Thompson) McMillan. His paternal 
grandfather was a native of Ireland, and when a 
young man came to the United States, and in the 
Revolutionary War aided the Colonies in their 
struggle for independence. His wife was a native 
of Scotland, and the maternal grandparents of 
our subject were also born in the same country. 
The father, James McMillan, was born and 
reared on a farm in vSouth Carolina, but, not wish- 
ing to follow agricultural pursuits, he learned the 
wagon-maker's trade. He served in the War of 
1S12, and in 1833 emigrated to Morgan County, 
111., but after a year he came to Henderson Coun- 
ty and purcha.sed a farm near Oquawka, whereon 
he spent his remaining days. His death occurred 
in 1846, when about forty-eight years of age. He 
was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, 
and his many excellencies of character gained for 
him high regard. His wife, who was also a na- 
tive of South Carolina, survived her husband only 
two weeks, both dying of measles. The family 
numbered nine children: Hugh D., who now car- 
ries on farming in Henderson County; vSarah, the 
wife of William Andrew, of Kansas; William L., 
an agricultuiist of this community; Nancy E., 
who is living in Henderson County; Robert T., 



of this sketch; Daniel, a physician now engaged 
in practice in Mercer County; Martha, who is liv- 
ing in Henderson County ; Rachel, wife of Alex 
Thompson, of Kansas; and Elizabeth, who died 
in childhood. 

Robert McMillan was a lad of only twelve 
years at the time of the death of his parents. He 
went to live with a paternal uncle. Dr. William 
McMillan, a farmer and physician, who was born 
in South Carolina, and in 1837 came to Hender- 
son CountJ^ where he made his home until his 
death. For many years he was the only phy.sician 
in this locality. He was numbered among the 
honored pioneers, and passed away at the advanced 
age of eighty years. 

Our subject remained with the Doctor until the 
ist of September, 1862, when he entered the army 
as one of the boys in blue of Company K, Eighty- 
fourth Illinois Infantrj-. He enlisted for three 
years' .service, and participated in many of the 
noted battles and campaigns, including the en- 
gagements at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, 
Franklin, Nashville and the Atlanta campaign. 
When the war was over he was honorabh- dis- 
charged, and returned to the North to again make 
his home with his uncle until 1870. In that year he 
was married, and removed to a farm near Biggs- 
ville, where, in connection with general fanning, 
he also carried on stock-raising. 

On the 27th of May, 1870, Mr. McMillan was 
united in marriage with Miss Mattie Graham, 
of Henderson County, and to them were born 
five children: Mary, who died at the age of fif- 
teen j-ears; Jessie B., who is now attending college 
in Monmouth, 111.; and Laura, Edward and Wal- 
ter, who are still at home. The parents are both 
members of the United Presbyterian Church, and 
are prominent people, who have many friends in 
this community. 

Socially, Mr. McMillan is connected with Ells- 
worth Post, G. A. R., of Oquawka. In politics, 
he is a Democrat, and in 1890 was elected Sher- 
iff of the county, the only Democratic vSheriff who 
has been elected in the county for a half-century, 
for this district is strongly Republican. He is 
fearles.s and faithful in the discharge of his duties, 
and has therefore won the high commendation of 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



485 



all concerned. In business, Mr. McMillan has 
also won success. He now owns two hundred 
and sixty acres of good farming land, a part of 
which he rents, using the remainder as pasture 
land, for he rai.ses, bu\s and sells considerable 
stock. He also owns an interest in a tile factory 
in Biggsville. 



3^+^ 



(=_ 



[=- 



nOHN R. FOSTER, a farmer residing on sec- 
I tion 5, township 10 north, range 4 west, is 
(*/ numbered among the native sons of Hender- 
son Countj-, his birth having occurred on the 1 7th 
of December, 1844. He is a worthy representa- 
tive of one of the pioneer families of the commu- 
nity. His father, William A. Foster, was a 
native of South Carolina, born in the Abbeyville 
District on the 1 6th of November, 1816,. When 
a young man of twenty-one years he determined 
to seek a home and fortune in the West, and, em- 
igrating to Illinois, took up his residence in War- 
ren County, where he spent about three years. 
He then came to Henderson County, and on the 
28th of April, 1841, was here married to Miss 
Jane McDill. They began their domestic life in 
Little York, and the following children were born 
of their union, namely: John, Samuel, George 
C. and James. 

No event of special importance occui red during 
the childhood and youth of our .subject, who was 
reared in his parents' home. Like the family, he 
shared in some of the trials and inconveniences 
of frontier life. His earl)- education was acquired 
in the common schools of the neighborhood, and 
he afterwards attended Monmouth College, of 
Monmouth, 111., for one year. Subsequently he 
took a course of study in Bryant & Stratton's 
Business College, of Chicago. On attaining to 
man's estate he began earning his own livelihood, 
and to his efforts, his perseverance and good 
management may be attributed his.succe.ss in life. 
On the 2ist of Augu.st, 1867, Mr. Foster was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Lorena T. Camp- 
bell, a daughter of Rev. W. S. and Lorena 
(Hendricks) Campbell. Her parents were both 



natives of Tennessee, the former born in Blount 
County, and the latter in Carter County. Four 
children graced the union of our subject and his 
wife: Mary A., now the wife of H. A. Boyer; 
William H., Roberts, and Grade G., who are 
.still at home. 

In 1866 and the year following Mr. Foster was 
engaged in merchandising in Biggsville. In 1868, 
his health failing, he moved out and settled upon 
a tract of land he inherited from his father, on 
which he has since made his home. When he 
became its owner it was but little improved, not 
a building having been erected upon it, while the 
land was still almost in its primitive condition. A 
residence, barns and outbuildings were erected and 
other accessories and conveniences added, until 
now the farm has become one of the best in the 
neighborhood. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their home 
is noted for its hospitality and they have many 
friends throughout the community. Mr. Foster 
has served as School Director for nine years, and is 
-Still filling that office in a creditable and accept- 
able manner, as is indicated by his long contin- 
uance therein. He votes with the Republican 
party, and socially is coiniected with Biggsville 
Lodge No. 236, A. O. U. W. 



-=]. 



^-^f^. 



-=i 



HON. RAUSELDON COOPER, of Oquawka, 
who is now ser\'ing as County Judge of 
Henderson County, has been connected 
with the Bench and Bar of this locality since 
February', 1876, and has won a leading position 
as a lawyer, one that has not onlj- secured for him a 
liberal patronage, but has also been the means of 
giving him the responsible position which he now 
fills. Judge Cooper has a wide acquaintance in 
this community, and all who know him hold him 
in high esteem. We therefore feel assured that 
this record of his life will prove of interest to 
many of our readers. Born in Wayne County, 
Ind., on the 24th of December, 1845, he comes 
of a family of English origin. His father, John 



486 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Cooper, and his grandfather, William Cooper, 
were both natives of Pennsylvania, and the former, 
who follows farming, is now living in Bald Blnff 
Precinct, Henderson Count>-, whither he removed 
in 1849. He married Martha E. Smith, and they 
became the parents of two children, Ranseldon, 
and Martha L-, now deceased. 

The mother of our subject died when he was 
only about four years of age, and he then went to 
live with his grandmother in Wayne County, Ind. 
His education in early life was limited to the 
privileges afforded b\- the common schools, but 
afterwards he attended Lombard University, in 
Galesburg, 111., and was graduated from that in- 
stitution in 1869, with the degree of B. S. He 
had come to Henderson County in 1853, locating 
in what at that time was known as Greenville 
Precinct, but is now called Pall Creek Precinct. 
On completing his literary education, he returned 
to the farm and worked for his father for six 
years, but, not content to follow agricultural pur- 
suits throughout life, he determined to enter the 
legal profession, and in the autumn of 1873 and 
in the winter of 1874-75, he was a student in the 
law department of the University of Michigan, 
being graduated therefrom in the spring of 1875. 
In Februarj-, 1876, he came to Oquawka, and, 
opening an office, at once began practice, which 
he carried on continuously until 1880. In that 
year he was elected State' s Attorney of Henderson 
County, and so ably did he discharge the duties 
of the office that he was re-elected in 1884. 
Again, on the expiration of his second term in 
1888, he was chosen his own successor, and filled 
the office until 1890, when he resigned, for he 
had been elected County Judge. He at once en- 
tered upon the duties of that position, and his 
course on the Bench has met with the same high 
approval and commendation that greeted his ad- 
ministration of affairs while .serving as State's At- 
torney. 

On the 14th of September, 1875, Judge Cooper 
was united in marriage with Miss Lucy K. Cum- 
mins, a daughter of Opdyke H. and Ellen I). 
(Oxford) Cummins. They became the parents 
of five children, three sons and two daughters, 
Moses R., Margaret V,., Rau.seldon, Harry Mac 



and Leona, and the family circle yet remains un- 
broken, for all are still under the parental roof. 

The Judge is a warm advocate of Republican 
principles, having been identified with that party 
since casting his first Presidential vote for U. S. 
Grant. Besides the positions already mentioned, 
he has filled several local offices, having served 
as Justice of the Peace, as a member of the Town 
Board and as School Director. Socially, he be- 
longs to Tranquil Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F. ; 
and Oquawka Camp No. 1037, M. W. A. His 
rulings on the Bench are always just, the result 
of decisions which ha\-e been obtained after care- 
ful deliberation and weighing of evidence. Skill 
and ability have won him prominence in the legal 
profession and given him a foremost place at the 
Henderson County- Bar. 



_=) 



^+^ 



IS" 



GlLEXANDER W. LYNN, one of the leading 
LI farmers of Gladstone Township, Henderson 
I I Count}-, now living on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 10, township 10, range 5 west, is 
one of the native sons of this county, and a wor- 
thy representative of one of its honored pioneer 
families. His father, Ezekiel W. Lynn, was born 
in Hartford, Conn., in 1807. His parents were 
also natives of the Nutmeg State, and had a 
family of eight children, namely: David, Samuel 
W., James, Asher, John, Mrs. Almira Brainard, 
Ezekiel and Mrs. Prudence Cook. 

Ezekiel W. Lynn spent the first twent\-five 
years of his life in his native State, after which he 
determined to try his fortune in the West. He 
came to Henderson County, 111., in 1832, among 
its verj- first settlers. There were few jiioneers in 
the county at that time; the greater part of the 
land was still in po.ssession of the Govern- 
ment, and all .seemed wild and unimproved. Here 
Mr. Lynn embarked in larming, and also built a 
sawmill, which lie operated through the spring 
and fall seasons, when there was a sufficient water 
supply. In the spring of 1837, he returned to 
Coiniecticut and was united in marriage with Miss 
01i\e Harvev, a daughter of Elisha and Rachel 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAIv RECORD. 



487 



(Whitmore) Harvey, both of whom were natives 
of Connecticut. Her father died in 1846. His 
wife passed away April 10, 1826. In their fam- 
ily were the following cliildren: Asahel, horn 
May 4, 1 801; Mrs. Cynthia Bailey, September 
22, 1802; Edwin, June 8, 1804; Annie, February 
8, 1806; Elisha H., in 1809: Mrs. Olive Lynn, 
May 26, 1814; and Mrs. Alniira Clark, June 18, 
1817. 

After his marriage, Ezekiel W. Lynn returned 
with his bride to Henderson County, where they 
spent their remaining days. He carried on farm- 
ing until his death, which occurred on the 4th of 
March, 1871, at the age of sixty-four years. His 
wife passed away in 1846, and they were both in- 
terred in the South Henderson Cemetery. Their 
family numbered six children: Alexander \V., 
born January 29, 1838; Charles Ezekiel, August 
10, 1839; Marj' O., October i, 1841; Mrs. Har- 
riet C. Tweed, February 25, 1843; George H., 
November 18, 1844: and Mrs. Olive A. Torpin, 
born September 29, 1846. 

The hi.story of pioneer life is familiar to our 
subject in all its details, for he was reared on the 
frontier, aided in the arduous task of developing 
new land, and has gone through the other expe- 
riences of those early days. He had no special 
advantages in his youth, but has always made the 
most of his opportunities, and has thus met with 
fair success in his undertakings. 

On the i8th of Novemlser, 1861, Mr. Lynn was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Applebey, 
and to them were born three children, Mariette, 
Martha and Chauncey, but the la.st-named died 
when quite young. The mother of this family 
was called to her final re.st on the loth of Decem- 
ber, 1880, and her remains were interred in the 
South Henderson Cemetery. 

Mr. Lynn has throughout life followed the oc- 
cupation of farming. He was reared to that pur- 
suit, and has made it a business whereliy he has 
provided for the wants of himself and family. He 
now owns a good farm of one hundred acres of 
arable land, which he has placed under a high state 
of cultivation, and which he has improved with 
good buildings and modern acces.sories and con- 
veniences, making it one of the valuable places of 



the neighborhood. He holds membership with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and since cast- 
ing his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lin- 
coln, has been a stanch supporter of the Repub- 
lican party and its principles. His entire life has 
been passed in Henderson County, and as one of 
its honored pioneers and highly respected citizens 
he well deserves representation in this volume. 



"^Sl 



^4^ 



[=~ 



QOHNM. MILLEN, one of the prominent and 
I progressive agriculturists of Henderson Coun- 
KZ) t\-, who is now living on .section 8, township 
10 north, range 4 west, claims Indiana as the 
State of his nativity, his birth having there oc- 
curred September 14, 1840. He comes of an old 
southern family. His father, John Millen, was 
born in Chester Countj-, S. C, and in that State 
was reared to manhood. There he was married, 
in 1834, to Miss Barbara MofFett, and about a 
year later they emigrated westward, settling in 
Monroe County, Ind., where the father followed 
farming. They had eleven children, namely: W. 
C, Mrs. Elizabeth Strong, J. M., Charles S., Mrs. 
Martha J. Wallace, Mrs. Emeline Bell, James P., 
Samuel, Thomas, Wallace and Mrs. Ida Rodman. 
The father died in the spring of 1869, but the 
mother is still living, and has reached the ad- 
vanced age of eighty years. 

John M. Millen spent his early childhood days 
in his native county, and then accompanied his 
parents on their removal to Tennessee in 1847. 
Three years later the family came to Illinois, set- 
tling in Adams County in 1850. There he aided 
in operating the home farm until the breaking out 
of the late war, when he responded to the coun- 
try's call for troops to aid in suppressing the re- 
Ijellion. In August, 1861, he donned the blue 
and became a member of Company G, Third Illi- 
nois Cavalry, in which he served for three years, 
when, in vSepteniber, 1864, he was honorably di.s- 
charged. He then returned home, remaining at 
the North until February, 1865, when here-en- 
listed as a member of Company F, Second Han- 
cock Veteran Reserve Corps. He was then in the 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sen-ice for a year, and was with Gen. Grant at 
the time of Lee's surrender. His countn- found 
him a loyal and faithful defender of the Old Flag 
and the cause it represented. 

After being mustered out, Mr. Millen returned 
home and resumed farming. On the 29th of Jan- 
uary, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah A. Gordon, a nativeof Henderson County, 
and a daughter of Daniel M. Gordon, one of the 
honored pioneers of this locality, widely known by 

all. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Millen were born nine 
children, six sons and three daughters, as follows: 
William Gordon, Charles F., Frank W., Eliza- 
beth J. (now the wife of William Whiteman), 
Flora Agnes, Minnie I., JohnM. and James M. 
(twins), and Ralph. WiUiamG. died at the age of 
twelve, and James M. died in infancy. The Mil- 
len household is a hospitable one, and its members 
have many warm friends in this community. 

Mr. Millen is a Republican in politics, and has 
been honored with some local offices. He is now 
ser\-ing as Road Commissioner for the fifth year, 
having by fidelity to duty won the election. He 
and his wife hold membership with the United 
Presbyterian Church, and, with the exception of 
the youngest two, their children are all members. 
Socially, our subject is connected with Oquawka 
Lodge No. 172, G. A. R. In this community he 
has a wide acquaintance, and has won the confi- 
dence and good will of all with whom he has been 
brought in contact. 



[3_ 



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^-^ 



^OHN PEOPLES, who carries on general 
I farming and stock-rai.sing on section 27, Ro- 
Qj zetta Township, Henderson County, where 
he owns two hundred and twenty acres of valu- 
able and highly improved land, was born on the 
Emerald Lsle in 18 14, and is one of a family of 
five sons and two daughters, whose parents were 
Hans and Rebecca (Williamson) Peoples. They 
too were natives of Ireland. 

Upon his father's farm John Peoples was 
reared to manhood, and in the public schools of 



the neighborhood acquired his education, but his 
privileges along that line were somewhat limited. 
In 1842, he resolved to seek a home and fortune 
in America, for he had heard much of the privi- 
leges and opportunities here afforded. Bidding 
adieu to friends and native land, he boarded a 
sailing-vessel, and after a voyage of eight weeks 
landed at Philadelphia. In that city he worked 
at general labor until 1856, when he came to the 
We.st, settling in Hendensou County, 111. With 
the capital he had acquired through industry and 
perseverance he purchased thirty-five acres of land 
in Rozetta Township, and to its cultivation de- 
voted his energies for five years, after which he 
bought eiglitj- acres of land on section 27, a part 
of his present farm. From that time prosperity 
has attended his efforts, and he has increased the 
boundaries of the homestead, until now two hun- 
dred and twenty acres of rich land pay a golden 
tribute to his care and cultivation. He carries on 
general farming and stock-raising, and everything 
about his place is in keeping with a model farm of 
the nineteenth centurj- . Ever>-thing is kept in good 
repair, the fields are well tilled, and an air of neat- 
ness and thrift pervades the place. 

On the 3d of January, 1852, Mr. Peoples was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Barresford, 
who is also a native of Ireland, and a daughter of 
John and Isabella (Ramage) Barresford. Their 
famih- numbered seven children, three sons and 
four daughters. In 1871, Mrs. Peoples crossed 
the briny deep to the New World, and in Phila- 
delphia she and our subject were married. Sev- 
en children have been born to them: John A., 
who is now living in Dekota; Hens, who makes 
his home in Kansas; Isabella, wife of Doc Keener; 
Daniel, who is living in Henderson County; 
Martha A., wife of Lincoln RobI)ins: Thomas H., 
deceased; and William, who is still at home. 

Mr. Peoples exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Democratic party. His wife be- 
longs to the Methodist Epi.scopal Church. They 
have long resided in Henderson Couuty, and 
have many warm friends within its borders. Mr. 
Peoples began life for him.self a poor boy, with no 
capital .save a determined spirit and an indus- 
trious disposition, but .steadily he has worked his 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



489 



way upward, overcoming the difficulties and ob- 
stacles in his path, and success has at length 
crowned his eflForts, making him one of the sub- 
stantial fanners of the communitv. 



-=). 



^+^ 



[S_ 



|ILLIAM JACKSON ASH, who is success- 
fully engaged in farming on section 16, 
Wythe Township, Hancock County, dates 
his residence in Illinois from 1846. Three j'ears 
after, he came to this locality, where he has since 
made his home. He claims Tennessee as the 
State of his nativity, his birth having occurred 
in McMiini County, on the 6th of June, 1825. 
His father, Hugh Brown A.sh, was a native of 
South Carolina, and the grandfather, Robert Ash, 
was born in .Scotland, Emigrating to this coun- 
try, he settled in South Carolina, and thence re- 
moved to Tennessee in an early da}-, becoming 
one of the pioneers of that State. 

The father of our subject was reared to man- 
hood in Eastern Tennessee, and, after arriving at 
years of maturitj-, he married Nancy Jones, who 
was born in that State. The work of frontier 
life was familiar to him. He aided in the arduous 
task of clearing and developing wild land, and, 
as the result of his labors, opened up a good farm. 
He was energetic and industrious, and his well- 
directed eiforts won for him success. He made 
his home in Tennessee until his death, which re- 
sulted from an accident in 1834. His wife, who 
long sur\-ived him, reared the family, caring for 
the children until they were able to care for them- 
selves. She removed with the family to Ala- 
bama, and was there again married. After seven 
years .spent in that State, she went to Missouri, 
locating in Dent County, where her last days were 
pas.sed. She was a faithful mother to her children, 
who have reason to bless her memory. 

William J. Ash accompanied his mother on her 
removal to Alabama, and in that State learned 
the tanner's trade, which he followed for about 
six years. At length he detennined to seek a 
home in Illinois, and, as before stated, the year 
1846 witne.ssed his arrival within its Ixjrders. He 



first located in Adams County, where he .spent 
about three j-ears. He was employed as a farm 
hand by the month for two years, and on the ex- 
piration of that period he returned to Alabama, 
in 1848. The object of this trip was .seen when, 
on the 28th of February, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Eliza Culpepper, a daughter of 
Joel Culpepper, formerly of South Carolina. The 
lady is a native of Tennessee, but during her 
early girlhood accompanied her parents to Ala- 
bama, where she was reared and educated. 

After his marriage Mr. Ash returned with his 
bride to Adams County, and upon a rented farm 
the}- began their domestic life. That season he 
planted and harvested a crop, and in the succeed- 
ing autumn he came to Hancock County, where 
he again rented land, making his home thereon 
for a year. Having lived frugally, he had as the 
result of his industrj- and perseverance acquired 
.some capital, which he now invested in land. 
The farm which he then purchased has since been 
his home, although it has been increased in ex- 
tent. He first bought a tract of forty acres of 
raw land, which he broke and fenced in, and con- 
tinued to cultivate until it was made to yield to 
him a good return for his labor. A few years 
later he added to it, and from time to time he has 
made other purcha.ses. He now owns a valuable 
tract of one hundred and eighty acres, and has 
also of late years .sold portions of his farm. Every 
improvement upon the place .stands as a monu- 
ment to his thrift and enterprise, for it has been 
secured through his own labors. He first built a 
small frame house, but in 1872 it was replaced by 
a very commodious and plea.sant residence. 

To Mr. and Mrs. A.sh were born six daughters 
and a son: vSarah Malvina, wife of W. H. King, 
a prosperous famer of Wythe Township, Han- 
cock County; Mary Adeline, wife of Fred C. 
Schrever, of Hamilton; Joel B., who is married, 
and resides in Harper County, Kan. ; Loui.sa Ann; 
Amanda Jane, wife of Peter K)rnest, an agricul- 
turi.st of Wythe Town.ship; Alice, wife of Charles 
Benderwald, of Hancock County; and Narcissa 
Elizabeth. 

Mr. A.sh deserves the succe.ss of his life, as it 
has come to him through his own efforts and the 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



assistance of his estimable wife. He has accumu- 
lated a valuable property, and is to-daj- recog- 
nized as one of the well-to-do farmers of the com- 
munity. In politics, he is identified with the 
Democracy, having supported that party since he 
cast his first Presidential ballot for Franklin 
Pierce, in 1852. He has been elected to and has 
held several local positions of honor and trust, 
having served for six years as Asses.sor, and for 
four years as Justice of the Peace. The cause of 
education finds in him a warm friend, and he 
gives a hearty support to the public schools. He 
did effective service in their interest during his 
twenty-one years' service on the School Board. 
Socially, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of 
Hamilton, and his famih- are members of the 
Wythe Presbyterian Church. For forty-four long 
years he has been a resident of Hancock County, 
and has not only witnessed its growth and devel- 
opment, but has aided in its advancement, and 
has given his support to all enterprises which he 
beheved calculated to prove of public benefit. 
He has lived an honorable and upright life, and 
throughout the conununity in which he resides is 
held in high regard. 



^-^l 



-^3 



IILLIAM GAINES MOTT, M. D., has 
.since the spring of 1877 been engaged in the 
practice of medicine in Basco, and is num- 
bered among the leading physicians of this part of 
the county. He is a close student, and has won 
his way to a foremost place in the profession. A 
native of Keokuk, Iowa, he was born on the 13th 
of April, 1842, and is a son of Robert Emmett and 
Amanda (Colgan) Mott, the former a native of 
Dutchess County, N. Y., and the latter of St. 
Charles, Mo. The father ser\'ed as a soldier in 
the War of 1812, under Gen. Brown, and was 
promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He received 
his discharge at Prairie du Chien in 18 16, and af- 
terward removed to St. Charles, Mo., where he was 
married in 1826. He was a tainier by trade, and 
followed that business in coiniection with farming 
until 1838, when he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, 



thenonly a small village. In 1840, he purcha.sed 
four hundred acres of land near that place and 
established a ferry on the Des Moines River. His 
death occurred in Keokuk, in 1848, and his wife, 
who sur\-ived him for a number of years, passed 
away in 1876. He w^as a member of the Methodist 
Church, and in his political views was a Whig. 
Public-spirited and progressive, he took an active 
interest in everything that pertained to the wel- 
fare of the community in which he made his 
home, was a leading and influential citizen, and 
served as Justice of the Peace for eight years un- 
der Gov. Lucas, the first Territorial Governor. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Mott were born twelve chil- 
dren: Susan, now deceased; Eliza, wife of Perry 
Condon, of California; Ann, wife ofHenrj^ Gray, 
a resident of Clark County, Mo. ; Clarissa, wife 
of Thomas Phillips, also of Clark County; Robert 
Emmett, who is living in Vincennes, Lee County, 
Iowa; Henrietta, wife of George Baker, also a 
resident of Clark County, Mo. ; William Gaines 
of this sketch; and Henrj-, who carries on agricul- 
tural pursuits in Clark County. 

In his native city W. G. Mott spent the days 
of his boyhood and j-outh, and attended its public 
schools until twenty years of age. At the age of 
twenty-five he began teaching in Clark County, 
Mo., and later he was for four terms a .student in 
Spring Street College, Quincy, 111. 

In 1872, Mr. Mott was united in marriage with 
Miss Martha E.Tinsley, a native of Clark County, 
and with his j-oung wife removed to Center\-ille, 
Iowa. In the winter of 1873-74, ^i^ attended 
lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of Keokuk, Iowa, and in the .spring of 1874 he 
came to Hancock County, 111., locating in Chili. 
He there began the practice of medicine, and re- 
mained at that place until the spring of 1877, 
when he opened an office and established himself 
in practice in Basco. Here he has since continued, 
and is now enjoying a good business, for his skill 
and ability have gained him the confidence of the 
comniunit)-. 

Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born 
three children: Hugh Latimer, Sterling Price and 
Milan C. All are now attending school in Ba.sco. 
The parents arc members of the Methodist Church, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



491 



and are prominent and highlj- respected citizens 
of this place. The Doctor has ser\-ed for four 
years as Town Clerk of Basco, was Assessor for 
two years. Village Clerk three years, and Count\' 
Physician one year. He has always .supported 
the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member 
of Basco Lodge No. 618, A. F. & A. M.: and 
Basco Lodge No. 682, I. O. O. F. 



■=1 



^+^ 



n=j 



~LMER U. OVERMAN, State's Attorney of 
^ Oquawka, and one of the foremost members 
__ at the Bar of Henderson County, has spent 
his entire life in this part of Illinois. He was 
born in St. Albions Township, Hancock County, 
on the 30th of June, 1864, and is of German and 
English lineage. His father, Charles Overman, 
was born in Clark County, III., and for many 
j'ears followed agricultural pursuits, but is now 
living retired in Oquawka, at the age of seventy. 
He was married on the 14th of Januarj', 1845, to 
Miss Martha Garner, daughter of William and 
Sarah (Robinson) Garner. Nine children were 
born of this union, five sons and four daughters, 
of whom Edgar R. and Chivyral W. died in in- 
fancy. James G. is now engaged in farming near 
Red Cloud, Neb.; Sarah A. is the wife of Alex 
Waggoner, a retired farmer of Oquawka, 111. ; 
Jennie is the wife of Charles Swartz, who is en- 
gaged in clerking in this city ; Mar}- is the wife of 
Dr. R. D. Demerell, a ph)-sician and surgeon of 
Red Cloud, Neb.; William P., who was a lawyer 
of more than ordinary ability, died in Red Cloud, 
Neb. , at the age of twenty-seven years; and May is 
the wife of Leon Lemaire, a grain and implement 
dealer of Oquawka, 111. 

Mr. Overman whose name heads this record 
is the younge.st of the family. No event of special 
importance occurred during his boyhood and 
youth, which were quietly pasised upon his 
father's farm in St. Albions Township. He en- 
joyed the advantages afforded by the district 
.schools of the neighborhood, and remained under 
the parental roof until eighteen years of age, 
when he entered Hedding College, of Abingdon, 



111., in which in.stitution he pursued his studies 
for four years. Having chosen the legal profes- 
sion as one which he wished to make his life 
work, he began study in the law office of Sharp 
& Berry Brothers, of Carthage, 111., and in 
May, 1889, was admitted to the Bar. Since that 
time he has been continuou.sly engaged in prac- 
tice. He located in Oquawka in July, and has 
rapidly won his way to a foremost place among 
his professional brethren. In November, 1890, 
he was elected to fill an unexpired term as State's 
Attorney, and in 1892 was re-elected, so that he is 
now filling the full term. 

On the 26th of April of the same year, Mr. 
Overman was joined in wedlock with Mi.ss Nellie 
Zinn, of St. Albions Township, Hancock County, 
daughter of William H. and Florence (Crawford) 
Zinn. Her grandfather is yet living, at the ad- 
vanced age of ninet}- years. 

Mr. Overman is a warm advocate of Republican 
principles, and by his first vote supported Hon. 
James G. Blaine. He is a member of Tranquil 
Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F., of Oquawka; of 
Oquawka Camp No. 1037, M. W. A.; and both 
he and his wife hold membership with the Presby- 
terian Church. Mr. Overman worked his own 
way through college, ser\-ing as janitor, and the 
same enterpri.se and perseverance which led him 
to thus acquire an education characterize his 
professional career. He is a man of sterling 
worth, and in business and social circles occupies 
a prominent position. 



=-^^+^! 



c=_ 



(S" 



r~RANK M. COOPER, who carries on stock- 
r^ raising on section 10, Gladstone Township, 
I ^ Ilender.son County, was born in Edgar 
County, 111., on the 29th of October, 1850, and 
was raised in Greene County, Ind. He is a son of 
Ambro.se and Louisa (McRoberts) Cooper. The 
father was a native of \'irginia, but in an early 
day removed to Indiana, locating in Greene 
County. He was married in Edgar County, 111., 
to Miss McRoberts, and they became the jiarents 
of eleven children, namely: Frank M., Johiuiic, 



492 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mrs. Sarah Davis, William S., Charles A., Mrs. 
Margaret C. Woodall, James A., George W., 
Andrew J., Mar>- and Ella. Nine of the number 
are now living. The mother of this family pas.sed 
away on the 8th of Augu.st, 1876, but Ambrose 
Cooper still sur\-i\-es and follows farming in 
Indiana. He is a blacksmith by trade, and for 
many years carried on that busine.ss, but now 
gives his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. 

Under the parental roof, Frank M. Cooper was 
reared to manhood. Ere he left home his father 
entered the army, enlisting in January-, 1861, as 
a member of the Thirteenth Indiana Battery- . He 
continued in the .ser\-ice until after the surrender 
of Gen. Lee, and although he participated in a 
number of important engagements was never 
wounded or taken prisoner. When the war was 
over he returned to his family, and Frank aided 
him in the work of the farm until twenty-three 
\-ears of age. Until the age of nineteen our sub- 
ject spent the winter season in the district schools 
of the neighborhood. He then went to college, 
where he pursued his studies for a j'ear, thus 
completing a good English education. 

Mr. Cooper went to Warren County, 111., in 
1 87 1, and three years later located in Henderson 
County. On the ist of January, 1874, was cel- 
ebrated his marriage with Miss Marj- E. Rya- 
son, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Lee) 
Ryason. Her father was one of the honored 
pioneer settlers of this localitj', and here made 
his home for many years. Her mother, who was 
a niece of Gen. Lee, was a native of \'irginia, 
but grew to womanhood in Indiana. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have been born six 
children. Of these only four are now living. 
Samuel A. was born October 3, 1874; Edward E., 
September 24, 1876; Bertha I., April 5, 1880; 
Sylva L., July 27, 1884; Lola F., May 8, 1887, 
and Etta L., August 23, 1890. 

Mr. Cooper devotes his time and energies to 
stock-raising, having a good grade of horses, 
cattle and hogs upon his farm. His business has 
proved to him a profitable one, and by the .sale 
of his .stock he has accumulated a comfortable 
competence. He well deser\'es that his career 
should l)e successful, for he is straightforward and 



honorable in all dealings. Socially, Mr. Cooper 
is connected with the Modern Woodmen of 
America, and with the Sons of Veterans. In 
politics, he is a supporter of Republican princi- 
ples. Much of his life has been pa.ssed in Hen- 
derson Countj', and he is recognized as a public- 
spirited and progressive citizen, who gives his 
support to all worthy enterprises. 



^+^ 



[^ 



"=) 



REV. RICE HARRIS, a minister of the Old- 
School Baptist Church, who now has charge 
of West Liberty Church, near Sperrj', Des 
Moines County, Iowa, makes his home on section 
25, Bear Creek Township, Hancock County, 111. 
He was boni on the i ith of August, 1844, at Big 
Neck, Adams County, 111., and is one of seven- 
teen children whose parents were Solomon and 
Lucinda (Barker) Harris, the former a native of 
North Carolina, and the latter of Tennessee. Of 
their family, Jesse, Nancy and Fannie are now de- 
cea.sed; Solomon is living in Adams County; 
George makes his home in Kansas; Lucinda is 
the wife of Elder John Riley, of Adams County; 
Mary is the wife of James Walters; Miner\-a is 
the wife of Joseph Pond, of Monroe County, Mo.; 
Jackson is living in Hancock County; Melinda is 
the wife of Simon Kennedy, of McDonough 
County; William is now deceased; Jane married 
Milton Ri.ston, a resident of Washington; Sarah 
wedded Jeremiah Hickock, of Kansas; Rice is the 
next younger; Clark is living in Adams County. 
The father of this family acquired such an educa- 
tion as was afforded by the old-time subscription 
schools. In 1850, he purcha.sed five hundred and 
ten acres of partially improved land near Wood- 
ville, Adams County, 111., and there carried on 
general farming and stock-raising until 1866, 
when he sold out and removed to Bowen, Han- 
cock County. Retiring from active life, he there 
purchased a home, and spent his remaining days 
in the enjoj-ment of a well-earned re.st. He was 
a prominent member of and active worker in the 
Old-School Baptist Church, and was a life-long 
Democrat. His many excellencies of character 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



493 



gained for him the high regard of all with whom 
he was brought in contact, and his death, which 
occurred in Bowen, December 15, 1872, was 
deeply mourned. His wife passed awa\- on the 
30th of March, 1878. 

We now take up the personal history of 
Rice Harris, who spent his boyhood days upon 
his father's farm, and conned his lessons in the 
subscription schools of the neighborhood. Hav- 
ing arrived at years of maturity, he was mar- 
ried in June, 1863, to Miss Nancy Bolinger, of 
Adams County, and six children were born of 
their union, but three of the number are deceased. 
Those living are: Lucinda Catherine, wife of Ly- 
man HuflF; Annie Naomi, wife of James Roe, of 
Missouri; and Emma Nanc\-, wife of Hannon 
Crear, of Hancock County. On the 8th of Au- 
gust, 1879, he was again married, his second 
union being with Miss Emily Lower, of this coun- 
ty. Eleven children have been born of this union, 
but only eight are living, namely: Minerva 
Maria, James Harvey, William R., Clarence 
Franklin and Clara (twins), Joseph, Grover 
Cleveland and an infant daughter. 

In 1863, Mr. Harris engaged in operating land 
belonging to his father on shares. In 1867, 
he removed to Allen County, Kan., where he 
purchased one hundred and seventj^ acres of wild 
land, and for four years engaged in its cultivation 
and improvement. He also carried on stock-rais- 
ing until 1 87 1, when he traded his Kansas farm 
for ninetj'-one and a-half acres on section 25, 
Bear Creek Township, Hancock County, and, re- 
moving hither, has since been engaged in general 
farming, and has extended the boundaries of his 
farm until he now owns one hundred and sixtj- 
acres. He has a well-improved place, and its 
neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful 
supervision of the owner. 

In i860. Rev. Mr. Harris united with the Old- 
School Bapti.st Church, and in Januarj-, 1861, he 
began preaching, although he was not ordained 
as a regular minister until 1863. He has had 
charge of various churches in Adams and Han- 
cock Counties, and has also been pa.stor of the 
Coles Creek Church in Kansas. He aided in 
framing the constitutions of three churches in 



Kansas, which now form the Turkey Creek As- 
sociation, and ordained the first Old-School Bap- 
tist preacher of that State. His brother, George 
Harris, is now an ordained Elder and Clerk of 
that association. Our subject has been in charge 
of his present pastorate for about nine years, and, 
in connection with Elder B. R. Warren, has 
charge of the home church at Bethel. He is a 
member of Basco Lodge No. 618, A. F. & A. M., 
has been a life-long Democrat, and has been hon- 
ored with various local offices. The best interests 
of the community ever find in him a friend, and 
his hearty support and co-operation are ever given 
to worthy enterprises. He is honored by all who 
know him for his .sterling worth, and throughout 
the community he has a large circle of friends and 
acquaintances who esteem him highly. 



.^} 



^-^ 



(=• 



-^ 



NERVEY BRIMHALL is the owner of a 
valuable farm of two hundred and sixty-six 
acres on section 2 1 , Rozetta Township, Hen- 
derson County. The care and cultivation which 
he has bestowed upon his land have resulted in 
making it one of the finest farms of the com- 
munity. He is a native of McHenry County, 
111., born October 24, 1844, and on the paternal 
side is of English descent. His parents were 
Samuel and Caroline (Mills) Brimhall, the for- 
mer a native of New York, and the latter of 
Indiana. The family luimbered five children: 
Adelia A., now deceased; Hervey, of this sketch; 
Elmer, who is engaged in the real-estate business 
in Chicago; and Andrew and Nancy E., both de- 
ceased. The father of this family removed from 
the Empire State to Dearborn Count)-, Ind., 
when about fifteen years of age, the journey 
westward being made by team. The family were 
among the pioneer .settlers. Samuel Brimhall there 
grew to manhood, and in the Hoosier State was 
married. In 1843, he went with his wife and 
daughter to McHenr\- County, 111., where he 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
upon which he made his home until 1845. He 
then came to Henderson Countv on horseback to 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



look up a location, and the following year brought 
his family, the journey being made with an ox- 
team and wagon. He purchased forty acres of 
land from the Government, and one hundred and 
sixty acres which had already been entered, on 
sections i8 and 20, and then erected a log cabin 
20x20 feet. This was mo.stly timber-land. He 
at once began to clear and improve it, and made 
his home thereon until i860, when he took up his 
residence in Kirkwood, where he made his home 
until his death. He passed away August i, 1888, 
and was laid to rest in Kirkwood Cemetery. He 
held membership with the Baptist Church, and 
for many years was a preacher of the Gospel, 
working in the ministry in Mercer, Warren and 
Henderson Counties. He also spent two years as 
a preacher in Chicago. He was one of nature's 
noblemen, faithful to every trust reposed in him, 
and his example was one well worthy of emulation. 
His wife, w'lio was a consistent member of the 
same church, passed away November 3, 1859. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared to manhood upon his father's farm in 
Henderson County, whither he came with his 
parents when only three years of age. The sub- 
scription schools afforded him his educational 
privileges, but he is largely self-educated, having 
gained much of his knowledge through business 
experience, reading, and contact with the world. 
He began to earn his own livelihood when seven- 
teen years of age by working as a farm hand, 
and was thus employed until the 8th of August, 
1862, when he enlisted for the late war as a 
private of Company K, Eighty-fourth Illinois 
Infantry. He was mustered into .service in Quin- 
cy, and after going to the South took part in the 
battles of Murfreesboro and Stone River, together 
with other engagements. When the war was 
over he received his final di.scharge at Camp But- 
ler, June 15, 1865. 

Mr. Brimhall then returned to Henderson 
County, and began working at the carpenter's 
trade, which he followed for about three years. 
Since that time he has engaged principally in 
fanning, but has also worked at carpentering to 
some extent. His landed possessions now aggre- 
gate three hundred and ninety-eight acres, includ- 



ing eight acres which his father secured from the 
Government almost half a century ago. In con- 
nection with general farming he carries on stock- 
raising, and in both branches of his business he 
has met with good success. His farm is improved 
with good buildings, and is supplied with all 
modern accessories and conveniences. 

On the ist of November, 1866, Mr. Brimhall 
wedded Miss Mar\- L. Alaman, and by their 
union have been born six children; Ida N., who 
was born October 31, 1867, and is the wife of 
Gideon T. Dixon, a merchant of Biggsville, by 
whom she has a daughter, Elsie; Ross, born Jan- 
uary 19, 1871; H. Elmer, born August 2, 1875; 
Frank A., born February 9, 1881; Carie B., 
born April 24, 1884; and Leroy B., born Novem- 
ber 6, 1885. 

In his political views, Mr. Brimhall is a stanch 
Republican. He has held the offices of Justice of 
the Peace and School Director, and is a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic. Always 
found on the side of right and order, he is re- 
garded as one of the leading and highly respected 
citizens of the community, and well deserves rep- 
resentation in the histon,' of his adopted countj-. 



_^i. 



-^3 



^+^ 



t^ 



lIELIAM A. WIEGAND, one of Hender- 
son County's self-made men, who is now 
engaged in general farming and stock- 
dealing, was born on the 25th of September, 
1862, in Oquawka, and is of German descent. 
His father, William Wiegand, who was a native 
of Philippsthal, Hessen Cassel, Gennany, was 
born Augu.st 15, 1828. In November, 1848, 
he came to this country, and, taking up his 
residence in St. Louis, was there married, 
in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Goempler, also a 
native of Philippsthal. In May, 1852, the 
family located in Henderson Count}-, and after 
some years spent upon the farm where our sub- 
ject now resides, the parents removed to Oquawka. 
The mother was called to her final rest October 
20, 1892. In the family were the following chil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



495 



dreii: Mrs. Minnie Fliege, Mrs. Christina Jami- 
son, August and William A. 

We now take up the personal histor>- of our 
subject, who in the usual manner of farm lads 
grew to years of maturity, his educational privi- 
leges being those afforded by the common schools. 
As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, 
he chose Mi.ss Annie Keener, a daughter of Mar- 
tin Keener, one of the honored pioneers and 
highly respected citizens of Henderson County. 
Their marriage was celebrated on the 14th of 
Februar\-, 1884,, and has been ble.s.sed with a 
family of three children: Louis A., Elizabeth S. 
and William. 

Mr. Wiegand received a small share of the home 
farm as his part of the estate, and in 1892 he 
purchased the interests of the other heirs, becom- 
ing the owner of two hundred and twenty acres 
of valuable land. He is practically a .self-made 
man, his possessions having been acquired through 
his own industrj', perseverance and good man- 
agement. His land is now under a high state of 
cultivation, and the place is improved with good 
buildings and all the accessories of a model farm. 
Mr. Wiegand is a member of the Odd Fellows' 
society and the Knights of Pythias society, and 
his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. All 
who know him esteem him highly for his strict 
integrity and sterling worth. 






1^-+^! 



QhARLES HOMER McMAHAN follows 
1 1 farming on .section 25, Wilcox Township, 
\J Hancock County, where he owns two hun- 
dred and two and a-half acres of good land, which 
is under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
proved with all modern accessories and conven- 
iences. It is complete in all its appointments, and 
is regarded as one of the desirable and valuable 
farms of the locality. The owner is a native of 
this county, his Ijirth having occurred in Wythe 
Townshi]), December 4, 1861. His father, Robert 
MciMahan, was one of the honored early .settlers 
of the count}-, and is represented on another page 
of this work. 



Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and 
\outli upon the old homestead farm, and in the 
district schools of the neighborhood acquired a 
good English education. His early advantages 
were also supplemented by one year's attendance 
at Carthage College. Mr. McMahan, like a duti- 
ful sou, gave his father the benefit of his .services 
until he had attained his majority, when he pur- 
chased land and located upon his own farm, ad- 
joining the old horae.stead. Here he has resided 
since March, 18S3, successfully engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. He is industrious and enter- 
pri.sing, and his well-directed efforts have brought 
to him success. 

On the 22d of March, 1883, Mr. McMahan led 
to the marriage altar Mi.ss Eva Knox, a daughter 
of Harrison O. Knox, one of the substantial 
farmers of Hancock County. The father came 
here at an early day, and bore his part in the de- 
velopment and upbuilding of the community. 
Mrs. McMahan has here spent her entire life, and 
is both wideh' and favorably known. Unto our 
subject and his wife have been born four children, 
all sons: Carl, Robert, Raymond and George. 

In politics, Mr. McMahan has been a stanch 
Democrat since casting his first Presidential vote 
for the country's chief executive, Grover Cleve- 
land, in 1884. He warmly advocates the princi- 
ples of the Democracy and never fails to support 
its men and measures. He takes an active in- 
terest in local politics, and has been honored with 
some official positions. He was elected and 
served for four consecutive terms as Township 
Clerk, was chosen to the office of Supervisor, and 
is now filling that position for the fourth time. 
He is a leading member of the County Board, and 
has always served as a delegate to the County 
Conventions .since attaining to man's estate. In 
whatever position he has been called upon to fill, 
he has proved a faithful and efficient officer, dis- 
charging his duties with promptness and fidelity. 
He holds membenship with the Christian Church 
of Wythe, and, socially, is connected with the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the En- 
campment. Of the former he is Past Grand. 
His wife has taken the Rebecca Degree in the 
Odd Fellows' society. She is an estimable lady, 



496 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and hasmatiN- friends throughout this community. 
Mr. McMahan has led an honorable, upright 
life, and his strict integrity and sterling worth 
have gained for him the respect and confidence of 
all with whom business or social relations have 
brought him in contact. 



1-^+^ 



[3_ 



ICJATHANIEL H. CAYWOOD, one of the 
ry prominent and influential citizens of Han- 
1^ cock County, was born in Ulster County, 
N. Y. , near Newburgh, and is the son of Charles 
and Elizabeth (Harcourt) Cay wood, the former a 
native of Orange County, N. Y., and the latter of 
Ulster County. After their marriage they lived 
for a time in the la.st-named county, and then re- 
moved to Dutchess County, N. Y., where the fa- 
ther of our subject engaged in farming and dairy- 
ing until September, 1847. In that year he emi- 
grated Westward to Washtenaw County, Mich., 
and purchased eighty acres of partially improved 
land, upon which he lived for two jears. In 
1849 he became a resident of Clinton County, 
that State, and, purchasing one hundred and four- 
teen acres of land, he there again carried on the 
dairj' business in connection with farming. The 
j-ear 1859 witnessed his arrival in Illinois. For 
two years he rented a farm in Adams County, 
and in 1861 came to Hancock County, where he 
purchased an eighty-acre tract of land on section 
14, Bear Creek Township. Two years later he 
removed to a farm on section 18, becoming owner 
of about one hundred and sixty acres, which he 
cultivated and improved for two years, when, in 
1865, he sold out. His next property was a tract 
of one hundred and sixty acres on .section 27, 
Wythe Township, and there he made his home 
from 1865 until 1869. At the last-named date 
he emigrated to Johnson County, Neb., where he 
purchased an unimproved farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres. Mr. Caywood was a prominent 
and influential citizen, who took a deep interest 
in everything that pertained to the welfare of the 
community. The cause of education found in 
him a warm friend, and he did effective .service 



in its behalf. He was an active and faithful mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, contrib- 
uted liberally to its support, and did all in his 
power for its upbuilding. By his right of fran- 
chise he supported the Republican party. In 
1885 he went to Kansas to live with a son, and 
there died on the 6th of September, 1887. His 
wife passed away September 22, 1867, while liv- 
ing in Wythe Township. 

In the Caywood family were nine children, 
namely: AmiaS., now deceased; Nathaniel H., 
who is the .second in order of birth; Eliza Jane, 
who resides in the State of Washington; Charles 
B. and Sarah N., both of whom are deceased; 
Joseph R., a resident of Crete, Neb.; Caroline, 
deceased; J. W." of Kansas; and Charles A., who 
has also departed this life. 

The public schools of his native State afforded 
Nathaniel Caywood his educational privileges. 
He accompanied his parents on their various re- 
movals until 1858, when he purchased forty acres 
of unimproved land in Clinton County, Mich. Of 
this he cleared a small portion, but soon disposed 
of it, and on the 19th of March we find him in 
Quincy, 111., where he worked at any vocation 
that would yield him an honest livelihood. It 
was during that year that he made a shipment of 
fine, black Morgan horses to Quincy. On the 
loth of July, 1S61, he took up his residence in 
Bear Creek Township, Hancock County, and the 
following year he purchased a farm in Adams 
County. 

Mr. Caywood was married on the 2d of Oc- 
tober, 1862, the ladj'ofhis choice being Mi.ss Ellen 
Huff, a native of Schuyler County, 111. Five 
children graced this union, but John C. and Orrin 
H. are the only ones now living. Eva V., Addie 
and .Sadie are all now deceased. The year after 
his marriage, our subject embarked in the grocery 
and grain business in Bentley, and successfully 
conducted operations along that line for a year. 
In 1864 he removed to Bear Creek Township and 
operated a rented farm until 1S66, when he en- 
gaged in raising the osage-orange hedge plant. 
This enterprise also jtroved fairly profitable. In 
1870 he embarked in general farming on section 
33, and the following year he removed to Basco, 




Samuel Mickey 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



499 



where he engaged in tlie butchering business 
until 1872, when he sold out and began dealing 
in grain. His time and attention were given to 
that enterprise for seven xears. In 1 8S0 he bought 
a drug store, which he has since conducted. He 
has met svith good success in his undertakings, 
and has a good .store in Basco, supplied with 
everything found in his line, and from the public 
he receives a liberal patronage. 

Through the greater part of his life, Mr. Cay- 
wood has been a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, and .since 1873 he has l:>een connected with 
Basco Lodge No. 61S, A. F. A- A. M. In poli- 
tics, he is a Democrat, and has been elected on 
that ticket to various offices. He .served as Con- 
stable, was Assessor two terms. Collector and 
Town Clerk for one term each, and has been Jus- 
tice of the Peace and Notarj- Public for many 
years. On the 2d of November, 1885, he was ap- 
pointed Postmaster of Basco by President Cleve- 
land, and continued to fill the office until Ma)-, 
1889. He is now serving as Police Magistrate 
and Notan,' Public. In the various positions he 
has filled he has discharged his duties with a 
promptness and fidelity that have won him the 
commendation of all concerned. He is true to 
ever)- public and private trust, and is recognized 
as one of the valued citizens of the community. 
His wife holds membership with the Bapti.st 
Church, and is one of its active workers. 



=1 



"=] 



^HJH^ 



ts~ 



0AMUEL MICKEY, decea.sed, was born in 
/\ Richland County, Ohio, on the 22d of No- 
Q) vember, 1827. His father, Robert Mickey, 
was a native of Westmoreland Count)-, Pa., and 
was of Scotch-Irish descent. He moved thence to 
Ohio, and lived upon a farm, where Samuel was 
born. Samuel Mickey was brought up on the 
farm, but when he reached manhood he became 
discontented with his surroundings. Hearing of 
the discoveries of gold in California, he thought it 
a great opportunity, and in the spring of 1850 
joined the army of emigrants then streaming west- 
26 



ward. He was one of that vast number of young 
men who followed the awful trail of 1849, marked 
by wrecks of suffering and death. He crossed the 
Great American Desert, as it was then' known, 
behind .slow-moving teams of horses and cattle, 
and amidst peril, privation and ceaseless hard- 
ships. The Indians were on the war-path, and 
another more dreadful foe, the cholera, .spread 
from ocean to ocean. 

The true histor)- of this great movement has yet 
to be written. No poet has arisen to immortalize 
their achievements in verse. They had no Jason 
to lead them, no oracles to prophesy success, nor 
enchantments to avert dangers, but, like self-reli- 
ant Americans, they pre.s.sed forward to the land of 
promise, and traversed thousands of miles where 
the Greek heroes traveled hundreds. 

After spending a year in the gold fields of Cal- 
ifornia he returned to his home in Ohio, and moved 
from thence to Oquawka, 111., where he lived ten 
years. In 1852 he was married to Jane Cousland, 
daughter of William and Mary (Palmer) Cous- 
land. To this union he a.scribed a large share of his 
.succe.ss in life. He continued to reside in Oquawka 
until 1862, when he removed to a farm in Bald 
Bluff Township, Henderson County, where he 
made his home until 1865. He then went to the 
farm on which he spent his remaining days, and to 
its cultivation and improvement devoted his ener- 
gies until that Mes.senger which pursues us all' 
came and called him away. 

He was honored, respected and beloved in every 
relation of life. He was not a man of books, and the 
education he possessed other than what he received 
in the common schools was acquired in the rugged 
and busy affairs of life. The wisdom he had was 
consequently keener and higher than that obtained 
from libraries. He was endowed with great nat- 
ural powers, a firm will and great energy; his ideas 
were broad and comprehensive; his tastes were 
simple, and he cared nothing for show; adversity 
but stimulated him to exertion; pro.si)erity but in- 
crea.sed his desire and power for good. When 
misfortunes crossed and obstructed his pathway, 
he met them with a defiant determination, that 
either swept aside or surmounted them . At every 
step in life he acted upon the principle that "a 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



good name is rather to be chosen than great 
riches," and so now he sleeps in honor without 
stain or blemish among those he loved and knew. 



-S] 



^■^ 



f=3 



[S~ 



ATOHN TWEED, who owns and operates a 
I good farm of one hundred and twentj- acres 
(jj on section 14, Gladstone Township, is a 
native of Ross County, Ohio, born July 19, 1829. 
His father, John Tweed, Sr., was born in Vir- 
ginia, on the 17th of April, 1797, and was one of 
a family of six children, namely; Mrs. Mar}- 
Rittenhonr, Jesse, John, Mrs. Margaret Wyck- 
ofif, Abraham and Mrs. Catherine Jackson. 
John Tweed, vSr., spent the first seven years of 
his life in the Old Dominion, and then became a 
resident of Ross County, Ohio, where he re- 
mained until he was twenty-five years of age. 
He served as a soldier for three years in the War 
of 18 1 2, and was Captain of a company during 
the Black Hawk War. At the age of twenty- 
five, Mr. Tweed removed to Warren County, Ind. 
He was married about 1822 to Keziah Hinson, a 
native of Ross County, Ohio. They continued to 
make their home in Indiana until 1841, when 
they came to Henderson County, 111., where the 
mother of our subject died in July, 1845. In 
"April, 1846, Mr. Tweed married Sarah Dunn. 
During his entire residence in this State he fol- 
lowed farming. He also engaged in .stock-rais- 
ing, and brought the first Arabian stock to this 
county. On the 27th of vSeptember, 1856, he 
was called to the home beyond, and his remains 
were interred in the Kemp Cemetery. In his 
family were eight children, as follows: Mrs. 
Catherine Osborn; Maria, who is now deceased; 
John, of this sketch; vSarah J., deceased; Henry; 
Abraham, who died in early life; Mrs. Mary 
Ward, and Jesse, who died in childhood. 

Mr. Tweed of this sketch has long lived in 
Henderson County, and has witnessed the greater 
part of its growth and development. He was 
reared here amid the wild scenes of frontier life, 
for during his boyhood much of the land of the 
county was still in its primitive condition, many 



of the now thriving villages were mere hamlets, 
or had not yet sprung into existence, and the 
work of progress and civilization seemed just be- 
ginning. He attended school for only about 
eleven months altogether, but extensive reading, 
business experience and observation have made 
him one of the best-informed farmers of this lo- 
cality. 

On the 26th of October, 1865, Mr. Tweed was 
united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Lynn, 
who was born in Henderson County, and is a 
daughter of E. W. Lynn, one of the earliest 
settlers and most highly' respected citizens of this 
community. To our subject and wife have been 
born no children, but out of the kindness of their 
hearts they have given homes to seven orphan 
children, carefully and tenderly rearing them, 
and some of the number are an honor to their 
fo.ster parents. The poor and needy always find 
in them friends, and their lives have been filled 
with good deeds, quietly and imostentatiously 
performed. 

Mr. Tweed has met with many difficulties and 
obstacles in his path. Much sickness and the 
loss of a leg have been barriers in his way to suc- 
cess, but with a resolute will and a strong de- 
termination, he has steadily worked his way up- 
ward, and, although not wealthy, he is comfort- 
ably situated, having a good farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres, which yields to him a com- 
fortable income. He is widely known, and well 
merits the high esteem in which he is held. 



1^^-^ 



(^ 



0R. JOHN R. MILLER, who is succes.sfully 
engaged in the practice of the medical pro- 
fe.ssion in Elvaston, where he also carries on 
a drug store, is a prominent and progre.ssive 
citizen, and it is with pleasure that we present to 
our readers this record of his life work. A native 
of Penn.sylvania, he was born in Beaver County, 
near Frankfort Springs, on the 12th of August, 
1827, and is a sou of John Miller. The father 
was also born in the Keystone State, and was of 
Iri.sh and vScotch descent. He married Mis.s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



501 



Amelia Ramsey, and to them was horn a faiiiil)- 
of eight children, nameh-: John R. of this 
sketch: James, Samuel, David, Oliver, Mary, 
Amelia, and one child who died in infancy. 

Dr. Miller's mother died in 1847, and three 
years later John Miller married Mary Henderson, 
and soon after removed to Ohio. He afterwards 
.spent a few years in Virginia, and then removed 
to Wellsville, Ohio. In 1882 the Doctor brought 
his father and step-mother West, gave them a 
home ill his family, and tenderly cared for them 
in their old age. Mr. Miller died in 1889, having 
attained the age of eight\-nine years, his wife 
having gone to the home beyond a few years 
previously . 

The Doctor spent the da\s of his boyhood and 
youth upon the homestead farm and in the village 
where his parents lived. He received his educa- 
tion in the village .school of Kendall, Beaver Coun- 
ty, where he completed his literary course. His 
father carried on a store in Kendall, Pa., and 
in it John R. was employed as a clerk until 
twenty-three years of age; but, desiring to follow 
some other pursuit, he had taken up the study of 
medicine when a yovuig man of twenty years. He 
continued reading through his leisure hours until 
1853, when he entered the medical college of 
Cleveland, Ohio. In the .spring of 1854, he be- 
gan practice, locating in what is now Holt, 
Beaver County, Pa. There he continued until 
i860, when he entered the medical college of 
Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he was 
graduated in the spring of 1861. 

Soon after, Dr. Miller opened an office in 1{I- 
vaston, and has since engaged in practice in this 
place, with the exception of a few years .spent in 
Keokuk, Iowa, where he has a fine residence 
property. He soon secured a good patronage, 
which has steadily increased, and he is now do- 
ing an excellent business, his skill and ability 
having won him the confidence of the entire com- 
munity. He is a clo.se student of his ])rofession, 
and alwaj's keeps abreast with everything con- 
nected therewith. In i8,S8, he e.stabli.shed a 
drug store, which he yet carries on, and in addition 
to this he supervises his excellent farm of three 
hundred acres, which lies near to the town. 



On the 20th of February, 1S50, Dr. Miller led 
to the marriage altar Miss Eliza Kenned}', and to 
them have been born ten children, namelj': two 
who died in infancy; John A., who is at present 
engaged in the practice of the medical pro- 
fession in connection with his father; Samuel H., 
a farmer; Mar\- A., who became the wife of 
Charles Martui, and died in 1883; Maggie, 
wife of George Walker, a farmer of this county; 
Emma, wife of Dr. C. A. Runyon, of Elvaston; 
Clara, wifeof F. W. Hamann, of Elvaston; James 
A., a Presbyterian minister, now engaged in 
mi-ssionan- work in Pekin, China; andRomanna, 
wife of Wesley C. Ewing, also a farmer of this 
place. 

Mrs. Miller's parents were Samuel and Jane 
(Bryan) Keimedy, who were natives of Beaver 
County, Pa., and of Iri.sh de.scent. Mr. Ken- 
nedv followed farming, and died at the age of 
seventy-eight years, in the same neighborhood 
where he was born, his wife having passed away 
a few years previous, at the age of seventy-three. 
They had a family of eleven children, of whom 
eight grew to maturit\-, three dying in child- 
hood. Five are living at this writing. Martha 
became the wife of William Campbell, who died 
a few years later, after which she married Cyprian 
Wright, who is also decea.sed. She resides in 
Taylor County, Iowa. John and Samuel S. 
are farming on the old homestead. Margaret 
is the wife of Alex Ewing, a farmer of Beaver 
County, Pa. Mrs. Miller received a good educa- 
tion in the schools of her native county, and 
was a successful teacher for .several >-ears Ijefore 
her marriage to Dr. .Miller. She is an intelli- 
gent, cultured woman, an active member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and has taught a cla.ss in 
its Sabbath school for many years. 

Mr. Miller is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and takes an active interest in its work 
and uiibuilding. In jiolitics, he is a supporter of 
the Democratic partv , and has held .several local 
offices. He served as A.s.se.ssor of his township, 
was also Supervi.sor, and has been President of 
the Board of Education in Elvaston. During his 
long residence in this place the Doctor has be- 
come wideh' known. He has a pleasant, social 



502 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



manner, and his many excellencies of character 
have gained for him the high regard of all with 
whom he has been brought in contact. He is a 
leader in both professional and social circles, and 
few men are more favorably known than Doctor 
Miller. 



^4^ 



(3_ 



-=] 



^OHN B. CROSE, who carries on general farni- 
I ing and stock-raising on section 21, town- 
C? ship 12 north, range 4 west, is an enterpris- 
ing and progressive man, and a worthy representa- 
tive of the agriculturalintere,sts of this commun- 
ity. He has the honor of being a native of Illi- 
nois, for his birth occurred in McLean County on 
the 1 6th of September, 185 1. The family, how- 
ever, is of German lineage. The grandfather, 
John Crose, and the father, Andrew Cro.se, were 
l)otli natives of Ohio, and followed farming in 
that State. The latter was united in marriage 
with Miss Margaret J. Erwin, daughter of Robert 
Erwin, and they became the parents of the follow- 
ing children: Elizabeth, widow of John Grable; 
John B., of this sketch; Rosanna, deceased, wife 
of L. M. Beeding; William R., of Henderson 
County; and one son and daughter who died in 
infancy. 

In the autunni of 1853, Andrew^ Crose removed 
with his famil\- from McLean to Henderson Coun- 
ty. Our subject was then only three years of 
age. The family located on a rented farm on 
.section 29, township 12 north, range 4 west, and 
later the father purchased one hundred and sixtj* 
acres of land on the sanie .section. Upon the old 
homestead John was reared to manhood, liis boy- 
hood days being passed midst play and work. 
He also attended the district schools of the neigh- 
borhood, where he acquired a fair English educa- 
tion. To his father he gave the benefit of his 
services initil twent\ -one years of age, when, in 
1873, he removed to Hamilton County, Iowa, and 
began farming for him.self. He there remained 
for six months, after which he returned to Illi- 
nois. Here he farmed upon rented land until 
1880, when, with the capital he had acquired 
through perseverance, iudiistr_\' and economy, he 



purchased one hundred and forty acres of land on 

.section i , township 1 1 north, range 5 west, op- 
erating the same until 1S88. In the spring of 
that year he traded his first farm for eighty acres 
of the farm on which he now resides. From time 
to time, however, he has added to this until now 
two hundred and .sixty-six acres of rich and valua- 
ble land paj' tribute to his care and cultivation. In 
connection with general farmiug he carries on 
.stock-raising, making a specialty of Percheron 
and Norman horses. His home is a comfortable 
dwelling, and his barns and outbuildings add to 
the thrifty condition of the place. 

On the gth of Januarj-, 1873, Mr. Crose was 
united in marriage with Miss Erniina E. Ryason, 
daughter of George \V. and Mary A. (Carney) 
Rj'ason, and a native of La Grange County, Ind. 
The\- have an adopted daughter, Fannie M., wife 
of William W. Crose, of Mercer County, 111. 

Mr. Crose has served as School Director of his 
di.strict for one term, but has never sought or de- 
sired the honors or emoluments of public office. 
He cast his first Presidential vote for Horace 
Greeley, and has since affiliated with the Democ- 
racy. In his business dealings he has met with 
good success. He does not easily give up an un- 
dertaking, and as the result of a resolute purpo.se 
and judicious management he has acquired a 
hand.some competence, becoming one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the communitv. 



^^f^ 



p=| 



-S] 



(Tames W. SAVIDGE, who carries on gen- 
I eral farming on section 9, Hancock Town.ship, 
(2/ Hancock County, was born in Delaware 
County, Ohio, February 21, 1853. His father, 
George Savidge, was a native of Muskingum 
County, Ohio, his birth occurring near Zanesville, 
August 22, 1813. His parents were Thomas and 
Annie (Laverige) Savidge, and their famil>- num- 
bered thirteen children, six sons and se\'en daugh- 
ters. Their .son George was reared u])on the old 
homestead farm, and on attaining his majority be- 
gan life for himself In his youth he learned the 
cooper's trade, which he followed to some extent. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



503 



The year 1853 witnessed his arrival in Illinois. 
He located in Mercer Countj-, but after a short 
time came to Hancock County, settling upon a 
farm in Hancock Township, which he still 
makes his home. He purcha.sed eighty acres of 
good land and has made it a rich and valuable 
tract. In politics, he is a supporter of the Re- 
publican party, and is one of the enterprising and 
highly-respected citizens of the community. On 
the 29th of August, 1839, he wedded Miss Re- 
membrance Budd, and unto them were born seven 
children, three yet living. The wife and mother, 
however, passed away in 1893. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
accompanied his parents to Hancock County dur- 
ing the days of his infancy, and in the usual 
manner of farmer lads he spent the days of his 
boyhood and youth on the old Savidge homestead. 
He attended the district schools during the winter 
.season, and during the summer months he aided 
in the labors of the farm, for as soon as old enough 
he began to handle the plow, and has since car- 
ried on agricultural pursuit.s. At the age of 
twenty -three, he began farming in connection 
with his father. His business interests have been 
attended with succe.ss as the result of his enter- 
prise, perseverance and well-directed efforts, and 
he now owns two hundred and eighty acres of 
arable land. It is all in one body, but is .situated 
on .sections 9, 10, 15 and 16. Part of this is de- 
voted to pa.sturage, but one hundred and forty- 
five acres are under a high state of cultivation, 
and in connection with general farming the own- 
er is successfully engaged in stock-raising. 

On the 4th of July, 1875, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Savidge and Mi.ss Lizzie Fletch- 
er, daughter of James D. and Martha Fletcher. 
Their union has been blessed with four children, 
namely: Willard; John; Dora, who died April 
13, 1888; and another. Mr. and Mrs. Savidge 
are well-known people in this community and 
have the high regard of all with whom they have 
been brought in contact. Mr. Savidge exerci.ses 
his right of suffrage in .support of the Republican 
party, with which he has affiliated since attaining 
his majority. The best interests of the commun- 
itv ever find in him a friend, and his hearty sup- 



port and co-operation are ever given to those en- 
terprises which are calculated to advance the gen- 
eral welfare. His sterling worth and .strict integ- 
rity have made him a leading citizen of the com- 
munity and one well worthy of representation in 
the history of his adopted county. 



e^H^l-- 



RICHARD FOULKES since 1874 has been 
engaged in the milling business in Hender- 
son County. He is a native of Wales, his 
birth having occurred in that countrj' on the 7th 
of April, 1825. His parents, Richard and Ann 
(Thomas) Foulkes, were also born there. Their 
family numbered three children, two sons and a 
daughter: Richard, of this sketch; Elizabeth, 
widow of Ed Farrier, of Sperrj", Iowa; and Ed- 
ward, who makes his home in Chicago. The 
father of this family was a farmer, and died when 
our subject was only twelve years of age. 

Richard F'oulkes acquired the greater part of 
his education in his native land, but also attended 
.school for a short time in Utica, N. Y. He left 
his childhood's home in 1844, crossing the broad 
Atlantic to America, and on reaching the shores 
of the New World took up his residence in Utica, 
where he worked at the miller's trade for two 
years, having learned the .same ere his emigra- 
tion. In 1846, he became a resident of Cleveland, 
Ohio and in that city carried on the milling 
business until 1849, when he removed to Akron, 
Ohio. Three years were there pas.sed, and in 
1852 he went to Iowa, locating in Burlington, 
where he successfully engaged in milling for a 
number of years. 

During his residence in the Hawkeye State, 
Mr. Foulkes was joined in wedlock with Miss 
Mary A. Evans, a daughter of David and Eliza- 
beth (Jones) Evans. Her parents were natives 
of Wales, and at an early day crossed the briny 
deep, locating in Quebec, Canada. To Mr. and 
Mrs. F^oulkes have been born six children, four 
sons and two daughters, and the famih- circle yet 
remains unbroken. George R., the eldest, is now 
living in Galesburg, 111.; Mary G. is the wife of 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



D. Morton, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Charles J. 
makes his home in Denmark, Iowa; Minnie N. 
is the wife of Samuel Cobel, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; 
David G. also resides in Los Angeles; and Perrj- 
L. is located in the same city. 

Mr. Foulkes continued in the milling business 
in Burlington until 1874, when he crossed the 
Mi-ssissippi into Henderson County, and has since 
carried on business as the proprietor of the Hen- 
derson River Mill, commonh- known as Foulkes" 
Mill. This enterprise has proved remunerative, 
and yields to him a comfortable competence. The 
owner is a man of enterprise and industry, which, 
combined with his sagacity and foresight, has 
made him one of the prosperous citizens of the 
community. He exercises his right of franchise 
in support of the Republican party, but has had 
neither time nor inclination to seek public office. 
He belongs to Washington Lodge No. i, I. O. 
O. F., of Burlington, Iowa, and he and his wife 
are members of the Episcopal Church. In the 
community where the\- live the>- are widely and 
favorably known, and it is with pleasure that we 
present to our readers this record of their lives. 



eEORGE W. DITTO, one of the highly re- 
spected and prominent citizens of Henderson 
County, now living on section 5, township 
12 north, range 4 we.st, has here engaged in 
farming for forty-two years. As he is both widely 
and favorably known in this community, we feel 
assured that the record of his life will prove of in- 
terest to many of our readers. A native of Ohio, 
he was born in Shelby County, March 29, 1820, 
and comes of a family of French origin. His fa- 
ther, Andrew Ditto, was a native of Pennsylvania, 
from whence he emigrated to the Buckeye State, 
and thence to Illinois, locating in Mercer County 
in 1836. By occupation he was a fanner, and 
made that pursuit his life work. He married 
Margaret Wyland, who was of Dutch descent, 
and they became the parents of ten children, 
namely: John W. and Sarah, both of whom are 
now deceased; George \V.; Frank, who is living 



in Gladstone, 111.; Betsy, widow of Benjamin Fox, 
of Oregon; Samuel, of Seaton, 111.; Levi, who is 
located in Kansas; Andrew J., who resides near 
Gladstone; Barbara, widow of John Cotton; and 
Louis N., who makes his home in Henderson 
County. 

George \V. Ditto was a youth of onlj- sixteen 
summers when with his parents he came to Illi- 
nois. He began his education in his native coun- 
ty, and after coming West received but limited 
privileges along that line. He has experienced 
all of the hardships and trials of life on the fron- 
tier, and has aided in the arduous task of devel- 
oping wild land. After coming to Illinois, he 
entered the employ of John Rumley, a farmer of 
Mercer County, with whom he remained for a 
year and a-half The succeeding winter he .spent 
in Sangamon County, and then returned to Mer- 
cer County, where he engaged in breaking 
prairie until 1840. In that year he went to Texas, 
and .spent the next decade in the Lone Star 
State. During that time he was quite extensive- 
ly engaged in cattle-dealing, driving cattle from 
Shreveport, Tex. 

In 1850, Mr. Ditto returned to Illinois, and on 
the 9th of March, 1851, he wedded Miss Eliza- 
beth Davis, the ,sixth child of John F, and Nancy 
(Vannosdall) Davis. She was born in Bethel, 
Ohio, July 13, 1834. Of the thirteen children of 
the Da\is family, .seven are now living: Mar\', wife 
of John Mason, a resident of Keith.sburg, 111, ; 
Louisa M., wife of A, J. Waggoner, of Saunders 
Count}-, Neb,; Okey, a Presiding Elder of the 
Baptist Church, now living in Lincoln Coun- 
ty, Kan.; Thomas J., a soldier of the late war, 
who enlisted in the Eighteenth Wi.scon.sin Infan- 
tr\-, and is now li\ing on a fruit farm in Douglas 
Countv, Ore. ; Isaac X'annosdall, wlio was a sol- 
dier in the Sixteenth Kansas Cavalry, and now 
makes his home in Ashland Neb.; and William 
Polk, who served as a soldier in the Ninth Mi.s.souri 
Regiment, and is now engaged in merchandising 
in Kit Carson County, Colo. Mrs. Ditto comes 
from a patriotic family. Her grandfather, Okey 
\'annosdall, was a st)ldier of the Revolution, and 
his eldest .son, Robert \'annosdall, was a soldier 
of the War of 1812, and was on the ship where 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



505 



Com. Perry with his coat stopped up the hole made 
in the vessel's side by a cannon-ball. Mrs. 
Ditto's educational advantages were ver)- limited, 
as her early days were spent on the frontier in 
Illinois and Mis.souri. Instead of practicinj^ on 
a piano, her fingers were busy with the spinning- 
wheel, or else she was engaged in planting the 
corn-field, herding sheep or cows, or burning 
brush in the clearing. She is now in her sixtieth 
year, yet she does her own house work and at- 
tends to her garden and poultrj-. She is a great 
lover of nature, especially of birds and flowers. 
Since the age of fifteen she has been a member of 
the Methodist Church, and has lived a consistent 
Christian life. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ditto have been born four- 
teen children, nine of whom are yet living. 
George Thomas was born August 8, 1852; Le- 
titia D., who was born on the 13th of June, 
1855, is the wife of William Clark, of Clay City, 
Neb.; Nancy O., who was born August 9, 1857, 
died December 21 of the same year; Capitola 
A., who was born November 5, 1858, is the wife 
of Henrj- Shike; Adelia D., who was born Feb- 
ruary 26, 1861, is the wife of Charles Durr, of 
Aledo, 111.; William L. , who was born May 15, 
1863, died August 16, 1863; Charles H., who was 
born June 21, 1864, is now living in Monmouth; 
Walter P., who was born August 21, 1866, is 
living in Henderson County; Orlie C, who was 
born August 15, 1868, died March 21, 1874; 
Leah M., who was born December 2, 1869, is the 
wife of Rich Newell, of Ogle, 111.; James C, who 
was born August 28, 187 1, is now living in Suth- 
erland, Neb.; Clarence C. , who was born Octo- 
ber 30, 1874, is now at home; Florence, who was 
born Augu.st 28, 1876, died in infancy; and Mat- 
tie, who was born August 30, 1878, died in 
infancj-. Mr. and Mrs. Ditto also have twenty 
grandchildren, including a pair of twins, children 
of George T., whom Mrs. Ditto christened Fran- 
ces and Ruth Cleveland. 

Mr. Ditto cast his first Presidential vote for 
Martin Van Buren, and has since supported the 
men and measures of the Democracy. He has 
served as Super\'isor of his township for several 
years, and for more than thirty years has been 



School Director. The cause of education receives 
his hearty support, and he has done much for its ad- 
vancement in this locality. He is a member of 
Mercer Lodge No. 210, I. O. O. F., of Keithsburg, 
and is a charter member of the Encampment. 
vSiuce the loth of March, 1852, he has lived upon 
his present farm. He first purchased sixty -three 
acres of land, but to this he has added fi-om time 
to time as his financial resources have increased, 
until his possessions now aggregate five hundred 
and sixty- one acres. All has been acquired 
through his own efforts and as the reward of 
honesty and industry. His life has been well 
and worthily pa.s.sed, and all who know him re- 
spect him. 



-^^+^1-= 



Rl^MAN CURTIS ALLEN, a dealer in 
dry goods, boots and shoes, in Oquawka, is 
numbered among the enterprising and suc- 
cessful business men of this place. He began 
operations along this line in 1892, as a partner of 
John McFarland, and the firm has since been en- 
gaged in trade. Mr. Allen is a native of Genesee 
County, N. Y., his birth having occurred in Ba- 
tavia, Januarj- 4, 1843. He comes of a family of 
English origin, his parents being Daniel W. and 
Elizabeth (McCullumi Allen. His second Chris- 
tian name comes from his father's mother. The 
father, who was a native of the Empire State, 
entered the Union anny during the late war, was 
■shot at the battle of Shiloh, and died from the ef- 
fects of his wound. In the family were six chil- 
dren, four sons and two daughters, and the .sons 
were all in the army at the same time. Martha 
J., who is the eldest, is now the wife of Howard 
Kendall, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Charles H. is liv- 
ing in Angola, Ind.; Daniel W. was killed at the 
battle of Perryville; Truman C. is the next 
younger; Emma is now decea.sed; and William W. 
makes his home in South Bend, Ind. 

In a very early day Mr. Allen removed with 
his family to .Steuben County, Ind., and when 
Truman C. was quite young his mother passed 
away. He then went to live with friends in the 



5o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



Hoosier State, being reared in Steuben County 
by William McEntarfer. The common schools af- 
forded him his educational privileges, and he con- 
ned his lessons in a log schoolhouse with punch- 
eon floor and slab seats. He could attend only 
through the winter season, for his services were 
needed on the farm during the summer. After 
the outbreak of the Civil War, he responded to the 
countn,-'s call for troops, enlisting August 12, 
1 861, in Company G, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry. 
In September he was mustered into service, and 
for three years he valiantly aided in the defen.se 
of the Union. He participated in the engage- 
ments at Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout 
Mountain, Missionary- Ridge, Rocky-faced Ridge, 
Dalton, Resaca, Dallas, and all the battles of the 
Georgia campaign, including Kennesaw Mountain, 
Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro 
and Lovejoy. After his three-years term had ex- 
pired, he was honorably discharged in Indianap- 
olis, Ind., in October, 1864. 

Mr. Allen then returned to his Indiana home, 
where he remained until August, 1866, when he 
came to Henderson County, 111., locating near 
Oquawka, where he worked as a farm hand for 
two years. From 1868 until 1871 he conducted 
a billiard hall in Oquawka, and in the latter year 
he entered the Sheriff's office as Deputy, which 
position he filled until 1886. In that year he was 
elected Sheriff for a term of four years, and when 
his time had expired, in 1890, he took a trip to 
California, where he remained for about eight 
months. In 1892 he embarked in his present 
line of business, as before .stated, and has since 
enjoyed a good trade. 

Mr. Allen has been twice married. On the 19th 
of August, 1865, lie wedded Laura McFarland, 
daughter of John McFarland. To them was born 
a son, John, who is now deceased; and Mrs. 
Allen died in July, 1866. Our subject was again 
married, May 30, 1891, his second union being 
with Mollie Macklin, a daughter of Alfred Mack- 
lin. They now have one daughter, Rauiona. 

Since casting his fir.st Presidential vote for 
Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Allen has been a sup- 
porter of the Republican party and its principles, 
but though he keeps well informed on the i.s.sues 



of the day, he has never sought or desired politi- 
cal preferment in the sense of being an active 
politician. Socially, he is a member of Tranquil 
Lodge No. 172, I. O. O. F., and has filled all its 
chairs. He al.so holds membership with Ells- 
worth Post No. 193, G. A. R. His country found 
in him a faithful defender during the late war, 
and he is now recognized as one of the enterpris- 
ing citizens of the community. 



•^JEORGE DANIEL CARPENTER, decea.sed, 
_ was a native of Louisville, Ky. , born on the 
J 2 1. st of August, 1832. He was drowned on 
the 28th of March, 1881, in the Cana River, near 
Peru, Chautauqua County, Kan., while tempo- 
rarily residing there for the benefit of his wife's 
health. He was buried in the cemetery west of 
Peru, as was also an infant son. He was re- 
spected by all who knew him, for his life was well 
spent, and his honorable, upright career gained 
him high regard. He was one of three children 
(all of whom are now deceased) born luito Daniel 
and Esther ( Dunlap) Carpenter. They bore the 
names of William, Ann E. and George D. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared in his native State, and acquired a 
good education in Lexington, Ky. He fir.st came 
to Henderson County, 111., in 1848, when a youth 
of .sixteen. Throughout his life he carried on 
agricultural pursuits, and was the owner of a 
well-cultivated farm in township 11, range 4, 
which, in its neat and thrifty ap])earance, indi- 
cated to the passer-by the careful super\-ision of 
the owner. Indolence and idlene.ss were utterly 
foreign to his nature, and his perseverance and 
well-directed efforts brought him a comfortable 
competence. 

On the i2th of May, 1858, Mr. Carpenter was 
married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mar- 
ger3' A. Pollock, daughter of James F. and Re- 
becca (McF'arland) Pollock. They became the 
parents of nine children, but four of whom are 
living, namely: Annie A., wife of J. M. Welsh; 
Marv R., wife of D. Z. Gardner, a resident of 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



507 



Springfield, Ohio; J. Ross Carpenter, who is liv- 
ing in Little York; and Guy E., who makes his 
home with his mother. William R., the eldest 
child, is now deceased, and Albert M., George M. 
and Alonzo E. have also passed away, beside one 
who died in infancy. 

During the late war, Mr. Carpenter was found 
among the loyal defenders of the Union. In July, 
1862, he responded to the country's call for 
troops, enli.sting in Company C, Ninety-first 
Illinois Infantry. He continued in the ser\-ice as 
one of the heroes in blue until after the war was 
over, when, on the 8th of July, 1865, he was hon- 
orably discharged in St. Louis. In politics, he 
was a Democrat, but ne\-er aspired to public office. 
Socially, he was connected with Tranquil Lodge 
No. 193, I. O. O. F., ofOquawka. He was true 
to eveni" trust reposed in him, whether public or 
private, was a valued citizen, a kind friend and 
neighbor, and a loving and tender husband and 
father. His wife, a ino.st estimable lady, .still 
surs'ives him, and with her youngest son is now 
living in town.ship 12, range 4. 



e^+^1^ 



K)ATHAN H. JAMISON, who until 1889 
I / carried on general fanning on section i , 
1/3 town.ship 10 north, range 5 west, is a native 
of Kentucky. He was born in Washington Count \ 
on the 24th of December, 1818, and is of Irish 
lineage on the paternal side. His father was born 
on the 20th of April, 1775, the da\- after the bat- 
tle of Lexington, the opening engagement of the 
War of the Revolution. The place of his birth was 
in Lancaster County, Pa. In 1800 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Melinda Richards, a native 
of Pittsylvania County, \'a. They became the 
parents of three children: Joseph Harvey, who 
died in 1875; Elizabeth, who became the wife of 
Alexander Spence, and died in March, 1847; 
and Nathan H. , of this sketch. The parents both 
lived to a ripe old age, and their last days were 
spent in Hender.son County, where the mother 
died in 1844. The father passed away in August, 
1845, at the age of seventy-three. 



In the spring of I S20, when Nathan H. Jami- 
.son was a child of a year and a-half, he was taken 
by his parents to .southern Indiana, the family 
locating in Perrj- County, where the>- made their 
home until 1830, when they came to Illinois, set- 
tling in what was then a part of Warren County, 
but is now comprised within the limits of Hender- 
.son County. Here Mr. Jami.son was one of a 
family of thirteen, who spent the winter of 1830-31 
in a log hou.se without a chinniey, in which, when 
the wind was in the east, a fire was impossible, 
on account of smoke, and they had to stand by 
a huge log fire out of doors. That winter was 
exceedingly cold. Near where Henry Brainard's 
hou.se now .stands, the seven or eight families 
who constituted the population of this neighbor- 
hood built a stockade, in which they spent a part 
of the .spring of 1 83 1 and all of the sunnner of 
1832, on account of threatened danger from In- 
dians. 

On the 27th of December, 1847, Mr. Jami.son 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Sophronia 
Ewing, and to them were born ten children, 
eight of whom grew to mature years. Effie, 
now Mrs. Nathaniel Burrus, of Madison Count\-, 
Iowa, was born October 15, 1850. Mary E., 
now the wife of Theodore Curtis, of Henderson 
County, was born July 31, 1852. Frances, now 
Mrs. James McKee, of Kirkwood, 111., was born 
November 6, 1855. Sarah E., who married 
William K. Brent, of Henderson County, was 
born in August, 1858. Elmer was born June 15, 
1861. Irene, now the wife of Albert Olstrone, of 
Warren County, was born November 3, 1863. 
Luna, the wife of Carl Cooper, of Henderson 
County, was born in March, 1869. Joseph was 
born May i, 1872. Mrs. Jamison has ever been 
to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate 
on life's journey, and as the years have passed 
their mutual love and confidence have increased. 
They are now one of the oldest married couples 
in Henderson County. 

In the year 1855 Mr. Jamison left his farm 
and removed to Monmouth in order to better ed- 
ucate his children. The cause of education has 
ever found in him a warm friend, and he resolved 
that his children should have good advantages 



5o8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



along that line. His two youngest daughters at- 
tended Monmouth College, and became cultured 
ladies. In 1889 he left the citj- and returned to 
the farm, where he has since made his home. 
He and his wife are both members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church. He cast his first 
Presidential vote for Gen. William Henrj- Harri- 
■son, in 1840, and is now a .supporter of the Prohi- 
bition party, which embodies his views on the 
temperance question. His life has been an hon- 
orable and upright one, being in many respects 
well worthy of emulation. He has won success 
in his business career, having steadily worked 
his way upward from a humble position to one of 
affluence. Sixty-four years have passed since he 
came to this county, and therefore he has wit- 
nessed its entire growth and development; in fact, 
the county was not yet organized under its pres- 
ent name at the time of his arrival. He has ever 
borne his part in the work of development and 
public improvement, and well desenes mention 
among the honored pioneers. 



=^^+^1=*= 



ROBERT CROWNOVER, a farmer residing 
on section 22, Lomax Township, is num- 
bered among the honored pioneers of Hen- 
derson County. His residence here covers a 
period of fifty-two years, during which time he has 
not only witnessed the growth and advancement 
of the county, but has also aided in its develop- 
ment and progress, and has borne his part in its 
upbuilding. He may well be inimbered among 
its founders, and it is with pleasure that we pre- 
sent to our readers this record of his life. 

Mr. Crownover is a native of Lycoming Coun- 
ty, Pa., born October 16, 18 16, and is a son of 
James and Elizabeth (Knox) Crownover, who 
were also natives of the Key.stone vState. Robert 
is one of thirteen children, four .sons and nine 
daughters, but only four of the number are now 
living: Mr. Crownover of this .sketch; Mrs. John 
Peasley, of Burlington, Iowa; Almira, wife of 
Almeron Skenkle, a resident of Dorchester, Neb. ; 
and James, a farmer living near Princeton, 111. 



The father of this family followed farming 
throughout his entire life, and always lived in his 
native State, his death there occurring in 1832. 

Upon the old homestead farm our subject spent 
his boyhood and youth, there residing until 1835. 
He used frequently to walk three miles to the log 
schoolhouse, where in a primitive manner the 
common branches of English learning were 
taught. He could attend school only through 
the winter .season, for in the summer months his 
labor was needed upon the farm. In 1835 he 
went to Michigan and engaged in farming in St. 
Joseph County for four 3ears; he then removed to 
Calhoun County, where he made his home until 
1842. That year witnes.sed his arrival in Hen- 
derson County, the family having entered land 
herein 1836. The journey was made b}- team, 
and he .settled near .Shokokon, but after two 
years removed to the farm which has now been 
his home for half a centurj-, becoming owner of 
two hundred acres. It was a wild tract, .still in 
its primitive condition, but he at once began 
breaking it, and in course of time rich and fertile 
fields might be seen where once was barren 
prairie. As his financial resources increased, he 
also made additional purchases, until he is now 
the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land. 
He superintends its cultivation, and in return for 
the care and labor bestowed upon it he receives a 
good income. 

On the 22d of January, 1851, Mr. Crownover 
was united in marriage with Miss Temperance 
Curts, daughter of John and Temperance (Fred- 
ericks) Curts. The lady was bom near Rock 
Haven, Pa., September 5, 1825, and in 1836 
came with her parents to Illinois. Nine children 
graced this marriage: Elizabeth, wife of Albert 
R. Bryson; Elisha, who is living in Iowa; John; 
Robert; Temperance, twin sister of Robert and the 
deceased wife of William Randall; Alice, wife of 
Charles Reynolds: Maiy; William; and Mercy, 
wife of A. L. Gates. 

In his political views, Mr. Crownover is a stal- 
wart Republican, and has served as Asse.s.sor, and 
held other minor offices. He and his wife are 
prominent members and active workers in the 
Methodist Epi.scopal Church. Mr. Crownover has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



509 



served as one of its Elders and is now sen-inij 
as Trustee. His life has been well and worthil\- 
passed, and during the long years of his resi- 
dence in Henderson County he has won and 
retained the respect and confidence of all with 
whom he has been brought in contact. 



_=] 



"S] 



^+^ 



(=_ 



(=- 



n FRANK MAINS is the editor and publi-sher 
I of the Stronghurst Graphic. He is also one 
Q) of the most prominent citizens of Stronghurst, 
being recognized as a wide-awake and enterpris- 
ing }-oung business man, who does much for the 
upbuilding of the city. He was born near Olena, 
111., June 28, 1863, and is a son of Alexander and 
Mary J. (Nichols) Mains. His father was born 
in Washington County, N. Y., June 20, 1833, 
and during his infancy was taken by his parents 
to Ohio, from whence he came to Illinois when a 
child of si.K years, the family locating in Hender- 
son County. This was in 1839, and therefore he 
is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the 
community. Upon his father's farm he remained 
until twenty-five years of age, and then married 
Mi.ss Nichols, who was born July 3, 1832, in 
Ohio, and died in Henderson County, in 1887. 
Her ancestors had for several generations resided 
in this country. The Mains family is of Scotch 
extraction, and was also founded in America at an 
early day. The paternal grandparents of our 
subject were both natives of New York, and the 
grandfather .served in the War of 181 2. 

Mr. Mains, the subject of this .sketch, was the 
second in a family of three children, but Harry 
E., the eldest, died at the age of seventeen years. 
Thomas N., the youngest, is now a book-keeper 
in the employ of G. F. Swift & Co., of Chicago. 
Our subject remained at home with his parents 
until eighteen years of age, and then, in order to 
complete his education, which was begun in the 
common schools of the neighborhood, he entered 
Monmouth College, where he pursued his .studies 
for two years. Later he was a student for a time 
in the Nonnal College of Valparaiso, Ind. Dur- 
ing this time he engaged in teaching for two or 



three terms, and from the age of eighteen to 
twenty-five lie was continuously engaged in 
teaching and attending college. He is a young 
man of more than average intelligence, of a broad 
and liberal mind, and his writings show deep 
and careful thought. In 1889 he purcha.sed 
the Stronghurst Graphic, and has .since been its 
editor and publisher. 

On the 27th of September, 1893, Mr. Mains 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Dulcie D. 
David.son, daughter of C. P. David.son, of Strong- 
hurst. The young couple have many warm 
friends, and are widely and favorably known in 
this community. In social circles they hold 
an enviable position. With them Mr. Mains' 
father now makes his home. For several years 
he engaged in the livery bu.siness in this place, 
but in 1892 retired from active life. 

On questions of national importance J. Frank 
Mains supports the Republican party in its prin- 
ciples, but at local elections \-otes for the man he 
thinks best qualified for the office, regardless of 
party affiliations. In the spring of 1893 he was 
elected the first President of the village, when 
the town was incorporated. He is now the 
efficient President of the Town Board of Strong- 
hurst, and is a charter member of Magic Lodge 
No. 394, K. P. The Graphic is the leading 
paper of Henderson County, and is well worth 
the liberal patronage it receives. Its editor is an 
industrious and enterprising young business man, 
devoted to the best interests of his native county, 
and is well worthy of representation in this 
volume. 



_=] 



^^ 



c=_ 



EH. BRAINARD, who carries on farming 
on section i, township 10, range 5 west, of 
Hender.son County, claims Connecticut as 
the State of his nativity, his birth having there 
occurred on the ist of Maj-, 1832. His father, 
Asa Brainard, was born and reared in Coiniecti- 
cut, and after attaining to man's estate married 
Almira Lynn. They became the parents of sev- 
eral children, and our subject is the onl>- one now 



5IO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



living. In 1834, they emigrated westward with 
their family, and on reaching Henderson Connt>-, 
111., made a location. They were among its 
earliest pioneers, and in true pioneer style they 
began life in the West. Their home was located 
on the farm where onr subject now resides, and 
there the father carried on agricultural pursuits 
until his death, which occurred about 1S40. 

C. H. Brainard was oidy eight years of age at 
that time, and was only two years old when he 
became a resident of this comnuuiity. With the 
family he shared in all the trials and hardships of 
pioneer life, and with the historj- of this locality 
he has been familiar since an early day. When 
quite young he began work in the fields, and aid- 
ed in farm labor until 1850, when he made a trip 
to California. The journey was made acro.ss the 
plains with ox-teams, and on reaching his desti- 
nation he engaged in mining. The return trip 
was made in 1852, at which time he rode a mule 
across the countn- from Sacramento to his home 
in Illinois. He then remained in Henderson 
County until 1857, when he again went to the 
West for his health, spending ten years on the 
Pacific Slope. He met with good success in his 
mining operations in California, and saved con- 
siderable money, so that on his return he was 
enabled to purchase a good farm. 

In April, 1875, Mr. Brainard was united in 
marriage with Miss Minerva Applebe>-, who 
spent her maidenhood days in this localit>-. 
Her mother is now living in Gladstone. Three 
children graced their union, Almira Iv, Ariel C. 
and William H. 

Mr. Brainard has followed farming throughout 
his entire lite with the exception of the years 
spent in California. Thoroughly understanding 
his business in all its details, it has proved to 
him a profitable enterpri.se, and his industrj-, per- 
severance and good management have secured 
for him a comfortable home. From 1S77 until 
1 88 1, he ser\-ed as School Director, and the cause 
of education has ever found in him a warm friend. 
Few men have longer resided in Henderson 
County than Mr. Brainard, whose residence here 
practically covers a period of sixty years. He 
has therefore witnessed almost its entire growth 



and development, and in the work of advance- 
ment and progress he has ever borne his part. 
All worthy enterjirises receive his hearty support, 
and the best interests of the connnunity find in 
him a friend. 



=] 



^^ 



(^ 



IT PHRAIM COOPER, who carries on general 
1^ farming on section 21, township 12 north, 
|_ range 4 west, of Henderson County, claims 
Indiana as the State of his nativity, for he was 
bom in Wayne County on the iSth of December, 
1825. His father, William Cooper, was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation. 
After attaining to man's e.state, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Jennings, and they 
became the parents of nine children, only five of 
whom are now living, namely; John (.see sketch 
in this work), Sarah, wife of M. Baldwin, of Indi- 
ana; Eunice; Mary, wife of vS. Pickering; an<l 
Ephraim. Those who have passed away are 
Perry, Moses, Matilda and Anna. 

In taking up the personal historj- of Ephraim 
Cooper, we present to our readers the sketch of 
one who is widely and favorably known in this 
communitj-, for he is numbered among the earl\- 
settlers of the count)-. He acquired his education 
in the common schools of his native State, but his 
privileges in that direction were quite limited, for 
his services were needed at home, and when he 
could attend, the schools did not offer ad\-antages 
of much importance. At length he determined 
to seek a home in Illinois, and on the 30th of De- 
cember, 1854, arrived in Henderson County. He 
at once settled upon the farm which he still owns, 
and which has been his home continuou.sly .since. 
He was actively engaged in its operation initil 
1890, when he laid aside bu.sine.ss cares and is now 
living a retired life. 

On the 25th of September, 1862, Mr. Cooper 
was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Morrel, 
and they became the parents of two children, 
namely: Charles W., who is now operating the 
home fann; and Efifie M., the wife of W. T. 
Mason. The mother of this familv was called to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



5" 



her final rest on the 14th of April, 1890. She 
was a most estimable lady, and one who had the 
love and confidence of all who knew her. 

Mr. Cooper cast his first Presidential vote in 
1848, supporting Gen. Zachary Taylor. On the 
organization of the Republican party, he joined 
its ranks, and has since advocated its men and 
measures. He has never been a politician in the 
sense of office-seeking, but .served as County Com- 
missioner for three years, and also as School Di- 
rector. He was faithful to his public duties, and 
a trust reposed in him is never betrayed. His 
success in life is the reward of his own efforts, for 
he started out for himself with no capital save a 
young man's bright hope of the future and a de- 
termination to succeed. Steadily he worked his 
way upward until he had acquired a capital which 
now enables him to live a retired life, in the en- 
joyment of a rest which he has so truly earned 
and richh- deser\-es. 



^^HJH^ 



[^ 



jILLIAM K. GITTINGS, one of the en- 
terprising and successful farmers of Han- 
cock Countj', residing on section i, Dur- 
ham Township, was born in Union County, Ky., 
on the 5th of November, 1822. His father, Will- 
iam H. Gittings, was a native of Mar\-land. At 
the age of twenty \ears he left that State and 
emigrated to Kentucky, where he met and mar- 
ried Eleanora Mudd, by whom he had fifteen chil- 
dren, but four died in infancy, and two .sons and 
a daughter departed this life after attaining to 
years of maturity. Eight of the number are jet 
living, namely: William K.; Joseph, a farmer 
and stock-rai.ser of Nodaway County, Mo. ; Ber- 
ry B., who is engaged in the same pursuit in 
Henderson County; Matilda, wife of Henry Cam- 
eron, an agriculturist of Nodaway County; Ed- 
ward, who is living in the .same comity; Francis, 
a farmer and stock- raiser of Hancock County; 
Catherine, widow of Frank Peasley, of Hender- 
son County; and Ellen, widow of J. B. Madison, 
and a resident of Dallas City, III. In 1833, when 
our subject was a lad of eleven summers, his par- 



ents removed with their familj- to Sangamon 
County, 111., where they remained for about eigh- 
teen months. In Febrnarv, 1835, they came to 
Hancock County and located in Fountain Green 
Township. The father made a squatter's claim 
of one hundred and sixty acres, and entered an 
additional two hundred and twenty acre tract 
from the Government. This land was entirely 
unimproved, .so that work was plentiful for some 
time. In 1840 he purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres of land in Durham Township, and 
also a quarter-section across the line in Hender- 
.son County, and as his financial resources in- 
creased he kept adding to this from time to time, 
until his landed possessions aggregated fifteen 
hundred acres. He was one of the prominent and 
influential citizens of this conmiunity, and one of 
its best business men, as is indicated by the prop- 
erty which lie acquired. 

In taking up the personal history of our sub- 
ject, we present to our readers the sketch of a man 
who is well known in this community and has the 
high regard of all with whom he has been brought 
in contact. His education was acquired in the 
subscriptions schools of Hancock County, which 
he attended for six years during the winter sea- 
.son, while in the summer months he worked upon 
the fann, aiding in the cuhivation and the de- 
velopment of the old homestead. He continued 
under the parental roof until his marriage, which 
was celebrated on the 9th of January, 1849, Miss 
Elizabeth Hardy becoming his wife. The ladv 
was born in Union County, Ky., in 1833, and is 
a daughter of Ira and Mary A. (Riley) Hardy. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Gittings have been born nine 
children, namely: Mary E., now the wifeof VV'ill- 
iam Dean, a leading farmer of Hancock County; 
Julia A., wife of William Vager, who also carries 
on agricultural pursuits in this county; Cora A., 
wife of John Arnold, a resident of Burlington, 
Iowa; Ira, who is a ranchman of California; 
Henry, who carries on agricultural pursuits in 
Henderson County; Catherine, wife of Ernest 
Beli.sle, a hotel-keeper of St. Jo.seph, Mo. ; and 
William B., Rosa and May, all of whom are now 
deceased. 

Mr. Gittings made his first purcha.se of land in 



512 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1844, becoming owner of a one hundred and sixtj- 
acre tract, [^the same upon which he now resides. 
He has devoted his entire life to agricultural pur- 
suits, and by his good management, perseverance 
and industry, he has won a well-merited suc- 
cess. In politics, ^he was originally a Whig, and 
cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry 
Harrison, but is now a supporter of the Democ- 
racy. He has been honored with a number of 
local offices, having served as Supervi.sor of Dur- 
ham Township for four years; Road Commis- 
sioner for fifteen years; and School Director for 
thirty years. He was the first Road Commis- 
sioner in the township, and in that office, as in 
all others which he has filled, he discharged his 
duties with a promptness and fidelity which not 
only led to his frequent re-election, but also won 
him the high commendation of all concerned. He 
is true to every trust, whether public or private, 
and therefore has the confidence of the entire 
community. With vSt. John's Catholic Church 
he holds membership. A public-spirited citizen, 
he does all in his power for the advancement of 
the best interests of the county, and gives of his 
time and means for its upbuilding. 



-=) 



^+^ 



(^" 



(TUDGE JOHN LOGAN, one of the prominent 
I and highly respected citizens of Henderson 
(2/ County, now living on section 26, Lomax 
Township, was bom on the 20th of March, 1822, 
near Coiniersville, Fayette County, Ind. His fa- 
ther was one of the pioneer settlers of the Hoosier 
State, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. Af- 
ter arriving at years of maturity, he married 
Susan Dufiy', and to them were born eleven chil- 
dren: Nancy, who died in infancy; James, who is 
living in Pontoosuc in his eightieth year; Will- 
iam, who died March 5, 1892; George W., who 
died in Iowa, September 16, 1890; John; Nancy, 
widow of vSanuiel 15abcock, and a resident of Han- 
cock County; Albert F., who died May 26, 188 1; 
Wesley, who died January 25, 1852; Eliza J., 
who died December 21, 1859; Su.san, who died 
January 10, 1855; and Priscilla, wife of George 



W. Jones, of Knoxville, Iowa. In 1839, Samuel 
Logan brought his family to Illinois, the journey 
being made by team, and located in Lomax 
Town.ship, then Warren County, now Henderson 
County, where he entered about six hundred acres 
of land from the Government on sections 25, 26, 
and 27. There he built a log cabin, 18x18 feet, 
and began the improvement of the wild prairie. 
This farm continued to be his place of residence 
until his death. He passed away December 23, 
1859, and was laid to rest in Logan Cemetery. 
Both he and his wife were members of the 
Methodist Church. Mrs. Logan's death occurred 
July 21, 1875. 

Judge Logan remained in his native State until 
seventeen years of age. His education was ac- 
quired in the old-time subscription schools, which 
were held ni a log .schoolhou.se, furnished with 
slab seats, and lighted by greased-paper windows. 
He accompanied his parents on their removal to 
Illinois in 1839, ^"d to his father gave the bene- 
fit of his services until twenty-two years of age, 
when he began life for himself, upon an eighty- 
acre tract of land on section 25, given him by his 
father. Not a furrow had been turned or an im- 
provement made upon the place. He afterwards 
purchased eighty acres on section 26, and moved 
into the little log cabin which was then standing 
upon the farm. He broke the prairie with ox- 
teams, and tran.sformed the wild tract into rich 
and fertile fields. He also made many excellent 
improvements, and extended the boundaries of his 
farm, until it now comprises two hmulred and 
thirty-eight acres of rich land. Having rented 
this, the owner is now practically retired. 

On the 30th of January, 1844, Mr. Logan was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Barbara Davis. 
Unto them have been born ten children, all of 
whom are yet living, namely: Susan; Alexander, 
a farmer of Lomax; Taylor, who is living in 
Perry, Okla.; Mary J., wife of Lafayette McKim, 
of Nevada, Iowa; Nancy, wife of Henry Paul, a 
farmer of Lomax Township; Almira, wife of 
John Coble, who is living in Newton, Kan. ; John 
W., who is living on the old homestead; William, 
a resident of 0.sceola, Polk County, Neb.; Me- 
linda, wife of William Brown, of Newton, Kan.; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



513 



and Edward L., a telegraph operator in the em- 
ploy of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- 
road. There are also sixteen grandchildren and 
two great-grandchildren. There have never been 
any deaths in the family. 

In 1853, Mr. lyOgan was elected County Judge 
of Henderson County, and filled that office four 
j-ears. He was also Justice of the Peace for four 
j'ears. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
and a .stalwart Republican in politics, having sup- 
ported the men and mea.sures of that party since 
its organization. Previous to that time he was a 
Whig, and his first Pre.sidential vote was ca.st for 
William Henrj- Harri.son. The cause of educa- 
tion finds in him a warm friend, and his support 
and co-operation are never withheld from any in- 
terest which he believes will prove of benefit to 
the community. All who know him esteem him 
highly for his sterling worth and strict integrity, 
and it is with pleasure we present to our readers 
this record of his life. 



^-f^ 



r^J 



/HHARLEvS T. PAINTER, deceased, was born 
\C in Mercer County, Pa., near New Castle, on 
\J the i8th of February, 1831, and is a son of 
Joseph and Jane (Graham) Painter. Upon a 
farm he was reared to manhood, and during the 
winter .season he attended the district schools of the 
neighborhood, thus acquiring a fair English edu- 
cation. He became a resident of Illinois in 1836, 
at which time his parents emigrated we.stward 
with their famil\-. The trip was made by water, 
and they located in Hancock County upon a farm 
in La Harpe Township. 

Mr. Painter of this sketch there remained until 
1850, when he came to Terre Haute Township, 
Henderson County, and purchased one lunidred 
and sixty acres of land on section 16, where his 
widow resides. Not a furrow had been turned or 
an improvement made on the place, but he at 
once began its development and cultivation. In 
1849 Mr. Painter made a trip to California, at- 
tracted by the discovery- of gold. The party with 
which he traveled crossed the river at Omaha, 



and, journeying by ox-teams, reached their de.sti- 
nation after six months of travel, locating near 
Oroville. There Mr. Painter engaged in pros- 
pecting and mining for three years with fair suc- 
cess, and then returned to his home by way of 
the water route. Here he engaged in farming. 

In August, 1862, Mr. Painter was found among 
the defenders of his country, enlisting in the 
Union army as a member of Company G, One 
Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. He 
was mustered in at Camp Butler, in Springfield, 
with the rank of Second Lieutenant, and went with 
Gen. Sheiman to Vicksburg. He participated 
in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Po.st, 
Minikin's Bend, the siege of Vicksburg, and 
the engagements at Port Gibson, Champion 
Hills, Black River Bridge and Jackson. He 
also took part in many raids and smaller en- 
gagements. He was never wounded or taken 
prisoner, but was alwaJ^s found at his po.st of dut)-, 
faithfully defending the Old Flag and the cause it 
represented, and in recognition of his serv'ice he 
was promoted to the rank of Finst Lieutenant. In 
October, 1865, the war having ended, he was 
honorably discharged and returned to his home. 
On Christmas Day, 1867, Mr. Painter was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Evans, 
a native of Owen County, Ind., and to them 
were born five children, as follows: Eva, who 
died in infancy; Joseph E., who married Ada 
Kimball, and carries on farming in Henderson 
County; Frank E., who wedded Clara Apt, and 
is an agriculturist of this comnumity; and Ralph 
T. and Charles C, both at home. 

After his return from the war, Mr. Painter was 
continuously engaged in farming up to the time 
of his death. His life was ever a busy and useful 
one, and was filled with a number of intere.sting 
experiences. He traveled acro.ss the continent, 
took part in the greatest war that ever occurred 
on the Western Hemi.sphere, and was connected 
with the mining experiences of California. In 
his farming operations he was .successful, and ac- 
quired eight hundred acres of valuable land in 
Henderson County. His sterling worth and .strict 
integrity won him many friends, and his death 
was widel)' mourned. He pa.ssed awa\- May 30, 



514 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1892. Mrs. Painter still survives her husband, 
and with her two sons is still living on the old 
home farm, which comprises six hundred and 
forty acres of valuable land. Here she has a good 
home, and the property left her supplies her with 
the comforts and conveniences of this life. 



-^^+^[ 



^OHN STINE, one of the prominent and in- 
I fluential citizens of Henderson County, and 
C/ one of its exten.sive land-owners, now resides 
on .section 24, Terre Haute Town.ship. The 
record of his life is as follows: He was born near 
Dresden, in Muskingum Countx', Ohio, on the 
26th of May, 1834, and is a .son of John and Mary 
Stine, the former a native of Pennsyhania, and 
the latter of Mu.skingum Comity, Ohio. The 
father was of German descent, and in his youth 
learned the trade of a millwright. About 1826, 
he removed with his parents from the Keystone 
State to Perry County, Ohio, where he lived un- 
til 1828, when he became a resident of Muskingum 
Countj'. He was there married, and soon after 
e.stabli.shed a saw and grist mill, which he oper- 
ated for about thirty-five years. In 1863, he 
came to Illinois, .settling near Danville, Vermil- 
ion County, where he made his home until his 
death in 1877, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
He was a member of the Methodist Cliurch, and 
a highly respected citizen. His wife, who was 
born in 1812, also passed away in 1S77. They 
were the parents of the following children: 
Josiah, who died in 1875; Mary E., who died in 
1876; John, of this sketch; Alpheus, who died 
in 1861; William, a carpenter living in Cumber- 
land County, Ohio; Madison, who is a merchant 
and Postma.ster of Fairmount, 111.; Samantha, 
who died in 1862; George, who follows fanning 
near Danville, 111.; and Ellen, widow of John 
Hawkins. 

During his youth, John Stine attended the 
district .schools. At the age of seventeen he be- 
gan to earn his own livelihood by working as a 
farm hand for $7 per month. He was thus em- 
ployed for three sea.sons, after which he came to 



Illinois, in the autumn of 1854, locating in Hender- 
son County. During the first year he worked as 
a farm hand, and then attended school at Terre 
Haute. In 1856 he entered the college at Mt. 
Pleasant, Iowa, where he pursued his studies for 
one year, and then .spent one year in the public 
schools of Pontoo.suc, 111. In the winter of 
1855-56 Mr. Stine engaged in teaching, following 
that profession for thirteen years during the 
winter season, while in the summer months he 
engaged in farming. In 1857 he purcha.sed one 
hundred acres of land in La Harpe Township, 
Hancock County, and engaged in its cultivation 
for five years. He then sold, and bought eighty 
acres on section 19, Raritan Township, Hender- 
son County, but after a \ear removed to McDon- 
ough County, where he spent a similar period. 
In 1866 he purchased his present farm, and took 
up his residence thereon in 1868. He now owns 
eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, all 
in one body. A part of this he rents, but all is 
cultivated under his supervision. 

On the 2d of April, 1857, Mr. Stine was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bradshaw, 
daughter of Charles and Annie (Cyrus) Bradshaw. 
They now have six children: Mary E., wife of 
Benjamin Mudd, a farmer of Henderson County; 
Reaubena, wife of Charles Butler, Countj^ Super- 
intendent of Schools; Annie F. .wife of Edward 
Link, an agriculturist of this county; Eflie C, at 
home; John W., who also follows farming; and 
Marion E., who completes the famil\-. 

Mr. Stine has always been a supporter of the 
Republican party. He and his family are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, and are prominent 
and highly respected people of this comnuuiity. 
In connection witli his other business interests, 
he is now a stockholder and director of the State 
Bank of Stronghurst, is a stockholder in the 
Street Railway Company of Davenport, Iowa, 
and owns an interest in a grain elevator. His 
sagacity and foresight, combined with persever- 
ance and enterprise, have made him one of the 
successful bu.siness men of the connnunity, and 
have won him a handsome ])roperty, which is the 
just reward of Iiis own labor. 




Anhkicw IIai;i::\ian 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



517 



(pi NDREW HAGEMAN, one of the honored 
LI pioneers of Henderson County, now residing 
I I in Raritan, and a man respected by all who 
know him, was born on the 27th of June, 1S24, in 
Somerset County, N, J. He was the ninth in a 
famil\- of eleven children born to Andrew and 
Ann ( Hoaglandj Hageman, but only three of the 
number are living: John, who resides in New 
Jersey; Elsie Elizabeth, widow of Gilbert L. Ker- 
shaw, and a resident of Raritan; and Andrew of 
this sketch. The father was born Ma\- 5, 1779, 
in Somerset County, N. J., and his parents were 
natives of the same State. The family dates its 
residence in America back to 1650, when Aaron 
Hageman and his wife came from Holland and 
settled on Long Island. A short time afterward, 
however, they removed to New Jersey. Andrew 
Hageman, Sr. , was reared on a farm in his native 
State, and there spent his entire life. He was a 
member of the Dutch Reformed Church, and died 
February 8, i860, at the age of eighty-one years. 
His wife was born November 21, 1785, in Somer- 
set Coinity, N. J., and died April 28, 1866. She 
was also of Dutch extraction, her ancestors com- 
ing to this country in an early day. 

Our .subject remained at home with his parents 
until he had attained his majority, when he com- 
menced a course of study with a view to taking 
up the work of the ministry. He entered Rut- 
ger's College, of New Brunswick, N. J., in Sep- 
tember, 1847, but in less than a year his health 
failed, and he was compelled to abandon mental 
work. He then returned to the farm, and there 
remained until 1854, when he remo\ed to New 
Brunswick, where he engaged in the manufacture 
and .sale of clothing until April, 1856, in wliich 
year he emigrated to Illinois, and purcha.sed 
eighty acres of land where he now resides. In 
the spring of 1868, he removed to Bushnell, 111., 
and began the publication of the Bushnell ff <v7>-/r 
Record. After three >ears, however, on account 
of ill-health, he .sold his paper, and for a time was 
engaged in grain-dealing at Swan Creek, Warren 
County. He also engaged in house, sign, buggy 
and decorative painting. 

Mr. Hageman then returned to Prairieside 
Farm, and afterward embarked in the furniture 



business in Raritan, which he continued for seven 
>ears. He then sold his store, and has since 
lived retired at his beautiful home, which adjoins 
the town of Raritan, and is known as Prairieside 
Park. 

On the 28th of November, 1849, Mr. Hageman 
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Ker- 
shaw, who was born March 7, '1832, in Somerset 
County, N. J. They became the parents of six 
children. Gilbert, who was born November 27, 
1853, died March 14, 1869. Charles, born No- 
vember 27, 1859, died October 12, 1862. Both 
were buried in Raritan. Those still living are 
Sarah Anna, born October 7, 1850. She is now 
the wife of A. \V. Van Dyke, a new.spaper man 
of St. Louis. Phcebe, born May 19, 1864, is the 
wife of W. B. Rhodes, a merchant of Monmouth, 
111. Hennan, born April 3, 1866, is clerking in 
Monmouth. Frank, born March 22, 1869, is a 
carpenter by trade, and makes his home with his 
parents. 

For many years Mr. Hageman was a supporter 
of the Republican party, but now votes with the 
Prohibition party. He served as Town Clerk 
while in New Jersey, and for eight years has filled 
the office of Justice of the Peace in Raritan. He 
is a man of broad and liberal mind, and po.sses.ses 
con.siderable talent in several directions. He has 
composed several pieces of music, and expects 
soon to publish a volume of his own poems. He 
is a member of the Reformed Church, has served 
as Elder, and was chosen Superintendent of the 
Sabbath-school on its organization in 1856. Twen- 
ty-five years later he deli\ered an historical ad- 
dress on the occasion of the twent\--fifth Sabbath- 
school anniversar\-. He has a fine library, con- 
taining about eight hundred volumes, including 
the American Cyclopcedia and the Eiteyclopccdia 
Brilanniea. together with a wide range of .standard 
historical and scientific works. Mr. Hageman is 
also an artist of con.siderable merit, and has be- 
come quite widely known as the "Prairieside 
Poet. ' ' We give to our readers two of his poems, 
one written for the Han'est Home Festival held 
at Prairieside Park, Augu.st 17, 1893, and read 
by him on that occasion, and the other an acro.stic, 
called "A Reverie." 



27 



5>8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



A REVERIE. 



Youth's happy j-ears too swiftly gUde; 
Oh ! could they span Life' s river 
Unhasteiied by its flowing tide, 
Ne'er cease — but, stretching far and wide. 
Go on, and on, forever! 

Life seems a voyage — time a stream. 
In which we, genth- gliding, 
Forget all else — as in a dream — 
Except the joys and hopes that gleam 
So bright, yet unabiding! 

Shall living friends and kindred meet 
When safe beyond the river ? 
Enraptured there each other greet. 
Exulting most at Jesus' feet, 
To lo\-e and praise forever ? 

Death's but a change to raise us higher. 
Release our captive spirit. 
Ecstatic bliss, hope's long desire, 
And joys to which our .souls aspire, 
May we, at last, inherit! 



^-o- 



COLUMBIAN YEAR. 



Gathered here as friends and neighbors, 

Seeking rest and recreation, 

We to-day with joy and gladness 

Celebrate our Harv-est Home. 
Through the year's successive seasons 
We have traced our onward journey. 
While unnumbered dailj' bles.sings 

Into all our lives have come. 

Deep in labyrinths of memory. 

We discern, in retrospection, 

Hopes and fears, and lights and shadows, 

Cares and comforts, new and old; 
All along life's pleasant pathways 
Ha\e been sources of enjoyment, 
Mingled oft with soul experience. 

Of which half was never told. 

In the onward course of nature, 
Toward the second Advent tending, 
We have reached a year of wonder.s — 

ICi;j:hteen hundred ninety-three: 
Year of marvellous .surprises, 
Cyclones, floods, and conflagrations, 
Omens rare, and grim forebodings. 

And — what shall its harv'est be ? 



Will a conflict of the nations 
Soon precipitate the horrors 
Long foretold in prophecy 

Of an internecine war? 
Shall the last days of December 
Witness world-wide revolution ? 
Or shall p)eace flow like a river. 

And men learn to fight no more ? 

By the aid of modern science. 

Education and religion, 

Wh}i- should not the world grow better, 

Wi.ser, older, every j-ear ? 
Hopeful optimists inform us 
That in knowledge and refinement. 
In the elements of progress. 

They discern no cause for fear. 

In the suburbs of Chicago 

Has been built "the great white citj'," — 

Grand "Columbian Exposition," — 

Latest wonder of the world ; 
Wherein works of art and nature 
Are displayed in rich profusion, 
Products of the world's great nations, 

Whose proud flags are there unfurled. 

Viewed from highest Chri-stian standpoint. 
There is good in this grand showing 
Of the wonderful and perfect 

Workman.ship of God's own hand; — 
Rarest birds and beasts and fishes — 
Marvellous forms of vegetation — 
Things of life and beauty, gathered 

Fresh from earth, air, sea and land. 

Art exhibits merit .study. 
While they win our admiration; 
Tending much to make us hopeful 

For the future of our race. 
In them we can see reflections 
Of the great Creator's wisdom, 
Whom to love, and prai.se, and worship, 

Fit is every time and place. 

Phonographic reproductions — 
Telephone connnunications — 
Instantaneous photographing — 

Telegrams re-written plain— 
.Street-cars drawn by endless cable — 
Electricitj- dynamic. 
Giving light and heat and power. 

Nature's forces to restrain. 

In the realm of education 
There is evidence of progre.ss; 
Mathematics, elocutit-n. 

History, have an honored place; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



519 



Painting, poetry, and nuisic. 
Novelty in decoration. 
Endles.s lines of skill and stud\-, 
Elevate the hmnan race. 

Much is said of Christian union: 

What is it ? — confederation 

Of the various Chri.stian churches 

Which in modern times abound ? 
Nay, not this, we think, but rather 
Fellowship of Christ's disci]iles, 
Of whate'er denomination, 

Wheresoever the\- be found. 

Oneness of all true believers 
Who accept and trust in Jesus 
As their all-sufficient Saviour, 

Who can for all sins atone: 
Oneness in the faith deli\-ered 
To the saints, in Holy vScripture, 
Who believe in God, the Father, 

Son and vSpirit, three in one. 

While religious controversies 
Have prevented churches' union, 
Great revivals of religion 

Mark the progress of the >ear: 
Orthodox denominations 
Have harmoniously been laboring, 
Earnest for the world's salvation. 

Each within its cho.sen sphere. 

Theological opinions 

Now, as always, nuist be various; 

As in every realm of nature 

Great variety is found. 
So, in matters of religion. 
Let each one's own con.science an.swer 
What for him is obvious dut\-, 

And let charity abound. 

Evangelic churches differ 

In their forms or creeds or worship. 

Or historic precedence. 

Yet the\- cordially agree 
On es.sential points of doctrine. 
Holding fast to their profe.s.sion 
In the glorious liberty- 

Wherewith Christ hath made us free. 

All believe iii God, the Father — 
In the Son, our only Saviour — 
In the blessed Holy Si)irit — 

Ever glorious trinity ; 
'Tis b)- grace we have salvation; 
Through repentance and believing 
Sinners .shall find peace and pardon, 

Life and immortality. 



In the Cross of Christ they glorj-, 
And with one accord they serve Him: 
With His glorious banner marching 

On to certain victory. 
Over all the hosts of Satan, 
Over every form of error, 
And of \nce and persecution, 

Which in later days we .see. 

Sending forth the glorious message 

Of salvation to the heathen. 

Through their Boards of Foreign Mis.sious, 

Is the work and aim of all; 
While, in our own country's borders, 
Semi-civilized and Indian, 
Through denominational effort 

Have received the Ciospel call. 

Christians thus are all iniited 

In the work of man's redemption, 

Through the words of inspiration 

And the Holy Spirit's power; 
While obeying the injvuiction 
Of their risen, ascended vSaviour, 
Joy and peace and heavenly blessings 

Have descended like a shower. 

Through evangelistic efforts. 
Earnest, unsectarian preaching 
Of the ever-blessed Gospel 

To the sinful and depraved. 
Thousands have been brought to Je.sus, 
Have been led to .seek salvation 
Through the crucified Redeemer, 

And are now among the saved. 

Satan has not ceased opposing 
Whatsoever things are lovely 
And of good report, but ever 

In all ages, climes and states. 
By deceitful subterfuges. 
Plots and wiles anta.gonislic, 
Seeketh whom he may devour, — 

While his own perdition waits. 

Some are criticising Scripture: 
Its inerrancy they que.stion; 
Theories of evolution 

Have been widely heralded; 
Yet the arguments concerning 
"Science, versus Revelati<m," 
And "The place of man in nature," 

To no great results ha\e led. 

Truth, invincible, existing 
With the everlasting age.s 
Of eternity, can nex'er 

From its stately temple fall; 



520 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Not in least antagonism 
To the Book of Inspiration 
Which in mercy God has given 
As a guiding light for all. 

Troublous times ha\'e come upon us 
In a great financial crisis, 
Marked by failures, losses, panics, 

Over all our favored land; 
Husbandmen erewhile predicted 
Scanty yield of earth's productions, 
While the earlier signs of plenty 

Seemed to fail on everj- hand. 

Threatening ills have been averted; 

We no longer fear a famine; 

For the rain from heaven descended 

On the drj' and thirsty soil; 
In the cornfields and the meadows 
Crops and pastures, recreated. 
Promise now the hopeful farmer 

Sure reward of .summer's toil. 

So, in view of all the comforts 
Of this year, let us be thankful; 
Countless as the stars of heaven 

Or the .sands on ocean's .shore, 
Is the number of our mercies. 
And while thinking of tlie goodness 
Of the Lord, we know that for us 

Other blessings are in store. 

3 AMES M. BRADSHAW, one of the enter- 
jjrising, progressive and representative citi- 
zens of La Harpe, was born in the township 
of La Harpe on the .?oth of Decemljer, 1S55, and is 
a son of Joel Bradshaw, a native of White Count}', 
Tenn., born September 15, .1812. The family num- 
bered ten children, four .sons and six dangliters, but 
three of the latter died in infancy. William Dix- 
on is now a farmer on .section 30, La Harpe Town- 
.ship; Mary Jane became the wife of Frank Hine, 
of Jack.sonville, 111., and died in February, 1881; 
George W. is living on .section 25, Durham Town- 
.ship, Hancock Covuity; Sarah Louisa, decea.sed, 
was the wife of William C. Bainter; F^nnna E. is 
the wide)w of James W. P. Davis; and Joel D. is 
deceased. 

Our subject is the youngest child of the family. 
He acquired his early education in the di.strict 



schools of La Harpe Township, but afterwards 
supplemented it by stud>- in the Jacksonville Bus- 
iness College, which he entered in the fall of 
1875. On completing his cour.se, he was gradu- 
ated therefrom in March, 1876. He entered a 
class of seventy -five pupils in arithmetic, which 
was reduced in number to fifteen on account of 
their deficiency. Mr. Bradshaw, however, re- 
mained with the class. After leaving college, he 
became a stock-dealer, and in connection with that 
business, which he has carried on extensively, he 
has akso been largeh" engaged in farming. He 
now owns a farm of four hundred and fifty acres, 
of which two hundred and thirty acres are located 
on section 30, La Harpe Town.ship, while the re- 
mainder is across the line in Durham Township. 
His farm is one of the be.st in the neighborhood, 
and its well-tilled fields and excellent improve- 
ments indicate the careful supervision of the own- 
er and his thrifty and progressive spirit. 

On the 13th of February, 1878, Mr. Bradshaw 
was united in marriage with Miss Tillie E. Man- 
ifold, daughter of Benjamin J. and Cornelia(Hut- 
ton ) Manifold. Their union has been bles.sed 
with three children, two sons and a daughter, 
but Lillian E. died at the age of four weeks. The 
others, James F. and QuintonM., are still with 
their parents. 

Mr. Bradshaw exercises his right of franchise 
in support of the Democracy, and his first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for W. vS. Hancock in 1876. 
He has ser\-ed as School Director for several 
years, and was also Road Overseer for several 
terms, but has never .sought or de.sired public of- 
fice, preferring to give his time and attention to 
his business interests. He has been a Director 
of the La Harpe District Fair since its organiza- 
tion, and was Auditor for the first three years. 
The following year he was Superintendent of 
Booths, and during the fifth year was elected Di- 
rector and Superintendent of the Beef Cattle De- 
partment, which position he has held for four 
years. He takes an active interest in worthy 
public enterprises, and is recognized throughout 
the conniumity as one of its leading citizens. He is 
at present Auditor of the La Harpe District Fair 
Association, and is engaged largely in rearing 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



521 



Shorthorn cattle. In 1892, in connection with C. 
S. Campbell, he bought a herd, and in Januarj-, 
1894, he bought his partner' .s interest and now 
has the best herd in this section of the country. 



,§_ 



=m^-^r^m= 






I EVI J. RHEA, M. D., who is engaged in 
It the practice of the medical profession in La 
|_2/ Harpe, was bom in Hancock County, on the 
8th of June, 1854, and is a worthy representative 
of one of the honored pioneer families of this lo- 
cality. His father, Calloway L. Rhea, was a na- 
tive of Warren County, Tenn., and was a son of 
Lewis J. Rhea, who, with his wife and four chil- 
dren, emigrated to Illinois in 1832. His son Cal- 
lowaj- was then a child of five years. In Han- 
cock Count)' he was reared to manhood, and after 
attaining to mature years he led to the marriage 
altar Miss Sarah J. Smith, who had come with 
her parents to this State about 1840. Five chil- 
dren were born of this union, but two died in in- 
fancy. Those .still living are: Martha A., wife 
of Hardin Greenwell, of Kansas; Lucy A., wife 
of R. T. Wade, of Plymouth, 111.: and the Doc- 
tor. 

Our subject spent his early boyhood days in his 
parents' home, and during his youth attended the 
common schools, thus acquiring a fair Engli.sh 
education. Later he embarked in teaching, and 
followed that profession for .six years. In 1876, 
he took up the study of medicine in the office of 
Dr. William Booz, of Carthage, and subsequentlj' 
pursued his .studies in the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons of Keokuk, from which institution 
he was graduated in the Class of '82. In that 
year he located in Plymouth, where for two years 
he was engaged in the drug business. On the 
expiration of that period he removed to La Cros.se, 
where for four years he devoted his entire time to 
the practice of medicine. His next jjlace of resi- 
dence was in Cairo, Loui.sa County, Iowa, and 
after two years there spent he came to La Har]ie, 
where he has .since made his home. 

On the 19th of October, 1880, Dr. Rhea was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Susan M. Berry, 



daughter of Acrey Berry, a native of Virginia. 
Three children ble.ss their home, namely: Aaron 
Atlee, Ollie Ethel and Mamie Blanche. The 
parents are both faithful and consistent members 
of the Christian Church of La Harpe and take an 
active interest in all church and benevolent work. 
They are numbered among the best citizens of 
the comminiity and well deser\'e representation in 
the history of the county. Socially, the Doctor is 
a member of the Masonic order, belonging to La 
Harpe Lodge No. 195, A. F. & A. M.; La Harpe 
Chapter No. 134, R. A. M.; and La Harpe Chap- 
ter No. 60, O. E. S. In the practice of his pro- 
fession he has met with good success, his skill 
and ability winning him a liberal patronage, which 
is well deser\-ed. His many excellencies of char- 
acter have won him high regard, and he has a 
large circle of friends in this community. 



^1. 



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ROBERT PENCE, one of the extensive land- 
owners of Henderson County, who now car- 
ries on general farming and stock-raising on 
.section 15, Lomax Township, claims Pennsyl- 
vania as the State of his nativity. He was born 
near William.sport, in Lycoming County, June 3, 
1830, and is a son of John and Hannah Pence. 
The family is of German lineage. Our subject 
was one of eight children, namely: Robert; 
Martha J., who died at the age of four years; 
Philip, a farmer of Henderson County; Susan, 
wife of Hinton Smith, an agriculturist of this 
community; Harriet, who died in 1882: Louisa, 
wife of James Harwood, of Benton County, Iowa; 
Annie B., wife of Eli Pickering, a ranchman of 
Kearney, Neb. ; and one who died in infancy. 

Mr. Pence of this sketch has been connected 
with agricultural interests throughout his entire 
life. He was reared to manhood upon a farm, 
and early became familiar with all the duties con- 
nected with its cultivation. With his parents he 
came to Illinois from Pennsylvania in 1838, the 
journey being made b\- canal and river. The 
family located where our subject now resides, the 
father purchasing one hundred and sixty acres 



522 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of land on section 13, Lomax Township, which 
he secured from the Government with a soldier's 
claim. It was a wild and unimproved tract of 
prairie, but he at once built a log cabin upon it, 
and began its further development. In course of 
time the land was transformed into rich and fer- 
tile fields, and the farm became one of the best in 
the neighborhood. There John Pence made his 
home until his death, which occurred April 12, 
i860. He was a leading and influential citizen, and 
aided in organizing the schools of this community 
and in laying out the roads. His wife pas.sed 
away in 1881. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Robert 
Pence spent the days of his boyhood and youth, 
and became familiar with all the experiences of 
life on the frontier. He walked three miles to a 
log schoolhouse, where a school was conducted 
on the subscription plan, and in that way he ac- 
quired his education. At the age of twenty-three 
he started out in life for himself, pur.suing the oc- 
cupation to which he was reared. For a few 
years he operated the home farm, but on his mar- 
riage removed to another farm. 

On the nth of December, 1862, Mr. Pence was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Ann Harwood. 
Their union has been blessed with ten children, 
and the family circle yet remains unbroken. 
They are: James R.: Thomas L.; Estella M., 
wifeof Newton H. Vaughan; P. Edward; Charles 
H.; Hettie A., wifeof Charles Smiddy; MattieJ.; 
Or\'ille F. ; Olive B. ; and Harry F. 

Upon his marriage Mr. Pence removed to a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, 
Lomax Township, and engaged in its cultivation 
and improvement for a period of four years, when 
he returned to the old homestead, where he has 
since resided, except for eight years, when he 
lived upon a farm close by. He owns altogether 
five hundred acres of land, and receives a good 
income therefrom, owing to the care and cultiva- 
tion bestowed upon it. His well-directed efforts 
and good business ability have brought for him a 
handsome property and made him e)ne of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the community. In politics, he 
was for many j-ears a supporter of the Democratic 
party. He has ser\-ed as vSchool Director and 



Road Supervisor, and has always been a wide- 
awake and enterprising citizen, ready to aid in 
the advancement of those interests calculated to 
prove of public benefit. His sterling worth and 
strict integrity have won for him many friends, 
and it is with pleasure that we present this record 
of his life to our readers. 



-^3. 



I^hJh^I 



<A RS. ANN ROBERTS, who for some years 
y has resided in Henderson Comity, making 
(9 her home on section 36, Gladstone Town- 
ship, is a native of England. Her parents, William 
and Elizabeth (Roberts) Griffith, were also na- 
tives of England, the former born in Llanllowell, 
Monmouthshire, in 1776, and the latter in 1804. 
They were married in January, 1833, in Llanllo- 
well Church, and when called to the home beyond 
were buried in the churchyard. The father and 
grandfather of William GriflRth were born in the 
same parish. William Griffith and wife had the 
following children: Mrs. Ann Roberts, William, 
Elizabeth, Catherine, Thomas, Mrs. Sarah King, 
Mrs. Mary Williams, Edward and Mrs. Emma 
Williams. 

Mrs. Roberts of this sketch .spent her girlhood 
days in her parents' home, where she became 
familiar with all the duties of the hou.sh old. After 
attaining to womanhood she gave her hand in 
marriage to Thomas Roberts, a native of Newport, 
England. The wedding ceremony- was performed 
in June, 1854, at the Stow Church in Newport, 
and they began their domestic life in their native 
land, where they continued to reside until 1862. 
In that year they bade adieu to home and friends 
and sailed for the Ihiited States, believing that in 
the New World they would have better opportun- 
ities of securing a comfortable competence. Im- 
mediately after landing in New York, they made 
their way to Illinois, and settled in Henderson 
County, where Mrs. Roberts has since lived. 
Their capital at that time consisted of $1,000, 
which they had saved up in England, and which 
they then invested in land, a part of the present 
farm. Mr. Roberts gave his time and attention 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



523 



to the labors of the field, and the wife to the du- 
ties of the household. In this way, by careful 
management, their financial resources were in- 
creased, and they were enabled to add to their 
home the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. 

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rob- 
erts, namely: Thomas, who was born July 2, 1855: 
William, April 2, 1856; George, September 19, 
1857; Hannah, who was boni November 26, 1858, 
and is the wife of Arthur Gray: Mary, born Sep- 
tember 22, i860, and the wife of Thomas Gray: 
Mrs. Emma Russell, born November 29, 1862: 
Annie, Februar}- 15, 1864; Mrs. vSallie \\'alburn, 
born April 29, 1869; and Arthur, born on the 19th 
of November, 1 8 7 1 . 

Mr. Roberts was a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, belonging to the lodge in Gladstone. In 
politics, he was a supporter of Democratic princi- 
ples, but his widow believes in the principles of 
the Republican party. In connection with gen- 
eral farming, he carried on stock-raising, and in 
both branches of his business met with fair suc- 
cess. He was thus employed until called to the 
home beyond, on the 25th of November, 1875 
vSince her husband's death, Mrs. Roberts has 
managed the property and has added to her farm, 
until now four hundred acres of valuable land 
yield to her a good income. She is a lady of en- 
ergy and good executive ability, and all who 
know her hold her in hi^h e.steeni. 



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r=^ 



■S) 



CySAAC T. THOMAS, one of the extensive 
I land-owners of Hancock County, who for 
JL many years has successfully engaged in farm- 
ing in Sonora Township, now makes his home on 
section 27. He there located in 1852, when the 
land was wild and uncultivated, the only im])rove- 
ment upon the place being a small log cabin. The 
care and cultivation he bestowed upon the farm, 
however, soon made it yield to him a good return, 
and as his financial resources increased he made 
other purcha.ses, and has become one of the wealthy 
citizens of this community. 

Mr. Thomas was born in Nelson County, Kj., 



January' 23, 1826, and is a son of James and 
Abigail (Langsford) Thomas. The father was also 
a native of Kentucky, and is of Welsh descent. 
The family numbered eight children, namely: 
Nancy, Louisa, Isaac T., William R., John L., 
James M., Silas M. and Pre.sley. Our subject 
was born and reared upon his father's farm, and 
when a child of three years accc)nipanied his par- 
ents to Adams County, 111., where he grew to 
manhood. His education was acquired in the old- 
time subscription schools, which were held in a 
log schoolhou.se, in which he spent about three 
months during the year. His advantages were 
thus limited, but experience and observation have 
made him a well-informed man. When he had 
reached the age of twenty-three years his father 
gave him a small tract of land, and be began farm- 
ing in his own interest. Since that time he has 
continuously carried on agricultural pursuits. He 
lived in Adams County until 1852, when he re; 
moved to Hancock County, and settled in Sonora 
Township. His farm at first comprised only eight\' 
acres, and it formerl\' belonged to one of the 
Mormons who lived in this neighborhood. To this 
he has since added, however, luitil the home fann 
now comprises four hundred and sixty acres. It 
is under a high state of cultivation and is improved 
with a comfortable dwelling, barns and outbuild- 
ings (which are models of convenience), and all 
modern acce.ssories. In connection with general 
farming he carries on stock-raising. His landed 
])os.sessions altogether aggregate seven hundred 
and thirty -seven acres, and with the exception of 
one tract in Montebello Township, the entire 
amount is in Sonora Township. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's jour- 
ney, Mr. Thomas chose Miss Louisa Nichols, and 
their marriage was celebrated March 23, 1849. 
They became the parents of nine children: Laura 
A., at home; Leiburn T., who carries on farming 
in Montebello Township; William H., a farmer 
of the same community; Sarah L., wife of Henry 
Weber, a well-known farmer of Rock Creek Town- 
ship, Hancock Count)-; Mattie, wife of Orville 
Haunt/., of Montebello Township; Naomi J., at 
home; James H., who is still on the old home 
farm; George M., who died at the age of two 



524 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years; and Pearl E., who died in her nineteenth 
year. 

Mr. Thomas support.s the Democratic party, 
but has never been ati aspirant for public office, 
preferring to give his entire time and attention to 
his business interests. He holds membership 
with the Christian Church, and gives his support 
to all worthy public enterprises which are calcu- 
lated to advance the general welfare. Although 
he began life a poor boy, he has steadily worked 
his \va\- upward, and has achieved a success of 
which he may well be proud. His prosperity is 
not the result of fortunate circumstances, but is the 
reward of earnest labor. 



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61 NDREW JACKvSON DITTO, who carries 
r I on general farming on section 14, town.ship 
/ I 10 north, range 5 west, has the honor of 
being a native of Illinois, for his birth occurred in 
Mercer County, on the 5th of November, ICS38. 
He is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Wyland) 
Ditto, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and 
of French descent, while the latter is of Dutch 
lineage. They became pioneers of Mercer Coun- 
ty, locating there in 1836. The father embarked 
in farming and developed a good home. In the 
family were ten children: John W. and Sarah, 
both of whom are now deceased; George W., a 
prosperous farmer of Henderson County, who is 
represented elsewhere in this work; Frank, who 
resides in Gladstone, 111.; Betsy, widow of Ben- 
jamin Fox, of Oregon; vSanuiel, who is living in 
Seaton, 111.; Levi, of Kan.sas; Andrew J., of this 
sketch; Barbara, widow of John Cotton; and 
Louis N., of Henderson County. 

In his native county, Andrew J. Ditto spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth. His father 
died in 1854, and he then went to live with his 
eldest brother, John W'., with whom he made his 
home until his marriage. On the 3d of April, 
1856, he led to the marriage altar Mi.ss Ellen J. 
Wright, a native of Mercer County, 111., and a 
daughter of Ellas Wright, who was born in San- 
gamon County. \'a. The young couple began 



their domestic life in Mercer Countj', and there 
remained for a number of years. In 1872, they 
came to Henderson County, and for a year resided 
on a farm northeast of Oquawka. Two years 
were then passed on a farm south of Gladstone, 
and in 1875 they took up their residence upon 
their present farm. In that year Mr. Ditto pur- 
chased one hundred and fifty -five acres of land, 
and has since devoted his time and attention to 
its cultivation. 

Unto our subject and his wife were born the 
following children: Mrs. Anna Zeina Leonard, 
who is now living in Taylor County, Iowa; Mrs. 
Aurora N. Wheatley, also of Taylor County; 
Elizabeth and James A., both deceased; Mrs. 
Orpha Duvall; John W., who is located in Tay- 
lor County, Iowa; Budd; Clyde H., deceased; 
and George L. and Bert A., who are still on the 
home farm. 

Mr. Ditto has been a supporter of the Democ- 
racy since casting his finst Presidential vote for 
Stephen A. Douglas. He has never sought or 
desired political preferment, wishing to give his 
entire time and attention to his bu.siness interests 
and to the enjoyment of the home, j'et he is rec- 
ognized as a public-spirited and progressive citi- 
zen, and the best interests of the community al- 
ways receive his co-operation. In the manage- 
ment of his farm he displays good business ability, 
and now has one of the well-cultivated places of 
the neighborhood. 



(e) A M IT EL GAL B R A I T H , who follows farm - 
7\ ing on section 27, town.ship 10 north, range 
\yj 5 west, was born on the 6th of November, 
1S24, in Roane County, Tenn. On the paternal 
side he is of Scotch-Irish descent, and on the ma- 
ternal .side is of Irish lineage. His father, Thomas 
Galbraith, was a native of Tennessee, and a fanner 
by occupation. He married Miss Margaret White, 
who was born in Tenne.ssee in 1800, and they be- 
came the parents of eight children, namely: Eliz- 
abeth, Alexander, Mary, William, Eveline, Rob- 
ert, Samuel and Franklin. Onlv twoofthenum- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ber are now living, Samuel of this sketch, and 
Eveline, widow of Sanford Harned. 

When our subject was a child of five summers 
he accompanied his parents on their removal to 
Illinois, the family locating in Morgan County, 
from whence they removed to Adams County in 
1831. There they resided initil December, 1834, 
when they came to Henderson County, locating 
on section 26, township 10 north, range 5 west. 
Two years later the>- removed to the farm on 
which our subject now resides. The father be- 
came owner of one hundred and twenty acres of 
land, and continued its cultivation until his death, 
which occurred in 1843. Samuel and his brother 
Franklin then took care of the family, and con- 
tinued to work in partnership until 1857, when 
they divided their property, which by that time 
had been increased to a tract of six hundred and 
forty acres. Each took half a section and began 
farming in his own interest. The elder brother 
has met with excellent success in his undertak- 
ings, and is now the owner of seven hundred and 
twenty acres of valuable land, all in one body ex- 
cept one tract of eighty acres, which lies separate 
from the other. 

On the 25tli of June, 1849, Mr. Galbraith was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Evans, a 
daughter of John Evans. She was born in Ohio, 
but her father was a native of Maryland, and her 
grandfather Evans was a native of England. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith have been bom the fol- 
lowing children: Amanda Belle, who is living in 
Emerson, Iowa; James F., who carries on farm- 
ing near Emerson; Mrs. Miner\'a Slump, who re- 
sides in Oakland, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Pratt, of Par- 
son, Iowa; John, who died in infancy; Mrs. Eve- 
line Bacon, of Henderson County; Margaret Jane 
and George M., at home; William Thomas, who 
carries on farming in Henderson County; Charles 
Edward, an agriculturi.st of Oakland, Iowa; Clyde 
E., a fanner; Addie Clair, at home; and Sarah 
Myrtle, who died in infancy. 

Since ca.sting his first Presidential vote for Gen. 
Zachary Taylor, Mr. Galbraith has been a sup- 
porter of the men and measures of the Democracy. 
He has twice been elected Township Trustee, 
and for a period of ten years .served as School Di- 



525 

rector. His family all hold membership with the 
United Presbyterian Church, and .since 1869 he 
has been a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
His word is as good as his bond, for he is honora- 
ble and upright in all his dealings, and has the 
confidence and tru.st of his fellow-citizens. His 
success in life is due to well-directed efforts, enter- 
prise and industry, and is the just reward of his 
labors. 



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[3_ 



REV. FATHER H. J. REIMBOLD, who is 
pastor of the Catholic Church of Nauvoo, 
was born in Cologne, Germany, on the 31st 
of May, 1842, and is the elde.st in a family of four 
sons, whose parents were John and Gertrade 
(BroicherJ Reimbold. His father and mother 
were both natives of Cologne. In 1848, accom- 
panied by their family, they bade adieu to friends 
and home and sailed for the New World. They 
first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, but after a short 
time resumed their westward journey and came to 
Nauvoo. Here the father began business as a 
grain-dealer, and carried on operations along that 
line until his death, which occurred at the age of 
thirty-nine years. His widow still sun-ives him, 
and now makes her home with our subject, at the 
age of seventy-.seven years. She is a devout mem- 
ber of the Catholic Church, to which her hu.s- 
band al.so belonged. 

Father Reimbold was reared under the parental 
roof, and in early boyhood attended the public 
schools. He afterwards became a student in 
Notre Dame University, and after being gradu- 
ated from that institution was ordained in Chi- 
cago in 1866 as a priest of the Catholic Church. 
For one year he remained in that cit\', and on 
the 4th of July, 1867, came to Nauvoo to take 
charge of the church at this place. Under his 
supervision, and largelj- through his instrumen- 
tality, their present house of worship, the finest 
in the county, was erected at a cost of $24,000. 
The congregation now numbers one hundred and 
ten families. There is also a flourishing academy 
for young ladies, establislied almost twenty years 



i26 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ago, and in charge of the Benedictine Sisters. 
This centre of learning has justly a wide-spread 
reputation, some of its pupils coming year after 
year from Chicago, Cincinnati, vSt. Louis and va- 
rious other large cities. Quite a large number of 
the pupils are not Catholics, but their religious 
views are never interfered with. All are treated 
with the utmost kindness and enjoy all the lib- 
erty compatible with a first-class institution of 
learning. 

Father Reimbold is a good man and is beloved 
by all who know him. He devotes his entire time 
and attention to the work of the church, and the 
fact that he has been stationed in Nauvoo for al- 
most twenty-.seven years indicates his efficient 
.service in this place, and also tells of the lf>ve and 
respect which his congregation bears him. 



l^-^ 



"HOMAS McMURRAY, who resides on .sec- 
tion 1 1 , Terre Haute Township, is a self- 
made man, who by his own efforts has 
worked his way upward from a humble position, 
until he has become one of the most extensive 
land-owners of Henderson County. He is also 
one of its honored pioneer settlers, ha\iiig wit- 
nessed its growth and development from a very 
early day. As he is widely and favorably known 
in this community, we feel a.ssured that the record 
of his life will prove of interest to many of our 
readers. 

Mr. McMurray was born in Morganfield, K>-., 
January i, 1829, and comes of a family of Scotch- 
Irish lineage. His parents, George and Eliza 
(Waller) McMurray, were both natives of Ken- 
tucky. The father was a tanner by trade, but 
after emigrating to Illinois carried on farming. 
He made the journej- westward by team in the 
spring of 1829, locating in Adams County, near 
Quincy, where he purcha.sed a farm, on which 
was a log cabin, and there he made his home for 
about seven years. He then entered eighty acres 
of land from the Government near Clayton, built 
upon it a cabin home, and there resided until his 
death, which occurred in 1878. He and his wife 



were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and, in politics, he was a Whig and afterwards a 
Republican. After coming to Illinois, in connec- 
tion with his farm, he carried on a tannery. For 
several years he survived his wife, who passed 
away in 1873. They were the parents of thirteen 
children: James, deceased; Thomas, of this sketch; 
Wilson: John; Fletcher, deceased; George M., of 
Quincy; Aaron, Mary Ann, Margaret J. and 
Granville, all four of whom have ])a.ssed away: 
Ella: Joseph: and Elihu, who is also deceased. 

Upon a farm in Adams County Mr. McMurray 
was reared to manhood. His educational privi- 
leges were those afforded by the subscription 
schools, and he had to walk from a mile and a-half 
to five miles to the .schoolhouse. He continued 
his studies for about three months during each 
year until eighteen years of age, after which his 
entire time and attention were given to farm work. 
On attaining his majority, he left home, and for 
three years engaged in the culti\ation of rented 
land. He then began improving a prairie farm 
in Adams County, upon which he made his home 
until 1854, when he came to Henderson Countj-, 
locating in Terre Haute Township, where he pur- 
cha.sed one hundred and .si.xty acres of land. This 
farm he still owns, but after living upon it for five 
years, he removed to the one upon which he no\v 
makes his home. It is under a high .state of cul- 
tivation, and improved with all the accessories and 
conveniences of a model fiirni. His landed pos- 
.sessions now aggregate ele\'en hundred and sixty- 
five acres, six hundred and si.\ty-fi\'e acres in 
Henderson County, and the remainder in Han- 
cock County. Some of it is devoted to pa.sturage, 
for the owner is quite extensiveh' engaged in 
stock-raising. 

On the 14th of March, 1850, Mr. McMurray 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Nancy A., 
daughter of Lytic and Eliza (McCann) Griffing. 
Her father was a saddler by trade, and he and his 
wife were both reared in Bourbon County, Ky. 
After their marriage they emigrated by team to 
Quincy, 111., and after a short time removed to 
Columbus, 111., where Mr. Griffing was engaged 
in mercantile pursuits for ten years. He then re- 
tired from business, but continued to reside in 



f 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



527 



Columbus until his death, which occurred August 
16, 1846. He was a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity and of the Methodist Episcopal' Church, 
and served in the Mormon War. His wife, who 
was also a faithful member of the same church, 
was called to the home beyond August 7, KS4fi. 
They had a family of five daughters: Eleanor P. : 
Frances, deceased; Nancy A.; Mar\- J., deceased: 
and Celena J. 

To Mr. and Mrs. McMurray was born a daugh- 
ter, Mary E., who died October 17, 1893. The 
mother is a member of the Methodist Church, and 
her excellencies of character ha\e won her a 
large circle of friends. Mr. McMurray cast his 
first Presidential vote for Henry Clay, and was a 
Whig until the organization of the Republican 
party, with which he has been identified from the 
beginning. There are only two or three voters 
in Terre Haute Township who were here when he 
located here, and he remembers the city of Quincy 
when it contained only two stores. He has not 
been a disinterested witness of the growth and de- 
velopment of this localit)-, but has aided in its 
advancement and taken a commendable interest 
in its progress. His .success in life is an enviable 
one, and is well deserved, for it has been secured 
through honest and earnest effort, enterpri.se and 
good business ability. 

lEvSLEY C. BRIDGEvS, one of the honored 
and highly respected citizens of Hamilton, 
who has long been prominently identified 
with the best interests of the community, aiding 
in everything that pertains to the public welfare, 
was born in Carroll County, Tenn., July 24, 1838, 
and is a .son of William Alex Bridges, also a 
native of Tennessee. The grandfather, Willis 
Bridges, was born in North Carolina, was for 
forty-five years a Baptist preacher, and probably 
no one was better known in Tenne.s.see in an early 
day. 

Having attained to mature years, the father of 
our subject married Miss Loui.sa Neal Ridings, 
who was born in Tennessee, but whose parents 



were natives of North Carolina. Three children 
graced this marriage: Wesley C, of this sketch; 
Joel W., a railroad man living in Hamilton, 111.; 
and James M., who died in 1862, in Macon City, 
Mo., his death resulting from exposure. He en- 
tered the army as a meinl)er of Company G, Sev- 
enth MLssonri Cavalry. 

The father of this family diedjaiuiary 18, 1844, 
when our subject was not quite six \ears of age, 
so he was left to the care of his mother, who was 
quite poor. His early educational advantages 
were very crude. He lived in a slave .State until 
fourteen years of age, and no free-school system 
exi.sted in Tennessee. When a "sub.scription" 
teacher came to the neighborhood, he would ask 
Mrs. Bridges for how manj- scholars she would 
sign, and, looking at her three young sons, she 
would have to reply, "I cannot pay for more than 
one, or maybe for not more than half of one. ' ' She 
economized in order to send her three bo>s to 
.school enough to take up the time allowed for 
one scholar, and in order to do this .she spun and 
wove man)- a night after the clock had struck 
twelve. When a youth of fourteen, Wesle>- ac- 
companied his mother to Illinois, locating on a 
farm of eighty acres in Jackson Countv, which 
land was entered from the Government. The 
journey hither was made with an ox-team and 
wagon, and for four weeks they were upon tlie 
road. They lived upon the land entered in 1852 
for two years, after which thej- came to Hancock 
County in 1854, locating in Augu.sta Township, 
where a farm was rented. The boys of the fam- 
ily worked for farmers in the neighborhood. The 
first wages Wesley received was $10 per month, 
which was given to his motlier, who used it in 
the .support of the family. As he was the eldest 
son he was the mainstay and dependence of his 
mother and brothers, and, although his lot was 
not an easy one, he performed his ta.sks uncom- 
plainingly. From 1854 until 1858 he attended 
school in the neighboring district as he could 
find opportunit)-. In the latter year his mother 
was married to Thomas A. .Smart, an early set- 
tler of this localit.w 

From that time until i860, our snljject en- 
gaged in working fur himself and as a compan- 



528 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ion and helpmate on life's journej- he chose Miss 
Mar>' Ellen Harrison, daughter of William and 
Alice B. (Davis) Harrison. She was born in 
Salem. Ind., January 23, 1843, and their mar- 
riage, which was celebrated October 14, i860, has 
been ble.ssed with five children, all of whom are 
yet living, namely: Louisa Alice, wife of Robert 
Watson, foreman of a planing-mill in Hamilton; 
Martha Ellen, wife of Elmer F. Dennis, who is 
engaged in the nurser>' business in Hamilton; 
Laura Belle, Julia Viola and Abbie Ethel, who 
are yet at home. 

After his marriage, Mr. Bridges rented a farm 
in Augusta Township, where he made his home 
until October 062, when he went to work as a 
common laborer on the Indiana & Southern Illi- 
nois Railroad, now a part of the Waba.sh Road, 
running from Clayton to Keokuk, Iowa. He was 
thus employed until July, 1863, after which he 
worked for eighteen months as an engine-wiper 
on the same road. In Februarj-, 1864, he was 
promoted to the position of fireman, and after 
three years and three months was made an engi- 
neer, in May, 1867. In that capacity he .ser\-ed 
until October 27, 1883, during which time he had 
charge of all kinds of trains, yet never met with a 
serious mishap, or was reprimanded, suspended 
or discharged. On the 27th of October, 1883, he 
was made foreman of the Wabash machinery and 
car department at Hamilton. At this time there 
were four lines under the control of the Wabash. In 
1 885 the dissolution of the four railroads occurred, 
and Mr. Bridges was left to decide whether he 
would take back his old Wabash run, or remain 
in charge of the shops. He chose the latter, and 
has held the position continuously since without 
the loss of a day's wages. That he has been 
faithful to the trust reposed in him and prompt in 
the discharge of the duties devolving upon him, 
is a fact well established by his long-continued 
service in the position. 

Mr. Bridges and his family are all members of 
the Christian Church. He aided in organizing 
the church in Hamilton, and has ser\-ed as one of 
its Deacons from the beginning. He has always 
been found among its faithful members, and does 
wliat he can for its upbuilding. He takes quite 



an active interest in civic societies, is a member 
of Black Hawk Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. M.; 
Tecumseh Chapter No. 152, R. A. M.; Clayton 
Council No. 50, R. & S. M.; Delta Commandery 
No. 48, K. T., of Clayton, 111.; and Pocahontas 
Commandery No. 49, O. E. S., of Hamilton. He 
also belongs to Rescue Camp No. 212, M. W. A., 
and to Division No. 56, Brotherhood of Locomo- 
tive Engineers, of Keokuk, Iowa. 

Mr. Bridges ca.st his first Presidential vote for 
Stephen A. Douglas, but since that time has been 
a stalwart supporter of the men and measures of 
tlie Republican party. He has been honored with 
a number of local offices. For four years he 
served as Mayor of the city, during which time 
he was instrumental in securing and equipping 
for the city its present fire organization. In 1888 
he was the main promoter of the Hamilton Loan 
and Building Association, was elected its first 
President, and served as Director for three years. 
This organization, which has done so much toward 
securing homes for the working men in Hamil- 
ton, practically owes its existence to Mr. Bridge.s, 
and he certainly deser\-es great credit for its es- 
tablishment. The best interests of the commun- 
ity have ever found in him a friend, and his hearty 
support and co-operation are alwajs given to 
worthy enterprises. 



i^-^^^m^ 



REV. JACOB BARR KING, pa.stor of the 
United Brethren Church of Alexis, is now 
living on his farm on section 27, Lomax 
Township, Henderson County. A native of 
Pennsylvania, he was born in Lancaster County, 
February 22, 1843, and is a .son of Jacob and 
Martha (Barr) King, both of whom were natives 
of the Keystone State. The family, however, is 
of German lineage. The father was twice married. 
He wedded Aiuiie Ritzer, and to them were born 
two children: Annie, now decea.sed; and Sarah, 
widow of John R. Campbell of Salem, Ohio. 
Four children were born of the second union: 
Esther M., wife of J. W. Hartzell, of Kansas; 
Mattie, wife of John Cooper, who is living in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



529 



Terre Haute, 111.; Jacob B. of this sketch; and 
John Hugh, a wagon and carriage manufacturer 
of Shenandoah, Iowa. 

In the usual manner of farm lads, Mr. King 
of this sketch was reared to manhood. He came 
West with his parents in 1856. when a lad 
of eleven summers, the famih- locating upon 
a farm in Henderson County, where he now 
makes his home. He attended the district schools 
of the neighborhood until eighteen years of age, 
and then entered the college at Denmark, Iowa, 
from which iiLstitution he graduated in 1864. He 
also studied theolog_\-, pursuing a three-years 
course in order to fit him.self for the ministry. 
His first pastoral work was done at home. For 
eight }-ears he labored with the United Brethren 
Church in this locality, during which time he 
erected two churches, one in Colusa and the other 
three miles east of Dallas City. During the 
years 1875 and 1S76, he engaged in preaching in 
Fowler, Adams County, and during the two .suc- 
ceeding years he was pa.stor of the church at La 
Prairie. 

During that time Mr. King was married. On 
Christmas Day, 1877, he wedded Miss Louisa 
George, daughter of Henry and Mary fSteck) 
George. Their union has been blessed with four 
children: Tillie, George L., Bessie A., and Eva 
L., W'ho died at the age of one month. 

In 1878, Mr. King returned home and for two 
years labored at Terre Haute. He then spent 
two years at Sciota, McDonough County, and 
.some time later was pastor of a church at Quincy 
for two years, but on account of failing health he 
was forced to retire from the ministry for a \ear. 
In 1892 he accepted a call from the church at 
Alexis, and is now its pastor. A fine house of 
worship has recently Ijeen erected and the church 
is now in a flourishing condition. Mr. King re- 
sides upon the old homestead, which comprises 
two hundred and forty acres of rich land in 
Lomax Township, and personallj- superintends 
the cultivation of his farm. He is a warm.advo- 
cate of Republican principles, supporting that 
party on que.stions of national importance, and is 
a friend to temperance and education. By ex- 
ample as well as precept he is a teacher of the 



Gospel, and his consistent Christian life has won 
him the love and regard with all with whom he 
has been brought in contact. For many years he 
has resided in this locality and has a wide ac- 
quaintance. 



1-^+^^=- 



(7 H. EMERY, M. D., was born Februan,- 5, 
I 1834, in Richland County, Ohio. He is the 
Q) .second .son of Henry and Olive ( Jacobs) 
Emery, who moved from Ohio to this State in an 
early day and .settled in Fulton County, 111. J. 
H. Emery lived and worked on , farm until he 
was of age, then attended school in jvnox College, 
Galesburg, about two years, and then went to 
teaching .school. He followed that profes.sion for 
four years, giving good satisfaction as a teacher. 
Coming to McDonough County in 1861, he taught 
school si.K months near Bushnell, and six months 
at Good Hope, where he became acquainted with 
Dr. Dungan, and .studied medicine with him for 
one year. He attended medical lectures at Keo- 
kuk, Iowa, and came to Blandinsville in 1863, 
where he has since resided, engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine. In the year 1864 he opened 
a drug store, and carried that on in coimection 
with his practice until 1 891, when he sold out 
the drug store and retired from business for one 
year. During this time he traveled over five 
thou-sand miles on the railroads, viewing different 
portions of the country. He has also engaged in 
fanning and stock-raising to a considerable ex- 
tent, and has a fanu admirably adapted to the 
latter, located three and one-half miles west and 
south of Blandinsville, and containing two hun- 
dred and twenty acres. He has .several head of 
thoroughbred Short-horn, good grades, and other 
stock cattle on his farm. 

Dr. Emen.- was married in 1865, to Rhoda 
Hardest}-, a nati\e of McDonough County, and 
has by this union seven children; Olin P., 
James H., Otto B., Ro.scoe D., Lois E. , Daisy 
R. and Mamie N. In the fall of 1891, he pur- 
chased a newspaper plant in Augusta, 111., calletl 
the Augnsla Eagle, and there he has established 



53° 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his son Olin P. in the newspaper business. In 
1893 he bought a new printing outfit and started 
a new paper in this city, called the Blandinsvil/c 
Star. This was established for the benefit of his 
son Otto, and there the Doctor keeps his medical 
office and employs his time in the practice of 
medicine, and writing for his papers. He is now 
the proprietor of two newspapers, has been suc- 
cessful as a practitioner, druggist, and as a stock- 
raiser, and hopes to be as a newspaper man. Po- 
litically, he has always supported the Democratic 
party. As a citizen, he is popular and highly 
reputed. 



c=1 



"s: 



^-^ 



cs_ 



■[S~ 



r^RESTOX MARTIN, who is now living a re- 
Ly tired life in Biggsville, is one of the oldest 
yH and one of the most honored of Henderson 
County's citizens. He was born in Bourbon 
Countj-, Ky., on the 25th of October, 1804, and 
was one of ten children, whose parents were 
William and Annie (Hopper) Martin. The 
father was born in Greenbrier County, Va., about 
1767, and the mother was a native of Bourbon 
County, Ky. The members of the family- were 
Jefferson, Preston, Mrs. Polly Black. Mrs. 
Frances Campbell, Emily, Mrs. Annie Thompson, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Christian, Mrs. Rebecca Black (a 
twin sister of Mrs. Christian), Mrs. Julia Gregory, 
and William, who died in Warren County many 
years ago. 

Mr. Martin whose name heads tliis record, 
like the other members of the family, attended 
the common schools of Kentucky, but his educa- 
tional advantages were quite limited. He had 
to walk a distance of about three miles, to a 
schoolhouse, a primitive .structure, without a 
floor, and furnished with slab benches. He made 
the mo.st of his opportunities, however, and at 
length engaged in teaching. 

On the 25th of March, 1828. Mr. Martin was 
united in marriage with Miss Aim E. Taylor, 
whose family was from Virginia. She was born 
in the Di.strict of Columbia, in February-, 1803. 
Mr. and Mrs. Martin became the parents of ten 



children, and with one e.xception all are living at 
this writing. Benjamin H., who was born 
March 18, 1829, resides in Biggsville: John T., 
born July 6, 1830, is a re.sident of Eugene, 
Ore.; Mrs. Frances M. Plummer, born Januar\- 
5, 1832, is deceased; William F. and Charles .\., 
twins, the fonner a resident of Oregon, and the lat- 
ter of this county, were boni February 13, 1833; 
Robert J., born Februarx- 14, 1837, is living in 
South Dakota; Andrew W., born June 7. 1S38, 
resides in Knoxville, Iowa; Mary A., born 
March 5, 1S40, is the wife of Rev. John Hood, of 
Galesburg; Margaret J., born May 28, 1844, is 
now Mrs. Rice of Bald Bluff, Henderson County: 
and Sarah A., born November i, 1S45. married 
John McDill, and lives at Emerson, Iowa. Four 
of the sons served in the Civil War, and the 
father twice went to the vSouth to visit and look 
after the interests of his bo\-s in blue. Be.sides 
his large family lie now has thirty -eight grand- 
children, and thirty-two great-grandchildren. 

It was in 1836 that Mr. Martin came to Hen- 
der.son County, since which time he has been 
numbered among its honored citizens. He lo- 
cated on .section 25, Gladstone Township, and 
there embarked in farming, which he successfullj' 
followed for many long \ears. When he became 
its owner the land was still in its primitive con- 
dition, not a furrow having been turned, or an 
improvement made thereon, but he at once began 
its development, and transformed it into a fine 
farm. He had one hundred and sixty acres, 
which, when he came to the county, was consid- 
ered quite a large property. In connection with 
general farming he was also quite extensively 
engaged in stock-raising, making a .specialty of 
the breeding of cattle and hogs. Thus he carried 
on his business interests until 1S70. when he re- 
tired from the farm and removed to Bigg.sville. 

Mr. Martin, who has taken quite a prominent part 
in public affairs, for some time served as County 
Connnissioner, and was Justice of the Peace of 
the South Henderson District for about twent\- 
years. He also was School Director for about 
thirty years, and in these various offices he dis- 
charged his duties with a promptness and fidelitv 
which won him high commendation. The best 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



53' 



interests of the communitj- have ever found in 
him a friend, and he has done much for pubHc 
advancement and improvement. In 1880, he was 
called upon to mouni the less of his wife, who 
passed away on the i6th of December. .She pos- 
sessed many excellencies of character, had the 
love and respect of all who knew her, and was a 
faithful member of the Pre.sbyterian Church. Mr. 
Martin also Ijelongs to the Presbyterian Church, 
and in politics is a supporter of the Republican 
party. In the long years of his residence in Hender- 
.son County, he has formed a wide acquaintance, 
and is held in the highe.st regard by both young 
and old, rich and poor. 



S^A^l^ 



^OHX FREDERICK CLOVER, who is liv- 
I ing on section 3, Loma.x Towu.ship, Hender- 
Pj son County, has the honor of being a native 
of Illinois, for he was boni in Warren Count}-, 
November 9, 1S43. His father, Cornelius Clover, 
was born in Oneida County, X. Y., March 21, 
1 794, and was of German descent. Having at- 
tained to mature years, he married Xarcis.sa Bil- 
ling.sly, who was born near Greensboro, X'. C, 
March 14, 1S13. Six children grace this union: 
La Fayette, now a farmer of Henderson Couiit>- ; 
Josephus, who died December 15, 1889: Merritt 
A., an agriculturi.st of Xeosha, Kan.; John, of 
this sketch: Marcellus, a resident farmer of 
Hendenson County; and Lucina, who is living on 
the old homestead. Ere his marriage to the mother 
of our subject, Cornelius Clover had married Mi.ss 
Rebecca Persons, and to them were born eight 
children, but the eldest died in infancy, seven 
growing to maturity, nameh-; Armenia, of Hen- 
derson County; J. Perry, who died December 26, 
1877; Clarissa X., wife of J. P. White, of Okla- 
homa; Elizabeth, who died October 31, 1855; 
Jane, who died March 16, 1885; Cornelius T., 
an agriculturist of Henderson County; and Re- 
becca, widow of John Kays, and a re,sident of 
Oregon. 

The father of this family was a millwright by 
trade, and followed that business for some vears. 



On the breaking out of the War of 18 12, he en- 
li.sted, and served until its close. He then re- 
turned to the Empire State, where he made his 
home for some time, after which lie removed to 
Indiana and engaged in keeping a hotel until 
1843. That year witnessed his removal to War- 
ren County, 111. He settled near Avon, and took 
up land from the Government, upon which he 
made his home until 1852, when he came to 
Henderson County, and located upon the farm 
which is now the home of our subject. He first 
purcha.sed one hundred and sixty acres on section 
3, Lomax Township, upon which only a few 
acres had been broken, while a log cabin consti- 
tuted the only improvements. To the further de- 
velopment of the place he then de\-oted his ener- 
gies until his death, which occurred April 5. 
1863. He was a member of the Christian Church, 
and his life was a straightforward and honorable 
one, which gained him the confidence and high 
regard of all with whom he was brought in con- 
tact. His wife sur\nved him about thirty years, 
and died February 9, 1893. She too was a 
member of the Christian Church, and was interred 
in the family burjing-ground b>- the side of her 
husband. 

Mr. Clover of this notice has always lived in 
this State, and since the age of nine years he has 
l)een a resident of Henderson County. In the 
usual manner of farm lads he was reared to man- 
hood, aiding in the labors of the farm through 
the summer months, while in the winter season 
he attended the connnon .schools of the neighbor- 
hood. Upon his father's death he took charge of 
the old home farm, which he has since operated. 
In connection with his sister he owns one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of rich land, and the place is 
now under a high state of cultivation and well 
improved. 

During the late war, Mr. Clover entered the 
countrj-'s .service, enlisting September 17, 1861, 
as a private of Company F), Tenth Illinois In- 
fantry. He was mustered into the senice at Cairo, 
and the first engagement in which he participated 
was at Xew Madrid, Mo. He took part in many 
of the most important battles of the war, and 
when his first term of sers-ice had expired re-en- 



532 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



listed, serving until July 4, 1865, when he was 
discharged at Louisville, Ky., with the rank of 
Corporal. He was a valiant defender of the 
Union, and one of the bravest of the boj'sin blue. 
When his country no longer needed his service, 
he returned to the farm, and has since devoted 
his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and is a highly re- 
.spected citizen. 



^+^[ 



-=) 



(fi\ RTHUR GRAY, one of the enterprising farm- 
T\ ers and stock-raisers of Henderson County, 
l\ now living in Gladstone, is a representative 
of one of the honored pioneer families of the coun- 
ty. He was born in this locality January 8, 1858, 
and is a son of Patrick Gray, a native of Ireland, 
bom in Count>' Kildare in 18 17. On the Emerald 
Isle he grew to manhood, and there married Ann 
Logan, who was born in 1827. In 1849, Mr. 
Gray crossed the Atlantic to America, for he be- 
lieved he might better his financial condition in 
the New World. Landing in New York City, 
he there remained .six years, after which he went 
to Chicago, and a year later removed to Burling- 
ton, Iowa. In that city he spent two years, 
working as a fuller in a woolen factory, after 
which he came to Henderson County, where he 
embarked in farming. He was soon recognized 
as one of the leading and successful agriculturists 
of this community, and as one of its influential 
citizens. He carried on general farming until his 
death, which occurred on the old homestead farm 
on the 6th of December, 1892. His wife still sur- 
vives him, and is yet living on the old homestead 
three miles .south of Gladstone. In their family 
were eight children: Mrs. Ellen O'Leary, Arthur, 
Thomas, Mrs. Mary Leonard, and four who died 
in childhood. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of Arthur Gray, who upon 
the home farm was reared to manhood. He was 
early inured to the labor of the field, and through 
the summer months aided in the cultivation of 



the .soil, while in the winter season he attended 
the district .schools of the neighborhood. 

On the 14th of September, 1881, Mr. Gray was 
united in marriage with Miss Hannah E. Rob- 
erts, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Griffith) 
Roberts, who were natives of Monmouthshire, 
Wales, and in 1S62 crossed the briny deep to Amer- 
ica, taking up their residence in Burlington, 
Iowa. Soon after, they came to Henderson Coun- 
ty. They had a family of nine children, namely: 
Thomas, William, George, Mrs. Hannah Gra\-, 
Mrs. Mary Gray, Mrs. Emma Russell, Annie, 
Mrs. Sallie Walburii and Arthur. They are all 
farming people, who have become well-to-do and 
are widely and favorably known throughout the 
county. Three children grace the union of our 
subject and his wife: Mabel, born June 15, 1883: 
Clyde, September 5, 1885; and Edgar, October 
7, 1887. 

Mr. Gray is now one of the substantial farmers 
of the county. He owns and operates five hun- 
dred and thirty-five acres of good land, which is 
under a high state of cultivation, and is well 
improved. All the accessories and con\-eniences 
of a model farm may here be found, and the neat 
appearance of the place indicates the thrift and 
enterprise of the owner. In connection with gen- 
eral farming, he is al.so engaged quite extensively 
in rai.sing cattle, which branch of his business has 
proved to him quite profitable. His prosperity 
is the result of his own efforts and the assistance 
of his amiable wife, and is therefore well merited. 



-=]. 



^+^[ 



-^ 



(TOHN CHRISTIAN STRIPE, a retired farmer 
I living in Oquawka, is numbered among the 
(2/ early and honored settlers of Henderson Coun- 
t}', and for many years has not only witnessed 
the growth and progress of this region, but lias 
also aided in its advancement and upbuilding. 
He is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born 
November 6, 1832. His father, Jacob Stripe, 
was also a native of the same countrj-, and was a 
cloth-weaver by trade. He married Miss Cath- 
arine Smith, and they became the parents of eleven 




Joel Braushaw 





Mrs. Joki. Bradshaw 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



535 



children, four of whom grew to manhood and 
womanhood. Annie became the wife of George 
Hofflich, of Wiirtemberg, German\ , but i.s now 
decea.sed: John C. is the next younger; Barbara i.s 
the wife of Charles Shoemaker, a merchant of 
Philadelpliia: and Ursula is the widow of Fred 
Windolph, of Dover, Del. Mr. Stripe is an only 
son, as were his father, grandfather and great- 
grandfather. 

Our subject obtained his education in the com- 
mon .schools of Germany. He was left an orphan 
when quite young, and in 1S47, when a youth of 
fifteen years, he bade adieu to his native land and 
.started for America, crossing the Atlantic in a 
sailing- vessel, which, after a voyage of forty-one 
days, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. 
He immediately proceeded to Philadelphia, where 
he completed his trade, that of carriage-making, 
which he then followed for ten years, becoming 
an expert workman along that line. In the fall 
of 1S57 'is emigrated westward, and cc.st in his 
lot with the early settlers of Ocpiawka, where for 
six years he followed carriage-making in the em- 
ploy of others. In 1863 he embarked in the 
carriage and wagon-making business for himself 
in Otiuawka, and his time was thus passed for fif- 
teen years. In 187S he rented land and began 
fanning, continuing its cultivation for five years. 
He then purcha.sed a farm, and carried on agri- 
cultural ])ursuits until 1891, when he retired from 
active business life. 

Mr. Strijie has been twice married. On the 
2istof May, 1855, he wedded Miss Rebecca A. 
l%ckley, and by their union were born nine chil- 
dren: Mary A., now the wife of J. L. Thomas, 
who is engaged in farming in Mercer County; 
Harry, who is employed in a restaurant in Mon- 
mouth; Arthur and \Vill)ur. who are engaged in 
the livery business in Ociuawka; Maud, at home; 
John C. and Frank, who have pas.sed away; 
Lucy, who became the wife of Robert Hatton, l)nt 
is now decea.sed ; and one child who died in infan- 
cy. The mother of this family was called to her 
final rest September 27, 1877, and on the loth 
of November, 1881, Mr. Stripe was iniited in mar- 
riage with Mrs. Almira Fames, widow of Perry 
Fames, of Oquawka. 

28 



Our subject exercises his right of franchise in 

support of the Republican party, and on th.it 
ticket has been elected Road Connui.ssioner, 
School Director and .School Tru.stee. He is a 
member and one of the Trustees of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and also belongs to Tranquil 
Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F. His life has been 
well spent, and an honorable, .straightforward ca- 
reer has won him high regard. From a financial 
standpoint he has also been successful, and he is 
now the manager of five hundred acres of valuable 
land, the income derived therefrom enabling him 
to live retired. 



_^l 



^f^[ 



~S] 



(TOEL BRADSHAW was one of Hancock 
I County's honored pioneers, and this history 
(2/ would be incomplete without the record of 
his life. He was born near Sparta, White Coun- 
ty, Tenn., on the 15th of September, 1812, and 
when a lad of seven summers accompanied his 
parents on their emigration to Illinois, the family 
settling in Madison County, where they resided 
for a Near. His father was a native of Tennessee, 
and his mother of Kentucky. To them were born 
ten children, five sons and five daughters. In 
1820, Mr. Bradshaw went with his parents to 
Morgan County, where his father entered seven 
hundred acres of land from the Government. The 
unsettled condition of the county at that time nui\' 
be imagined from the fact that what was once 
wild land, comprised within the Bradshaw home- 
stead, is now the .site of the city of Jacksonville. 
Joel Bradshaw attended the district .schools oi 
Morgan County, and ac(|uired an excellent edu- 
cation. He then end)arked in farming, which he 
followed in that county until 1.S37, which year 
witnessed his removal to Hancock County. Soon 
after his arrival he purcha.sed one thou.sand acres 
of land in La Harpe Town.shiji, and for many years 
extensively engaged in farming. He bore all the 
hardships and trials of pioneer life, and took part 
in the Mormon War, which occurred near Camp 
Point and Nauvoo, and which resulted in driving 
the Mormons from the State. When he came 



536 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



here, much of the land was in possession of the 
Government, and the settlements were widely 
scattered, for the work of civilization and progress 
seemed scarcely begun. 

On the 2oth of March, 1834, Mr. Bradshawwas 
united in marriage with Mi,ss Catherine Dickson, 
daughter of Hugh and Margaret fLeib) Dickson. 
They became the parents of a family of ten chil- 
dren: Jane, who was born on the 14th of March, 
1835, and is now deceased; William D., who was 
born March 30, 1837; Mary J., who was born 
Jaiuiary 3, 1839, and has now passed away; 
George W., born Januarj- i, 1841 ; Sarah L,. , who 
was boni January 14, 1845, and is now deceased; 
Susannas., who was born December 18, 1842, 
and has been called to the home beyond; Emma 
E., who was born F'ebruary 8, 1847, and is the 
widow of James W. P. Davis; Alvina C, who was 
born May 20, 1849, and is now deceased; J. D., 
who was bom October 2, 1852, and has departed 
this life; and James M., who was born December 
20, 1855, and is represented elsewhere in this 
work. 

Mr. Bradshaw was an advocate of Democratic 
principles, but was never an office-seeker. The 
history of Hancock County was familiar to him 
for more than half a century, and he could relate 
many interesting incidents of frontier life. He 
always bore his part in the work of upbuilding 
and development, and was much respected by his 
friends and neighbors, who deeply mourned his 
death. He passed away in La Harpe Township, 
November 5, 1890, at the age of seventy-eight 
years. 

n=> - § 



*^^+^ 



0ANIEL L. DICKSON, a retired farmer, now 
residing in Dallas City, well deserves men- 
tion among the honored pioneers of Hancock 
County, for a half-century has passed since he 
located within the borders of the county, and he 
lias therefore witnessed the greater part of its 
growth and upbuilding. He has seen its wild 
land transformed into l)cautiful homes and farms, 
its handcts l)ecome thriving towns and villages, 
and the \v.)rk of progress and civilization carried 



forward so rapidly that the county of to-day 
bears little resemblance to that of fifty years ago. 

Mr. Dickson was born in East Tennessee, Ma)- 
18, 18 1 7, and is the second in a family of seven 
children whose parents were Hugh and Margaret 
CLeib) Dickson. His father claimed Pennsylva- 
nia as the State of his nativity, and removed from 
there to Tennessee, where he spent several years. 
In 1824 he brought his family to Illinois, and lo- 
cated in Morgan County, where he remained un- 
til 1843, when he came to Hancock County. Set- 
tling in La Harpe Township, he there carried on 
agricultural pursuits for many years. He served 
in the Black Hawk War, and was familiar with 
all the experiences and hard,ships of frontier life. 
His death occurred at the age of seventy-five 
years. His wife, who was also a native of Penn- 
sylvania, passed away at the age of seventy-four 
years. The Dickson family is of Irish extraction, 
and was probably founded in the United States 
during early Colonial days. 

Daniel L. Dickson accompanied his parents to 
Morgan County, and there remained until 1838, 
when he came to Hancock County and purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in La Haqie 
Township. This he at once began to develop 
and improve, but after seven years he sold out and 
purchased a quarter-section of land in Durham 
Township. From time to time he added to that 
tract until he had become the owner of one thou- 
sand acres of valuable land. He was verj- suc- 
cessful in his undertakings, and continued to en- 
gage in agricultural pursuits until 1883, when he 
came to Dallas City and .sold a part of his farm. 
Purchasing a handsome residence, he has since 
here lived a retired life, enjoying the rest which 
he has so truly earned and richly deserves. 

In 1837 Mr. Dickson married Miss Marj' Shot- 
well, of Morgan Count)-, who died leaving four 
children: Hugh, now one of the leading mer- 
chants of La Harpe; Josiah, a prosperous farmer 
of Hancock County; Emma, widow of John 
Strawn, who is living in La Harpe; and Daniel, a 
farmer residing near Butler, Mo. Mr. Dickson 
is very ju.stly proud of his sons. Not one of his 
boys was ever heard to swear, known to drink 
liquor, play cards or u.se tobacco. On the 6th of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



537 



Januan', 1867, Mr. Dickson was again married, 
and one child was born of that union, Freddie J., 
who is now attending school. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Dickson are active members and prominent work- 
ers in the Chri-stian Church, and have contributed 
liberalh- to the support of the church. 

Mr. Dickson has always been a friend to those 
enterpri.ses which are calculated to prove of public 
benefit, and is recognized as a valued citizen of the 
community. He lived in Hancock County all 
through the Mormon troubles, but took no part in 
them. He was one of the first settlers on the 
prairie, and his home was one oftho.se of frontier 
.style. He now has one of the nio.st beautiful 
residences in Dallas City, and in connection with 
this owns several town lots, together with five 
hundred acres of valuable farm land. All has 
been acquired through his own efforts, and his 
possessions are a monument to his thrift and en- 
terprise. 



^m^-^ 



c=_ 



HENRY MOHR, one of the leading and rep- 
resentative farmers of Lomax Township, now 
living on section 32, has been a resident of 
Henderson County during the greater part of the 
time since 1849, and is therefore numbered among 
its pioneer settlers. He claims Germany as his 
native land, for he was there born December 2, 
1837. He is one of three children whose parents, 
Conrad and Elizabeth (Weggs) Mohr, were also 
natives of German}-. His brother and sister bore 
the names of John and Elizabeth respectively. In 
1846 the family crossed the Atlantic to i\.merica 
in a sailing-vessel, which was upon the ocean for 
six weeks, and then reached the harbor of Balti- 
more. Coming West, they located in Nauvoo, 
where they made their home until 1849, when 
they came to Henderson County. 

Henry Mohr was a lad of nine years at the time 
of the emigration. He grew to manhood in Illi- 
nois, and received a limited education in the pub- 
lic schools. His training at fann labor, however, 
was not meagre, for at an early age he began 
work on the old homestead, and was thus em- 



ployed until 1864, when he made a trip to the 
West with horse-teams, spending about eighteen 
months in California and Nevada. In the au- 
tumn of 1865, he returned to Illinois and has since 
made it his home. 

On the 6th of June, 1866, Mr. Mohr was united 
in marriage with Miss Minnie Wamsau.ser, and to 
them have been born eight children : Lewis, John, 
Emma, Edward, Willie, Caroline, Clara, and 
Louisa, who died at the age of two years. 

Mr. Mohr has always been a .stanch supporter 
of the Republican party and its principles, and is 
a member of the German Lutheran Church. He 
has served as School Director for nine j-ears, and 
takes an active and commendable interest in all 
worth)- public enterprises which are calculated to 
benefit the community. He has a pleasant home 
on section 32, Lomax Township, whither he re- 
moved in 1871 , having since made his home there- 
on. He has two hundred and twenty acres of 
valuable land, which is now under a high state of 
cultivation. He has made all the improvements 
upon the place himself and therefore they stand 
as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In all 
its appointments the place is complete, and the 
owner is now .successfulh- engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising. He started out in life 
a poor boy, but has .steadily worked his way up- 
ward, and has now become one of the thrifty and 
.substantial citizens of the communitv. 



-^^+^P-= 



(Tames R. hull. M. D., has for the past five 
I years been engaged iii the practice of medi- 
Q) cine in Sciota, and has secured a liberal pat- 
ronage. He was born May 3, i860, in Peoria 
County, 111. His father. Dr. Abram Hull, was a 
native of Licking County, Ohio, and he too was a 
ph>-sician and surgeon. Having graduated from 
the .St. Louis Medical College in the Class of '44. 
he established an office and began practice in Ma- 
rietta, Fulton County, 111. For many years he 
continued the prosecution of his profession, but is 
now living a retired life in Good Hope. For a 
time he engaged in practice in Ellisville, 111. ; later 



538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he spent a j'ear in Peoria, and then returned to 
Ellisville. In 1865 he removed to Kansas City, 
Mo., where the succeeding ten years of his life 
were passed, and then took up his residence in 
Lewistown. In 1877 he removed to Good Hope, 
where he has since made his home. 

Dr. Abram Hull was united in marriage with 
Mi.ss Caroline R. Hezlep, and to them were born 
two children: James R., of this sketch; and Eliza- 
beth C who is yet at home. The former was 
reared in Kansas City until fifteen years of age, 
and acquired a good education in its public schools. 
About 1875 he accompanied his parents on their 
remo\'al to Lewistown, 111., and two years later he 
became a resident of Good Hope. Wishing to 
make the practice of medicine his life work, he 
began .studying under the direction of his father, 
with whom he continued his reading for two 
years. In the autumn of 1878 he went to Keo- 
kuk and entered the Keokuk Medical College, 
from which institution he was graduated in the 
Cla.ss of '80, on conipleting a thorough course of 
study. 

vSoon after. Dr. Hull opened an office in Sciota, 
and here continued in active practice until 1883, 
when he went to Good Hope, there spending two 
years. On the expiration of that period he left 
for the West and again took up his residence in 
Kansas City, where he continued practice until 
1889. In that year he again came to Sciota, 
where he has since made his home. 

On the 9th of September, 1880, Dr. Hull led to 
the marriage altar MissChloe B. Warner, daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Isabel (Hezlep) Warner, who 
are residents of Fulton Count.\-, 111. Two chil- 
dren grace this union, a son and a daughter, Car- 
rie B. and Fred. A. W. The parents are promi- 
nent and highly respected citizens of this commun- 
ity, and in social circles hold an enviable posi- 
tion. They both belong to the Methodist Epi.sco- 
pal Church, and take an active iutere.st in its 
work and upbuilding. 

Socially, the Doctor is connected with Indus- 
trial Lodge No. 440, K. P., of which he is now 
Chancellor Commander, and he is also a memlier of 
Sciota Lodge No. 532, I. O. O. F., and the Mod- 
ern Woodmen of America. He votes with the 



Republican party and is a warm advocate of its 
principles, but has never sought political prefer- 
ment. He has steadily worked his way upward 
in the ranks of his profession, until he now occu- 
pies a leading place in the medical fraternity of 
this communitv. 



=-1^-^^^-= 



— S 



30HX W. LIONBERGER, the present Su- 
pervi.sor of Pilot Grove Township, Hancock 
County, and a representative farmer re.siding 
on section 12, was born on the 14th of February, 
1827, in Page County, \'a., and comes of a family 
of German origin. His parents, Joseph and 
Esther (Burner) Lionberger, were also natives of 
the Old Dominion. The father followed farming 
throughout his entire life. He was reared in the 
State of his nativity, and on leaving the South, in 
the autumn of 1835, he came to Illinois. The 
trip westward was made by team, and he located 
in Springfield, but in the spring of 1836 he came 
to Hancock County, and took up his residence in 
what is now Fountain Green Township. Dur- 
ing that year, however, he inircha.sed land in 
Pilot Grove Township, becoming owner of three 
liundred and twenty acres on sections 11 and 12, 
partly prairie and partly timber-land. The only 
improvement upon the place was a small log cabin. 
He erected a gristmill on Crooked Creek in 1839, 
the first mill built in this section of the countrx'. 
He was prominently identified with the develop- 
ment of this region, and took an active iutere.st 
in everything pertaining to its advancement. He 
aided in laying out the roads in this and adjoin- 
ing townshii)s, and also helped organize the 
.schools. He .served as a soldier throughout the 
War of 1 81 2. He died in Hancock County, Jan- 
uary 15, 1868, in the faith of the Baptist Church, 
and his remains were laid to re.st in the Andrews' 
Cemetery of lunnitain Green Township. His 
wife, who pa.ssed away in 1864, is al.so there buried. 
In the Lionberger family were eight children, 
namely: Rebecca, wife of Jacob Grove, a resident 
fanner of Fountain Green Town.ship; Hamilton 
and Joseph, who are both deceased; Benjamin, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



539 



who is now li\iny; retired in Benton County, 
Ark.; Mary, wife of William H. Gruhb, a resi- 
dent of Quincy, 111.; Ann E., decea.sed; JohnW., 
of this sketch ; and Franklin, who has also passed 
away. 

John W. Lionberi^er spent the first eight years 
of his life in his native State, and then came with 
his parents to Hancock County. He is numbered 
among its pioneers, for he saw the county ere the 
work of civilization and progress had scarcely be- 
gun. The greater part of the land was wild, and 
much of it was yet in pos.se.ssion of the Gov- 
ernment. The homes were mostly log cabins, and 
these were widely scattered. It was an arduous 
ta.sk to open up a farm, and there were other dif- 
ficulties and hard.ships to be borne; jet those pi- 
oneer days also afforded many plea.sures which 
are not known to a more modern civilization. 
Mr. Lionberger acquired his education in the 
subscription .schools, to which he often walked a 
di.stance of three miles. He began life for him- 
.self at the age of twenty-three years bj- operating 
a part of the old homestead on shares. Here 
he has lived since coming to the county. He 
now owns two hundred acres of the old farm 
where his father first located, and in addition to 
this he has another tract of one hundred and .sev- 
enty-five acres. For many years he has carried 
on general farming and .stock-raising, and .still 
follows that pursuit with good success. Mr. 
Lionberger took an active part in the Mormon 
War, as it is called, was with the artillery gun 
No. 2, and remained all through the war. He 
helped to get them across the river into Iowa. 

On the 30th of October, 1850, Mr. Lionberger 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Philena Rob- 
erts, daughter of Abijah and Lucy A. (Andrews) 
Roberts. Tlie lady was lx)rn in the lunpire State, 
and with her parents came to this county in 1847, 
locating in Durham Township. Her parents 
there resided until 1865, when they removed to 
Minnesota, where the fatlier's death occurred in 
1874. His wife .still survives him, and has now 
reached the advanced age of eighty- four. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Lionljerger were born si.x children, 
namely: Man,- E., wife of W. A. Pickernell, a 
farmer re.siding in Iowa; Edward .\., who is en- 



gaged in business in LaHarpe; Clara A., wife of 
W. C. Bainter; Robert R., a stock-buyer and 
shipper of La Cros.se; John F., who is still at 
home; and one child who died in infancy. 

Mr. Lionberger is a .supporter of the Demo- 
cratic party and its principles, and takes quite an 
active interest in political affairs, keeping well in- 
formed on the is.sues of the day. He has .served 
his township as Supervisor for five terms, was 
Asses.sor for the long period of twenty years, and 
has filled every office in the township except that 
of Clerk. He is now serving as Justice of the 
Peace, a position he has filled for the past sixteen 
years. His fidelity to duty is attested by his long 
retention in oflice, which al.so indicates the confi- 
dence reposed in him. That he is ever true to 
all public and private tru.sts is a fact known to all 
who are acquainted with Mr. Lionberger. He is 
a public-.spirited and progrcs.sive citizen and an 
honorable and upright man, and it is with pleas- 
ure that we present to our readers this record of 
a life so well worthy of enuilation. 



i^HjH^e 



0AMUEL EDWARD VAUGHAN, who re- 
Nk sides on section 10, Lomax Township, is one 
Qj of the e.xten.sive land-owners of Hendenson 
County. His po.s.scssions aggregate .seven hun- 
dred and twenty acres, comprising a valuable and 
highly improved property, which yields to him a 
good income. As all this has been acquired 
through his own efforts, he may truly be called a 
.self-made man. 

Mr. Vaughan has the honor of being a native 
of Illinois, for he was born in the adjoining 
county of Hancock, September 11, 1840. His 
parents, William and Elizabeth( Russell) Vaughan, 
were both natives of Maryland. They had a 
family of five children: Jo.seph, who cros.sed the 
plains to California in 1849, and there died in 
'859: Jonathan, who died Februar>- 9, 1891; 
Mary, deceased: William, a grain merchant and 
implement dealer of Carman, Illinois; and Sanuiel 
E., of this sketch. By occupation the father of 
this family was a farmer, and throughout life fol- 



54° 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lowed agricultural pursuits. In 1835, he removed 
with his wife and children to Ohio, and in 1837 
emigrated to Hancock Count}-, 111., .settling near 
Appanoose, where he died in June, 1840. 

Upon the old homestead in that locality our 
subject spent the first years of his life, and then 
came to Henderson County, locating near Carman, 
where he grew to manhood. Two and a-half 
miles from his home, in a log schoolhouse, was 
conducted a subscription school, which he at- 
tended at intervals until sixteen years of age. 
He then started out in life for himself, and since 
that time has been dependent on his own re- 
sources, so that the success of his life is the just 
reward of his own labor. He began working as a 
fann hand for $6 per month, and in that way was 
emplojed for five years, when he rented a farm, 
but after two years he purcha.sed forty acres of 
land, an unimproved tract of prairie, on .section 
36, Carman Township. A year later he bought 
a farm on section 34, and he now has two farms 
near Carman, comprising two hundred and 
seventy acres of good land. In that locality he 
made his home until 1888, with the exception of 
one year spent in Washington. In 1888 he came 
to Lomax, where he embarked in merchandising. 
He also carried on a lumber-yard, and .served as 
Postmaster, continuing business along tho.se lines 
until the spring of 1893, when he removed to his 
present farm. 

Mr. Vaughan has been twice married. On the 
30th of May, 1865, he wedded Miss Mary Kirby, 
and to them were born four children: Risden, 
who died in infancy; Newton, who follows farm- 
ing in Henderson County; Jonathan, who died 
at the age of two years; and William, who died 
at the age of five months. The mother of this 
family was called to the home beyond Februarj- 
8, 1869. On the 9th of November following, 
Mr. Vaughan married Mi.ss linuna Hamblin, and 
five children blessed this union: Elizabeth; Mary, 
who died March 21, 1884; Roxie, who died 
October 23, 1888; Clara and Archie. 

Since proudly casting his first Presidential 
vote for Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Vaughan has 
been a faithful supporter of the men and measures 
ot the Republican party. He has served as 



Justice of the Peace and Road Supervisor, is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs 
to the Methodist Church. The best interests of 
the community have always found in him a warm 
friend, and during his long residence in Hender- 
son County his upright life and sterling worth 
have gained him the confidence and good-will of 
all with whom business or social relations have 
brought him in contact. 



^^-1-^ 



[3- 



(=^ 



ROBERT MATHERS, who carries on gen- 
eral farming on section 34, Walnut Grove 
Township, is one of the most extensive land- 
owners of Henderson County. He was born in 
Washington County, Pa., on the 19th of August, 
1827, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Green) 
Mathers. His parents were both natives of the 
Emerald Isle, but were married in New York, 
and removed to Washington County, Pa., where 
the father carried on farming on rented land until 
1842, when he emigrated with his familj* to the 
West. He moved to Henderson County, 111., 
where he spent his remaining days, passing away 
in Augu.st, 1859. Mrs. Mathers died on the 13th 
of February, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety- 
one years. In their famil}- were ten children, 
four of whom are now living. Jo Mathers, the 
eldest surviving member, is now a resident of 
Biggsville. Robert is the next younger. Sanuiel 
follows fanning in the same town.ship with his 
brother; and George now makes his home in Cal- 
ifornia. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Robert 
Mathers spent the days of his boyhood and youth. 
He made his home with his parents until his mar- 
riage, but for some time previous earned his own 
livelihood. When he started out for himself he 
had no capital, but, possessed of a resolute will 
and a determination to succeed, he has .steadily 
worked his wa>- upward. The first j-ear he 
worked for John Peasley, and though he only re- 
ceived $122.50 for the entire year's work, he saved 
.some money out of that. As the result of his 
industry and frugality he at length became the 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



541 



owner of a good farm of one hmidred and sixty 
acres. 

On the 1 2th of October, 1859, Mr. Mather.s 
was united in marriage with Miss Alzoria Powell, 
daughter of Nathan and Mary Powell, who were 
numbered among the early .settlers of Henderson 
County. Their union has been blessed with a 
family of seven children, five of whom are yet 
living: Eugene, at home; Dora, wife of John 
Iroiis, a pro.sperous and well-known farmer of 
Walnut Grove Township; James and vSamuel N. , 
who aid their father in the operation of the home 
farm; and Ethel, who completes the famih'. 
They also have with them a grandchild, a son of 
their deceased daughter. Their family is one of 
which thej- may well be proud, for all are doing 
well in life and are a credit to their parents. 

In his political views, Mr. Mathers is a Repub- 
lican and has served as Road Supervisor, but has 
never been a politician in the sense of office- 
.seeking, preferring to give his entire time and 
attention to his business interests, in which he 
has met with signal success. As his financial 
resources have increased he has made judicious 
investments in farming lands, until his pos.ses.sions 
now aggregate ten hundred and seventy acres, all 
in one town.ship. This is certainl}- a creditable 
showing for a man who started out empty-handed. 
Step by step he has worked his way upward until 
he has reached a position of affluence. Upon 
his farm are good buildings, a good residence, 
barns and outbuildings (which are models of con- 
venience), and all modern acces.sories. Among the 
self-made men of the communit)- Robert Mathers 
well deser\'ed to be numbered. 



^^4^1-= 



ROBERT LOMAX, a representative of one of 
the prominent families of Henderson Coun- 
ty, is now living in the village which bears 
the family name. He is widely and favorably 
known in this locality, and we feel assured that 
the record of his life will prove of interest to many 
of our readers. A native of Ohio, he was born in 
Clinton County, near Wilmington, April 27, 1813, 



and is a son of Robert and Ann (Wiggins) Lomax. 
The family is of Engli.sh origin, and the father 
was born in North Carolina. When a young man 
he learned the carpenter's trade and followed that 
for a luunber of years. He continued his resi- 
dence in his native State until 18 12, when he re- 
moved to Clinton County, Ohio, making the trip 
by team. There he entered one hundred and forty 
acres of land from the Govennnent, a tract of 
heavy timber, and in the midst of the forest he 
erected a log cabin and hewed out a farm. There 
he carried on agricultural pursuits until the spring 
of 1844, when he made an overland trip to Mc- 
Donough County, 111., purchasing a farm, on 
which he lived for two years. He then came to 
Henderson Count3' and bought a three hundred 
acre farm, upon which the village of Lomax was 
built. His death there occurred in the ninety- 
third year of his age, and he was laid to rest in 
Blandinsville Cemetery. He held membership 
with the Christian Church, and also belonged to 
the Ma.sonic fraternity. His wife passed away at 
the age of .seventy-five years. They were the 
parentsof thirteen children, but Lydia, William, 
Sarah, Rachel, Eliza, Abel and Jesse are now de- 
ceased. Elizabeth is the wife of Elisha Knox, 
who is residing in Bureau County, 111. Robert 
is the next younger. Sarah is living in Jack- 
.sonville. 111. James is an attornej'-at-law of San 
Francisco, Cal. Alfred is a farmer of Elmer, Mo. ; 
and Nancy also makes her home in Elmer, Mo. 

Upon the old home farm in the Buckeye State 
Robert Lomax was reared. His education was 
acquired in the sub.scription schools, held in a log 
schoolhouse, but his advantages in that direction 
were somewhat limited. On attaining his major- 
ity he began the operation of the old homestead, 
and continued farming in Ohio until 1848, when 
he came by team to Illinois. After two years 
spent in McDonough County, he became a resi- 
dent of Hender.son County, and for three years 
engaged in farming with his father near Lomax. 
On the expiration of that period we find him in 
Blandinsville, where he purcha.sed a flouring-niill 
and for four years engaged in the milling business. 
His next home was in Warsaw, wl<ere he carried 
on a hotel for a period of twelve years. He then 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



came to Henderson County and purchased three 
hundred acres of land. He still owns two hun- 
dred acres of this, besides several homes in the 
village of lyomax. 

On the 2d of January, 1851, Mr. Loma.x was 
united in marriage with Missl.ydia Millis, and to 
them were born three children: James and Will- 
iam, who died in inlancy ; and PVank, who married 
Enuna Rollen, by whom he has four children: 
William, Frederick, Lester and Robert M. Mrs. 



In 1835, in his native land, Mr. Morgan was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Mary Howell, a 
native of Wales and a daughter of Walter and 
Jane Howell. In the spring of 1848 he bade adieu 
to home and friends and crossed the Atlantic to 
America, making the voyage in a sailing-vessel, 
which after a voj'age of six weeks reached the 
harbor of New York. Mr. Morgan took up his 
residence in Oneida Count}-, N. Y.,. where he 
began work by the montli as a farm hand. In 



Lydia Lomax was called to her final rest Novem- the following autumn he was joined by his wife 



ber 6, 1893, and was buried in Terre Haute Cem- 
etery. She was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and was a lady who pos.sessed many ex- 
cellencies of character. 

In earh- life Mr. Lomax was an old-line Whig, 
but since the organization of the Republican party 
has been one of its stanch sui>porters. He has 
served as Justice of the Peace, but has never been 



and fi\e children, who were thirteen weeks on the 
ocean coming from the Old to the New World. 
The family resided in New York until 1851, 
when they came to Illinois, settling in Terre 
Haute Township, Henderson County, where the 
father rented land for two years. On the expira- 
tion of that period he purchased the farm upon 
which he was living at the time of his death. It 



an office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire comprised one hundred and sixt}- acres on sec- 



time and attention to his Inisiness interests. He 
belongs to the Christian Church, and is a warm 
iriendofthecau.se of education, and of all other 
interests and enterprises which are calculated to 
prove of public benefit. His life has been well 
and worthily passed, and the connnunity recog- 
nizes in him one of its valued citizens. 



]^+ 



"HOMA.S MORGAN, deceased, who for many 
years was a leading farmer of Henderson 
County, was born in Monmouth.shire, Wales, 
on the 1 8th of July, 181 1, and was a .son of 
William and Haiuiah Morgan, both of whom 
were natives of the same country. In their fam- 
ily were nine children, seven sons and two daugh- 
ters. Mr. Morgan of this sketch was reared upon 
a farm, and was early inured to the arduous labor 
counecte<l therewith. He was entirely .self-edu- 
cated, Init became well informed for a man who 
liad no advantages. At the early age of ten 
years he began earning his own li\eliliood, and 
from that time forward was dependent on Ids own 
resources. During his residence in I-jigland he 
was engaged in farm labor and general work. 



tion 8, and when it came into his possession was 
a wild and unimproved tract, but he transformed 
the barren prairies into rich and fertile fields. 

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan became the parents of a 
family of six children, all 1)orn in ICngland. 
Annie, the eldest, became the wife of John P. 
Barnes, and to them were born three children: 
Edwin J., now of Sheridan County, Neb.; Mary, 
who is al.so living in that State; and Joseph J., 
who is .sendng as County Clerk of Sheridan 
Count)-. Mr. Barnes died in 1878, and ten years 
later his widow Ijecame the wife of Philip Ed- 
munds a farmer of Henderson County. Tliey 
are well-known people of this community, highly 
respected by all. James, the .second child in the 
Morgan family, follows farming in Terre Haute 
Townshi]). George J. is serving as Justice of 
the Peace and Notary Public of Stronghurst. 
Annie died at the age of five years. Thomas died 
in i!S6i, at the age of fifteen years; and John was 
drowned in the Erie Canal when the famil\- was 
coming to Illinois. 

In jxilitics, Mr. Morgan was a Republican 
and .ser\-ed as a School Director and in other 
local ofiices. He was a member of the Odd Fel- 
lows' sociel\- in luigland, and while living in 
New York held menibershii) with the Baptist 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



543 



Chmcli. He possessed many excellencies of char- 
acter, was a man of sterling worth and strict in- 
tegrity, and his npright life won him the confi- 
dence and esteem of all. His wife pa.ssed away 
Angnst i6, 1S91, at the age of eighty-four years, 
and his death occurred October 14, 1S93, at the 
advanced age of eighty-two. They were laid to 
rest side by side in Terre Haute Cemetery, and 
their loss was mourned bj- man}-. 



i^HiH^l-= 



NUGH M. ALLISON, the subject of this 
sketch, was born on the i6th of May, 1838, 
in Washington County, Pa., and comes of a 
family of .Scotch origin. His paternal grand- 
parents, however, were also natives of Washing- 
ton County. His father, John M. Alli.son, was 
born and reared on a farm in the same county, 
and there engaged in agricultural pursuits for a 
number of jears. In 1835 he married Miss 
Margaret Carter, a native of Scotland, who came 
to America with her parents, Andrew and Marga- 
ret Carter, when she was but two years of age. 
After this marriage the\- located in Greene 
County, Pa. Four children were born to Mr. 
and Mrs. J. M. Alli.son: Hugh M.; \'iola, now 
the wife of A. B. Harvey, who is engaged in the 
banking bu.sine.ss in Mu.scotah, Kan; John C, 
who enlisted in the Union army and died of camp 
fever at Ft. Donelson, September 23, 1862; and 
Andrew C a pro.sperous farmer of Henderson 
County, 111. 

The western fever reaching Pennsylvania, 
John M. Alli.son with his little family started for 
Illinois in May, 1850, travehng by water all the 
way. The day after reaching Burlington his 
wife died of cholera, and was buried in the ceme- 
tery of that city. He with his motherless chil- 
dren continued his journex-, locating for a time 
upon a farm near where the pre.sent t(nvn of Strong- 
hurst now .stands. In 1852 he purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of raw land, and went 
through all the hardships and experiences which 
fall to the lot of early settlers. They began life in 
a log cabin, and the subject of this sketch broke 



the prairie with fi\e yoke of oxen and a twenty-four 
inch plow, this being the usual way of preparing 
the virgin soil for the rich after han'ests of wheat 
and corn. In 1854 John M. Alli.son married 
Sarah Rodman, of Henderson County, who died 
in 1863. By their union were born four children: 
Maria and Clara, now decea.sed; Web.ster, a resi- 
dent of KaiLsas; and Nellie M., wife of Rev. T. S. 
Roberts, of Osawatomie, Kan. In September. 
1867, Mr. Allison was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Smiley, of Warren County, 111., who is .still liv- 
ing in Moinuouth, near her old home. Two 
children were born of this union: John S., farm- 
ing near Monmouth ; and Mary, who is married 
and lives in Galesburg. Mr. Allison lived on the 
same farm for nearly thirty-five >-ears, and there 
died at the age of .sixty-eight. He was a stanch 
Republican, and always took a leading part in 
local politics. He held membership with the 
United Presbyterian Church, as did al.so the 
mother of our subject. 

Hugh M. Alli.son spent the first twelve years 
of his life in his native State. He attended the 
common schools, acquiring a good English edu- 
cation, and remained under the parental roof un- 
til he had attained his majority, when he pur- 
chased eighty acres of land adjoining his father's 
place, and commenced farming in his own inter- 
est. Thus he was employed until Augu.st, 1862, 
when he entered the service of his country. 
Prompted by patriotic impulses, he left his farm 
with his grain unstacked to enlist in Company F, 
Eighty-third IlHnois Infantry, for three years, and 
took part in various important engagements, the 
first being February 3, 1863, at Ft. Donelson, 
Tenn., where .seven hundred ITnion troops opposed 
four thousand Confederate .soldiers. His regiment 
was largely on detached service. He continued 
with it all through the war, and was never 
wounded or taken prisoner, but had several nar- 
row escapes. When the country- no longer 
needed his services, he returned home, and pur- 
sued a commercial course of study in Burlington, 
Iowa. In April, 1867, he married Miss Jennie 
Iv Taylor, of that city, daughter of Allen and 
Margaret U. Taylor. Their home has been 
blessed with fnur children, lulwin H., the eldest, 



544 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



is one of the wide-awake young business men of 
Henderson Countj-, now serving as Cashier of 
the State Bank of Henderson County; William 
F. was also interested in banking for a time, 
acting as Cashier in his uncle's bank in Muscotah, 
Kan., but is now devoting his entire time to 
farming; Harrj' C. died of la grippe at the 
early age of fifteen; and Maude J. is now attend- 
ing school in Stronghurst. 

With the exception of one j-ear Mr. Allison 
has, since his marriage, resided upon his present 
farm, owning three hundred and fifty acres of 
valuable farm land, and in connection with its 
cultivation is largely engaged in cattle-dealing. 
His property all represents his own labors, having 
been acquired through industrj- and enterprise. 
He is also President of the State Bank of Hender- 
son County, located at Stronghurst, and the suc- 
cess of that institution is due in no small degree 
to his careful management. In politics, he is a 
stanch Republican, interested in the welfare of 
the nation, and its educational interests find in 
him a warm friend. 

He and his family are members of the United 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Allison is widely 
recognized as one of the leading and influential 
citizens of Henderson County, and his well-spent 
and honorable life has gained for him universal 
confidence and esteem. 



|^.,^,.^^=»= 



UJATHAN WEAVER, Postmaster at Media, 
\l who devoted his time to agricultural pur- 
l/j suits on section 15, Walnut Grove Town- 
ship, Henderson County, from 1854 to 1879, was 
bom in the town of Greenwich, Washington 
County, N. Y., on the 3d of Augu.st, 1823. His 
jjarents were John and Mercy (Barneyj Weaver, 
and they too were natives of the Empire State. 
The father was a farmer, a shoemaker and a 
weaver of cloth. Both he and his wife died in 
1 87 1, being over eighty years of age at the time. 
Their family numbered ten children, namely: 
Edward B., Andrus, Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis, all 
of whom are now dead; Mrs. El.sie Williams; Asa 



F.;JohnB., deceased; William E.; Nathan; Jacob; 
and James, who died in childhood. John B. , who 
was in Kansas at the time of the breaking out of 
the late war, took sides with the anti-slavery 
party, and assisted in its support till the close of 
the War of the Rebellion. 

In the di.strict schools, Nathan Weaver ac- 
quired his education. At the age of fourteen he 
left home and went to live with his brother, E. B. 
Weaver, with whom he remained until twenty- 
one years of age. On attaining his majority he 
went to Wisconsin, in the fall of 1844, ^"'i at- 
tended the academ\- at Milton for two terms of 
three months each, paying his own way with 
money which he had previouslj- earned. About 
Christmas of 1844, he started for Illinois, mak- 
ing the journey on foot, and during the holidays 
he arrived in Henderson County. For a short 
time he attended the district schools, after v^'hich 
he began working at the carpenter's trade, which 
he followed for several years. In 1849, how- 
ever, he returned to New York, spending two 
years in his native State in the home of his brother, 
A. F. Weaver. There he attended school, fol- 
lowed farming and worked at his trade. 

In 1 85 1, we again find our .subject in Wiscon- 
sin, where he followed carpentering in com- 
pany with his brother for a year. In 1852 he 
once more came to Henderson County, where he 
has since resided. On attaining his majoritj- he 
had no capital save a young man's bright hope 
of the future and a determination to succeed. He 
made a start bj- teaching school and working at 
the carpenter's trade, and when he had acquired 
a .sufficient capital he purchased a tract of land. 
This was in 1854. As time passed its value was 
increased, and he also added to that at various 
interA-als, until he now owns six hundred and 
twentj' acres of fine land, all in one body. This 
is highly cultivated and well improved and yields 
to the owner a handsome income, which is well 
deser\'ed, as the reward of his earnest labors. 

The cause of education has ever found in Mr. 
Weaver a wann and faithful friend. He built 
and gave to the public the connuodious school- 
house at Media, in order that the children of the 
community should receive good and thorough in- 



3 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



545 



struction, and for the maintenance of the school 
he paj-s $900 annually. He has .sen'ed as School 
Trustee, is the present Po.stmaster (which po.si- 
tion he filled for two years once before, under 
Cleveland's administration), and has .served as 
Ju.stice of the Peace. The duties of these various 
positions have ever been promptly and faithfully 
performed, and therebj' he has won high com- 
mendation. In connection with his farm prop- 
erty he owns three dwellings in Media, all of 
which stand as monuments to his thrift and en- 
terprise, for they have been acquired through his 
own efforts. He is truly a self-made man, and 
certainh- deser\-es great credit for attaining to the 
prosperous position in which we now find him. 

In 1888, when the Santa Fe Railroad was con- 
structed through Hender.son County, Mr. Weaver 
located the town of Media on his farm (part of 
section 15), and a pretty village has grown up in 
a few years. 



-S) 



t^" 



r7RANKLIN BACON, one of the self-made 
ry men of Henderson County, now living in 
I ^ Media, has from a humble position worked 
his way steadily upward to one of affluence, and 
for his success in life deserves great credit. He 
was born in New York, December 24, 1826, and 
is a son of Silas and Chloe (Wait) Bacon, who 
were also natives of the Empire State, the former 
born in 1787, and the latter in 1797. They were 
married in 1820, and in 1837 emigrated with their 
family to Illinois, reaching Henderson Count}- 
on the 13th of September. Here the father en- 
gaged in farming, which was his life work. He 
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from 
the Government, and began the development of a 
farm, but was not long permitted to enjoy his 
new home, his death occurring in 1841. His wife 
long .sur\-ived him, pas.sing away in 1870. Our 
subject is the only one of their five children 
now living. Alonzo, the eldest, died in Hender- 
son County in 1861 ; Mary J. died in 1844; Frank- 
lin is the ne.xt younger: Charlotte died in 1844; 
and Ransom departed this life in 1872. 



Amid the wild .scenes of the frontier Mr. Bacon 
of this sketch was reared to manhood, and with 
the family he .shared in all the hardships and 
trials of pioneer days. His educational privi- 
leges were very limited, and his opportunities in 
other diiections were also quite meagre, except 
that he had ample time and opportunity for hard 
work. 

On the 6th of November, 1851, Mr. Bacon was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Lucretia Lake, 
daughter of John and Sarah Lake, who were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania. Five children were born 
to them: Almira J., now the wife of Granville 
Priest, of Iowa; Charles E., a farmer of Hender- 
son County, who was united in marriage with 
Miss Eveline Galbreath in 1879, and is a Re- 
publican in politics: Viola C, wife of John Shull, 
an agriculturi.st of the Hawkey e State: and two 
deceased. The mother of this family was called 
to her final rest May 12, 1862, and on the ist of 
September, 1863, Mr. Bacon was joined in wed- 
lock with Miss Almira J., daughter of George 
and Christa Anderson, who were nati\-es of New 
York, but in an early da}- removed to Penn- 
sylvania, and in 1839 came to Henderson County, 
111., where Mr. Andenson engaged in farming. 
Their family numbered five children: Sophia, wife 
of George W. Connelly, a resident of Iowa; La- 
vina, wife of Richard Dizney, an agriculturist of 
Henderson County: Mrs. Janet Bacon, who was 
born March 17, 1831: Willis, who is living in 
Kansas; and George, who makes his home in the 
same State. Willis Bacon was married to Mi.ss 
Hannah Westfall in the year 1861, and enlisted in 
the army in the same \-ear, wliere he remained 
three years. He then came liome, but returned 
the fourth 3'ear. In politics, he is a Republican, 
and is a faithful member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. George was married to Miss Calista 
Parkin 1858. He also enlisted in the army, in 
1862, and remained until the close of tlie war. 
Like his brother, he is a true Republican, and a 
Methodist. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Bacon were born three chil- 
dren, but Walter and Edna both died in infancv. 
Florence, born July 6, 1871, is .still living with 
her parents. The parents and daughter are leading 



546 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and active members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and Mr. Bacon has filled all the offices in 
both church and Sunday-school. His life has 
been an honorable and upright one, and thereby 
he has gained the confidence and esteem of all 
witli whom business or social relations have 
brought him in contact. In politics, he is a sup- 
porter of the men and measures of the Republican 
party. He now has a comfortable home and a 
valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres, 
which has been acquired entirely through his own 
efforts. He is recognized as one of the leading 
agriculturists of the community, and as such we 
present bini to the readers of this volume. 



e-^-K- 



r=j 



t^ 



(TAMEvS ARMSTRONG is the owner of one of 
I the fine farms of Henderson Count>-, com- 
O prising three hundred and twent)- acres of 
ricli and valuable land on section ii, town- 
ship 12 north, range four west. The place is 
well improved, and is divided by good fences into 
fields of convenient size. There are good barns 
and outbuildings, and the home is a commodious 
and substantial residence, one of the best in the 
community. The owner is regarded as one of the 
progressive and enterprising agriculturi.sts of his 
adopted county, and in this volume he well de- 
serves representation. 

Mr. Armstrong is a native of the Emerald Isle, 
l)orn in February, 1830. His parents, William 
and Ellen (Reed) Annstrong, were also natives 
of Ireland, and in that country lived until 1840, 
when they came to the United States. They had 
a family of seven children, three sons and four 
daughters, namely:. John, now deceased; Ann, 
wife of John Rowley, James, who is the next 
younger: Margaret, wife of J. H. Halsey; Mary 
J., deceased, wife of John Robinson: William, 
who is living in Henderson Count\-; and I'-llen, 
wife of E. N. Kile, of Perry, Iowa. 

Soon after the father came to America he was 
joined by his son, James Armstrong, who in the 
public .schools of Bo.ston, Mass., acquired a good 
education. He there pursued his studies until 



fifteen years of age, when he began to learn the 
carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1848. 
He then entered a shop, and began learning the 
harness-maker's trade, at which he worked for a 
year and a half. In 1850, he began travehng, 
and his time was thus spent until his emigration 
to Illinois, in the autumn of 1855. He came to 
Henderson Count}-, and located upon the farm 
which has since been his home, first purchasing 
eighty acres of land. As his financial resources 
were increased, however, he added to this tract 
from time to time, until he now has three hun- 
dred and twenty acres. In 1S75 he built his 
present home, which .stands as a monument to his 
thrift and enterprise. 

On the 20th of March, 1861, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Armstrong and Miss Maria 
Campbell, a daughter of James and Jane Reed 
Campbell. Nine children have been born to them, 
but three of the number are now deceased, name- 
ly: William J., Clarinda and Flora. The mem- 
bers of the family still living are J. Ross, Walter 
C, Lucetta J., Everett B., Delia A. and Clara. 

In his political views, Mr. Armstrong is a Re- 
publican. He ca.st his first Presidential vote for 
Abraham Lincoln, and .since that time has been 
an adherent of Republican principles. He has 
ser\'ed as vSchool Director, and the cause of edu- 
cation finds in liim a warm friend, as do other 
worthy enterprises which are calculated to prove 
of public benefit. He is a public-spirited and 
progres.sive citizen, and is a practical and enter- 
prising farmer, whose success in life is the just 
reward of his own efforts. 



1^-^ 



r^ . 



[^" 



3R. R. MORFORD is engaged in business 
as one of the members of the La Harpe Cigar 
Company. He is a native of Maysville, Ma- 
.son County, Ky., and was born on the 9th of 
March, 1833. His parents, Isaac and Martha 
(Mackey) Morford, were natives of Trenton, N. 
J., and Pittsburgh, Pa., respectively. Their fam- 
ily mimbered six children, four sons and two 
daughters: Mary Elizabeth Emma Jane, wife of 



« 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



547 



James C. Thompson, who is extensively engaged 
in farming near Maysville. Ky.; James R. R. of 
this sketch; Eugene Samuel Isaac, who makes his 
home in Covington, Ky.: Adclia Melvina Magru- 
der. deceased, wife of John Johnson; William 
Thornton Tolliver, who formerly resided in Mays- 
ville, Ky., but is now deceased; and one .son who 
died in infancy. 

The .subject of this sketch was educated in the 
public .schools of Maysville. and being an apt 
scholar he .soon mastered all the branches taught 
therein. At the age of sixteen years he began 
working at the cigar-maker's trade, which he fol- 
lowed for two years. He then abandoned that 
pursuit to learn the tinner's trade with the firm of 
Cooper, Dawson & Co., of Maysville, in whose 
employ he served an apprenticeship of three years. 
On the expiration of that period he left the store and 
began traveling over the country for several years, 
being variously employed. During 1854 he was 
in the sen-ice of the Maysville & Lexington Rail- 
road, engaged with an engine corps, and in 1855- 
56 he had charge of telegraphic repairs and sup- 
plies between Natchez, Miss., and Memphis, Tenn. 
Upon the breaking out of the war he offered him- 
self as a volunteer in the Si.xteenth Regiment 
Illinois Infantry, but was never nuistered in. In 
1865, he again changed his vocation. He began 
the study of law under C. C. Preston, of La 
Harpe, to which place he had come in 1862. In 
that year he embarked in business as a dealer in 
stoves and tinware, and continued operations 
along that line for about three years. 

From 1867 until 1877, Mr. Morford was engaged 
in the ]>ractice of law, trvingca.ses throughout the 
county. At the end of that decade he retired 
from active practice, although after earnest .solici- 
tation he has since sometimes accepted a case. In 
1879, Mr. Morford was elected Police Magistrate 
of La Harpe, which position he held for twelve 
years in a creditable and acceptable manner, as is 
indicated by his long term. He was al.so Alder- 
man from the First Ward for four years, having 
been elected to fill a vacancy and then re-elected. 
He has been a member of the School Board for two 
years, was Fire \\'arden for several years, and at 
this writing, in the spring of 1894, is Chief of the 



Fire Department. It will thus be seen that Mr. 
Morford has taken an active intere.st in the public 
affairs of this comniunit\- and is regarded as one 
of the valued and representative citizens of La 
Harpe. By the fire in the Gochenour Block in 
1891, he lo.st a large and valued library, the care- 
ful accumulation of many years. 

The life of Mr. Morford has been a varied and 
interesting one. While traveling over the country 
as a young man, he was identified with the stage 
as a comedian and delineator in minstrelsy. He 
traveled for a time with the Reed 6t Davis Min- 
strel Compan)- as end man, was the comedian of 
the Jones Theatrical Company, and owned an in- 
tere.st in the Crawford &: Brothers Minstrel 
Troupe. He was also with Cordello's Troupe in 
New Orleans, and was engaged at the Atheneum 
in Keokuk, Iowa, for two sea.sons. He has also 
taken leading parts in many local performances 
given in La Harpe for the benefit of charity and 
other benevolent work. When about twenty-one 
years of age he made a flatboat trip with Capt. J. 
C. Ballanger from Maysville, Ky., to Vicksburg, 
Miss. When only a boy he was a member of the 
Neptune Fire Insurance Company of Maysville, 
and after serving for seven years he was made an 
honorary member. 

In 1858, Mr. Morford was joined in wedlock 
with Mi.ss Ella E. Spellman, and to them were 
born four children, three sons and a daughter: 
Samuel L-. of Nebraska; James, who died in in- 
fancy; Edward, who is living in New Sharon, 
Iowa; and Ella V., wife of George Spellman, of 
Arkan.sas. The mother of this family was called 
to her final rest in 1865. In 1867, Mr. Morford 
was again married, his .second union being with 
Mrs. Jane Gochenour. To them has been born 
a son, James E., of La Harpe. 

In his political views, Mr. Morford has been a 
stalwart Democrat since casting his first Pre.si- 
dential vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He is a 
member of Bristol Lodge No. 653, I. O. O. V. , 
and has been representative to the Grand Lodge. 
His connection with this fraternity dates from 
1857. I^^ 's ^1^0 ^ very prominent member of the 
Order of the Iron Hall. He is of an inventive turn of 
mind, and has patented a number of inventions, 



548 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



among them one especially vvorthj' of notice, an in- 
terchangeable umbrella and seat, which promises 
to bring a harvest of shekels. At one time Mr. 
Morford was very active in tlie Good Templar Or- 
der, having passed through its chairs and having 
been Lecturer and Organizer under direction of 
the Grand Lodge. His various interests in life 
having made his career full of amusing and en- 
tertaining incidents, he excels as a pleasant 
conversationalist. 



=] 



^H^ 



CS^ 



0R. JEFFERSON vS. CANNON, who is en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine at Terre 
Haute, was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., 
January i6, 1854. His father. Dr. Andrew J. 
Cannon, was born in the same State in 18 18. 
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Melinda Sawyer, and was of German descent. 
The former was reared as a farmer, and in early 
life became a miller, but at the age of thirty-two 
lie began studying medicine, and was in the office 
of Dr. Simpson for three years. He then began 
practice in Eastern Tennessee, where he remained 
until 1858, when he went to Arkansas, and there 
engaged in practice and in merchandising until 
1880. He still makes his home in that vState. 
His wife, however, was called to the home be- 
yond in April, 1880. They were the parents of 
nine children: Eliza, wife of Rev. O. R. Bryant; 
Monroe, who died in 1881; Benjamin F., a 
Bapti.st minister of Texas; Mary, who became the 
wife of Jasper P. Henry, and died in 1876; 
George, who died in 1882; Jeffer.son S., of this 
sketch; Dr. John S., a graduate of the Kentucky 
School of Medicine, and now engaged in 
practice in Mis.souri; Robert E., who died in 
1863; and Melinda T., wife of James Arnold, a 
farmer of Arkansas. 

Dr. Cannon of this sketch .spent the first ten 
years of his Hfe upon a farm, and then entered an 
academy at Wallaceburg, Ark., where he com- 
pleted his literarj- education. He then embarked 
in school teaching, which profession he followed 
for about five years, when he l)egan studying 



medicine under his father, and also clerked in a 
drug store. In 1881 he began practicing in Ar- 
kansas in connection with his father, with whom 
he remained until 1882, after which he spent his 
time in Hot Springs until 1891, when he went to 
Oklahoma, where he remained for about eighteen 
months. During that time he was graduated 
from the Memphis Ho.spital Medical College. 
He is also a graduate of the Bomont Hospital 
Medical College of St. Louis, Mo. In the spring 
of 1893 he came to Terre Haute, where he has 
since made his home. The Doctor was married 
September 25, 187 1, to Miss Lula J. Wood, and 
by their union have been born four children: 
Newton J., Emma L. , Robert E., and Willie Ola, 
who died November 28, 1886. The mother 
passed away August 27, 1886, and the Doctor 
was again married, June 28, 1889, his second 
union being with Miss Hattie A. Aldrich, of 
Blandinsville, 111. 

Dr. Cannon is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity and the Odd Fellows and Modern Wood- 
men lodges. He also belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. In the practice of his pro- 
fession he has v^-ou good success, and though he 
has only resided in Terre Haute for a j-ear, he has 
secured a liberal patronage, which is constantly 
increasing. 



13 



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cs_ 



[=" 



[ILLIAM POWELL, one of the honored 
pioneers of Henderson County, who now 
carries on general farming and stock-rais- 
ing on section 29, Stronghurst Towiuship, has for 
almost half a centur\- lived in this community. 
He is, therefore, one of its oldest citizens. He 
has witnessed the greater part of the development 
and upbuilding of the community, has .seen the 
work of transformation which has placed this 
community among the foremost in the State, and 
has ever borne his part in the work of public 
improvement. 

Mr. Powell was born in Lower Canada, on the 
7th of December, 1832, and is the fifth in order 
of birth in a faniilv of seven children, whose 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



549 



parents were Peter and Lavina (Buzzel) Powell. 
The father was a native of Vennont, but when a 
small child removed with his parents to Canada, 
and there remained until 1S45. when he emigrated 
to Illinois, taking up his residence in Henderson 
County. Here he made his home until his death, 
which occurred at the age of fifty years. His 
wife, who was a native of Canada, passed away 
at the age of sixty years. 

Our subject was a youth of thirteen when, with 
his parents, he came to Illinois, and upon the old 
homestead farm he remained until he had attained 
his majority. He then began agricultural pur- 
suits in his own interest upon the farm on which 
he has since resided. As a companion and help- 
meet on life's jouniey, he chose Miss Elizabeth 
Wallace. They were married in Januarj', i860, 
but her death occurred in 1861, and on the ist of 
January-, 1864, he was joined in wedlock with 
Miss Elizabeth Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, 
born September i, 1846, and a daughter of Joseph 
V. and Sarah (Raceley ) Smith. Her father was 
a native of German}-, but when a young man 
crossed the broad Atlantic to America, and in the 
Keystone State was married, the lady of his choice 
being a native of Penn.sylvania. In 1846 thej- 
came to the We.st, and took up their residence in 
Fulton County, 111., from whence they came to 
Henderson County in 1855. Here Mr. Smith 
remained until his death, which occurred at the 
age of sixty years. His wife pas.sed away at the 
age of fifty-six. 

Fourteen children were born of the union of 
our subject and his wife, but six of the number 
died in infancy, and Sara E. died at the age of 
twenty-five years. Charles H., the elde.st sur- 
viving member, is now engaged in farming in 
Henderson County; Lydia M., Ida A., William 
Andrew, Mary E., Benjamin F. and Xellie May 
are still with their parents. 

Mr. Powell owns and operates two hundred 
and five acres of rich land in Stronghur.st Town- 
ship, con.stituting one of the valuable farms of 
this locality. He now has a comfortable countrj^ 
home, and in addition to general fanning he 
raises considerable stock, which branch of his 
business adds materiallv to his income. All he 



has represents his own earnings, and therefore his 
success is well merited, being the ju.st reward of 
his earne.st labors. Politically, he is a Democrat, 
and has served as School Director a number of 
j-ears. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic 
fratemitj'. 



c=i 



"S) 



^+4 



NON. CLARENCE R. GITTINGS, one of 
the enterprising general farmers of Hender- 
son County, now living on section 29, Terre 
Haute Township, was born in La Harpe Town- 
ship, Hancock County, on the 28th of June, 
1848. The Gittings family is of Engli.sh origin 
and was probably founded in America at a very 
early day. The parents of our subject were 
James and Susie (Thompson) Gittings, the for- 
mer a native of Virginia, and the latter of North 
Carolina. The father was twice married. In 
1833 he wedded Jane Van Horn, and unto them 
were born seven children, namely: Quincy, who 
died in infancy; Luther, who enlisted in Com- 
pany G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois 
Infantry, during the late war, and died in 1863 
from disea.se contracted in the .service; Elizabeth, 
now of La Harpe; Samuel, who was killed by a 
horse in 1874: Harriet, who died in 1857; Rob- 
ert, a farmer of Hancock County ; and one child 
who died in infancy. Unto James and Susan 
Gittings were born three children: James, who 
died in 1849; Clarence R. ; and Mary, wife of I. 
W. Cassell, a farmer of La Harpe. 

The father of this farailj- was born February 2 1 , 
1 80 1, was reared upon a farm, and became a cabi- 
net-maker by trade. When he was five years of 
age his father removed to Belmont Countj-, Ohio, 
and in 1820 went with his family to Muskingum 
County, where he was engaged in raising and 
shipping tobacco. In 18 19 James Gittings began 
.shipping flour down the Ohio and Mi.ssissippi 
Rivers to New Orleans, and was thus employed 
for three years. He also worked as a farm hand 
for three years, receiving about $6 per month for 
his services. In 1832 he emigrated from the 
Buckeye State to Illinois, making the journey on 



550 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAIv RECORD. 



foot, and located in La Harpe Township, Hancock 
County, where he entered land from the Govern- 
ment. The following spring, however, he re- 
turned to Ohio, and did not again come to Han- 
cock County until 1836, when he brought his 
family to the West. During his first trip he vis- 
ited Chicago, which then contained oidy about 
sixty-five inhabitants. Here Mr. Gittings en- 
tered land and purcha.sed more until he became 
the owner of fourteen hundred acres in Hancock 
County, and also some eight hundred acres in 
Missouri, besides tracts elsewhere, which made 
his landed possessions aggregate over three thou- 
sand acres. He was ver\- .successful in his busi- 
ne.ss dealings and by his well-directed efforts se- 
cured a handsome property. In early life he was 
a supporter of the Whig party, but on the organ- 
ization of the Repubhcan party joined its ranks. 
His death occurred November 22, 1882. Both he 
and his wife were members of the Methodist 
Church. She was called to her final rest iu 1891 , 
and was laid by his side in the family ceme- 
tery. 

Upon the old homestead in his native county 
Clarence R. Gittings .spent the days of his boy- 
hood and youth. He began his education in the 
di.strict .schools, which he attended until about six- 
teen \ears of age, when he entered an acadenn- 
at Denmark, Iowa. His literary education w-as 
completed by a two-years course in the College 
of Adrian, Mich. He started out in life for 
himself on attaining his majority, and, going to 
Rose Hill, Mo., there spent one year. In 1873 
he removed to a farm of two hundred acres in 
Terrc Haute Township, Henderson County. An- 
other important event in his life also occurred in 
that >ear. On the 3d of August, he wedded Miss 
Mar>' Witherspoon, daughter of Robert and Mari- 
Witherspoon. They began their domestic life 
upon his first farm, and there lived until 1879, 
when they removed to the farm on which Mr. 
Gittings has since made his home. He here owns 
eighty acres of land and is successfully engaged 
in general farming. Altogether he has four hun- 
dred and ninety-four acres of good land. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gittings were born two 
sons, Frederick and Charles. The mother died 



January 14, 1889, and was laid to rest in La Harpe 
Cemetery. On the 22d of October, 1891, Mr. 
Ciittings married Miss Rel^ecca Watrous. 

In his political views, Mr. Gittings has always 
been a stalwart advocate of the Republican party 
and its principles. The confidence and trust re- 
posed in him by his fellow-townsmen were made 
manifest in 1884 by his election to the State 
Legislature, and so ably did he di.scharge the du- 
ties of the office that in 1886 he was re-elected. 
Gov. Fifer appointed him one of the Board of 
Trustees for the In.stitution for Feeble Minded in 
Lincoln, and he has held some local offices, serv- 
ing as Notary Pulilic, Justice of the Peace and 
Township Trustee. He holds membership with 
the Masonic fraternity and with the Odd Fellows 
and Knights of Pythias lodges. Mr. Gittirigs is 
one of the most prominent citizens of Henderson 
County, and has a wide acquaintance throughout 
the surrounding counties as well. He has always 
been a capable and efficient officer, ever bears his 
part in the work of public improvement, and his 
.sterling worth and fidelity to dut\- have won him 
high regard. 



i-^-^m^ 



8' 



I LIVER liDMUNDS, decea.swl. was a native 
of Ohio, born on the 26th of May, 1829. 
His parents were Obediah and Lydia Ed- 
nuuids. Their family numbered ten children, of 
whom Oliver was the youngest. All are ntiw de- 
ceased, and he was thelast survivor of the family. 
The first eight years of his life were .sjieut in the 
Buckeye State, and he then accompanied his 
parents on their emigration westward in 1836. 
locating in Terre Haute Town.ship, Henderson 
County. Here our subject attended the sub- 
.scription schools, acquiring a fair knowledge of 
the English branches of learning. Through the 
summer months he worked at home, and soon 
l)ecame familiar with all the duties of farm life. 
He continued to give his father the lienefit of his 
ser\-ices until twenty-two years of age, when he 
emliarked in farming for himself imrchasing of 
his father two hundred acres of land, which he at 
once began to ciUtivate and inqirove. 




Mrs. John Evans 




John Evans Jr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



555 



As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, 
Mr. Edmunds chose Miss Eliza Spiker, daughter 
of Henry and Rachel (Hukill) Spiker. Their 
marriage was celebrated on the 19th of March, 
1854, and was blessed with a family of four 
children: Rilla, wife of Marion Ison, a practicing 
physician, now living in Iowa; John A., who is 
engaged in farming in Hancock County ; C. Sher- 
man, also an agriculturist of Hancock County; 
and Bertie H., who lives with his mother, and 
supierintends the old home farm. 

Mr. Edmunds was a man of good business and 
executive ability, and by his industr>-, enterprise 
and sagacity won success in his undertakings. 
He added to his farm until, at the time of his 
death, he owned two hundred and sixty acres of 
valuable land, which comprised the old home- 
stead, where Mrs. Edmunds now lives, and which 
he had placed under a high state of cultivation. 
He owned also three hundred and twenty 
acres in Hancock County, 111., and made 
many excellent improvements upon it, his 
farm being one of the best in the neighbor- 
hood. He exercised his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, and was a 
public-spirited and progressive citizen. He died 
January 27, 1894, and his lo.ss was deeply 
mourned, for he had many warm friends. 

30HN EVANS, Jr., of Henderson County, was 
born on the 13th of June, 1830, in Crawford 
County, Ohio. His father, John Evans, Sr., 
who was born in 1796, was a native of Maryland, 
and his grandfather, the first ancestor of the fam- 
ily to come to America, was a native of Wales. 
On his arrival in this coinitn.- he settled in Mary- 
land. John Evans, Sr., married Nancy Palmer, 
a native of Pennsylvania, and they afterward 
moved to Crawford County, Ohio, and later to 
Henry County, Ind. Coming to Illinois in 1837, 
they settled on a farm in what is now Strong- 
hurst Town.ship, Henderson County. The father 
was a shoemaker by trade, but devoted his time 
to the cultivation of his farm after coming to this 
29 



county. He died September 11, 1884, at the age 
of eighty-eight, having been a life- long Democrat. 
Mrs. Evans died when forty-nine years of age, 
September 18, 1847. Of their twelve children, 
ten grew to mature j-ears, two dying in infancy. 
One of the sons, George \V. , responded to his 
country's call in the dark days of the War of the 
Rebellion, and gave up his life in its defense at 
the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., March 7, 1862, 
aged twenty years and eleven months. Three 
.sons and two daughters of the family are now 
living. 

Johu Evans is the fifth son in his parents' fam- 
ily, and is a twin brother to Sarah, the wife of 
Samuel Galbreth. of Gladstone Township, this 
count\-. Mr. Evans' early education was limited, 
and he was made more familiar with agricultural 
labor than with the contents of .school-books. At 
seventeen years of age he hired out to Joseph 
Watson, receiving for his ser\'ices $11 a month. 
With the money he obtained by his work he 
bought a yoke of oxen and raised a crop of wheat, 
and with the proceeds of the crop bought a land 
warrant for $145. With this he located one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land in Warren County, 
111., six miles south of Monmouth. This land he 
afterward .sold to his father for $180, and in 1830, 
with the money thus obtained, he, with his brother 
Hamilton, started for California by the plains 
route with an ox-team. In the land of gold, 
where many otliers made fortunes, he failed to 
accumulate wealth, and almost the only result of 
his three years' work in the far West was a rich 
stock of experience. On his return he had hardly 
sufficient money to buy back the land he had sold 
his father at the price it was then worth, so he pur- 
chased his father's place of eighty acres in Strong- 
hurst Town.ship, where for three years he was en- 
gaged in general farming. During this time he 
bought a farm near the place where he now re- 
sides, and in 1857 he .sold his first or eighty-acre 
purchase, and located on his present farm on sec- 
tion 33, in Stronghurst Township. 

Soon after settling on this property he began his 
present business of buying, feeding and .shipping 
cattle, and from the beginning of this pursuit his 
prosperity dates. His first lot of cattle consisted 



.S.S6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of one car-load, which he sold to Samuel McEl- 
hinney. In i860 he made his first shipment, which 
consisted of six car-loads of mixed cattle, which 
he sold in Chicago. In the handling of stock he 
was successful, and from year to year the number 
he fed and shipped increased, leaving him a mar- 
gin of profit. He not only handled beef cattle, 
but also bred cattle, and to-day is one of the 
largest shippers and breeders of cattle in the 
United States. In 1892 he .shipped to Chicago 
the first full train of thorough-bred Polled Angus 
black cattle ever shipped to that market. These 
cattle, which were all of his own raising and aver- 
aged fourteen hundred and ninety-six pounds each , 
brought $6 per hundred, gross. This shipment 
consisted of two hundred and forty-three head, 
and the amount received for them was $21,810. 
Four years previous to this shipment Mr. Evans 
told W. C. Brown, Superintendent of the Chi- 
cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, in a con- 
versation he then had with him, that he had be- 
gun the breeding of Polled Angus cattle, and 
would, in four years' time, ship a train-load of them 
to Chicago. Mr. Brown replied that when Mr. 
Evans did that, he would accompany his shipment 
from the shipping-point to Chicago in his private 
palace car. The promise was remembered, and 
when the cattle were ready for shipment at Em- 
erson, Iowa, where they were raised, Mr. Brown 
was notified of the fact, and, true to his promise, 
appeared there with his car, and. taking Mr. 
Evans as a guest, accompanied the train o\'er the 
road. This incident in Mr. Evans' life illu.strates 
what foresight, energy, perseverance and good 
management may accomplish. On another oc- 
casion he shipped two train-loads of .seventeen 
cars each of cattle and hogs, all of his own feed- 
ing and raising, for which he received $33,000, 
this being up to that time ( 1893) the largest .sale 
ever made by one man for a single .shipment of 
stock of his own feeding and raising in Chicago. 
At the present time, 1S94, lie is feeding about 
fourteen hundred head of hogs and fourteen hun- 
dred head of cattle. His land possessions are ex- 
tensive, and consist of eleven hundred acres of 
fine land in Hender.son County, 111., three thou- 
.sand acres in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and 



forty-five hundred acres in Mills County, Iowa, 

making in all eighty-six hundred acres of land, 
which he and his son Marion own and control. 
They are now breeding Polled Angus black cat- 
tle on their Iowa land in large numbers. They 
have there over one hundred thorough-breds, and 
eight hundred head of graded cattle, of which 
they are now feeding three hundred. They are 
also fattening fourteen hundred head of Poland- 
China hogs of their own raising. These gentle- 
men own a fourth-interest in the First National 
Bank of Malvern, Iowa, of which Marion is Vice- 
President, and a half-interest in the Fanners' Ex- 
change Bank, of Emer.son, Iowa, of which Mar- 
ion is President. 

On the 23d of April, 1857, ^I^. Evans was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Y. Davis, 
who was born March 13, 1829, in Saratoga Coun- 
tv, N. Y., a daughter of Abner and Lucj- (Oaksj 
Davis, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work, 
in connection with the sketch of Andrew J. Davis. 
Mrs. Evans was a maiden of only six summers 
when she came with her parents to Henderson 
Count\-, where she has since made her home, 
covering a period of about fifty-eight years. She 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a 
mo.st estimable lady, beloved by all who know 
her. The poor and needy always find in her a 
friend, and she takes an active interest in chari- 
table and benevolent works. Probably no one in 
the count\- has more friends, and none are held in 
higher regard than this worth\- woman. To our 
subject and his wife was born a son, Marion Le- 
Grand, who was born June 30, 1858. He is a 
banker and one of the leading stock-dealers of 
Emerson, Iowa. He married Mi.ss Hattie M., 
daughter of Judge Tubbs, of Emerson, one of the 
prominent citizens of the Hawkeye State. Five 
children have been born to Marion and Hattie 
Evans; Edith Leona, John LeGrand, Frank Na- 
thaniel, Marion Louis and a baby. 

Mr. Evans of this sketch is a stalwart supporter 
of the men and measures of the Republican party, 
but has never been an office-seeker, preferring to 
give his entire time to his bu.siness interests, on 
which, after the foregoing history, no comment 
of ours is necessary. His home is one of the 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



557 



finest residences of the count}-, and is situated in 
the midst of his valuable farm of eleven hundred 
acres. Besides being one of the leading stock- 
dealers of the West, he is one of the richest men 
of this section of the countrj'. His wealth has 
all been acquired through his own enterprise, in- 
dustry, sagacity, and good business ability. He 
is liberal with his means, not hoarding his prop- 
erty selfishly, but giving generously to worthy 
interests, and he has a large circle of warm friends, 
who esteem him highly for his sterling worth and 
strict integrity. We feel assured that this record 
of Mr. Evans' life will prove of interest to many 
of our readers. 



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IlLLIAM CHELLIS HOOKER, one of the 
prominent citizens of Carthage, who is 
now successfully engaged in the practice of 
law at the Hancock County Bar, was born on 
the 13th of September, 182S, in Auburn, X. Y. 
He comes of a family of prominence, being a di- 
rect descendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker, one of 
the founders of the Colony of Connecticut. His 
father, Dr. Harley Hooker, was born in Hartford. 
Conn., December 9, 1792, and having prepared 
himself for the medical profes.sion engaged in 
practice in Baton Rouge, La., and Sj-racuse, 
N. Y., before his marriage. In February, 
1827, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary 
Beard.slee, who was born in Haddam, Conn., in 
1803. The young couple located in Auburn, X. Y., 
where they resided until 1833, when they removed 
to Henrietta, N. Y., where thej- made their home 
luitil the .spring of 1S39. In that year the>- lo- 
cated in Rockton, then Pecatonica, Winnebago 
County, 111., where they spent their remaining 
days. The Doctor died in 1867, and his wife, 
who sur^'ived him .several years, passed away in 
1874. 

Mr. Hooker remained with his parents during 
the days of his childhood and youth. Before 
leaving Auburn, N. Y., he attended an infant 
school. At Henrietta, he was a student in 
Monroe Academy, spending the first two years in 



the female department of that institution. After 
the emigration westward his education was inter- 
rupted for a time, for no school was built in Peca- 
tonica until the fall of 1840. His father had pur- 
chased a farm near the village, and then turned 
his attention to the practice of his profession, so 
that Mr. Hooker, being the eldest .son, engaged in 
the operation of the land. At first their nearest 
markets were at Chicago and Galena, and all trade 
was by wagon; afterwards, however, roads were 
opened to Little Fort (now Waukegan), South- 
port (now Kenosha), Racine, and lastly Milwau- 
kee. When our subject was a lad of only twelve 
his father would send him with wheat or flour to 
Chicago or elsewhere, and after disposing of 
this he would bring back goods for merchants, 
medicine, pine lumber, etc. Roads were then 
primitive, no hills had been leveled and no bridges 
had been built across sloughs, creeks or rivers. 
It usually required from one to two weeks to 
make a trip. 

Until the fall of 1845 Mr. Hooker attended school 
very little, but at that time was sent back to New 
York and attended Onondaga Academy for one 
year. He then returned home and remained in 
charge of the farm until the fall of 1847, when he 
entered Beloit College, and was graduated there- 
from in its fir.st class, in July, 1851. At the end 
of his junior year he needed money, and so went to 
,St. Louis and Loui.sville, .seeking employment as a 
teacher. He finally secured a .school near Win- 
chester, Ky., and while engaged in teaching also 
kept up his college studies until the next April, 
when he returned to Beloit and was graduated. 

Wishing to enter the legal profession, Mr. 
Hooker .spent three years in reading law, during 
which time he engaged in teaching in order to 
meet his expenses. For four months he was in 
the law office of Sedgwick (S: Outwater, of S\ra- 
cuse, N. Y., and for six months was in the law 
office of Jason Downer, of Milwaukee, Wis. In 
the autumn of 1852, he went to Alabama and 
taught .school near Montgomery for one year. 
Returning to Quincy, 111., he then entered the 
law office of Warren & Edmunds, was admitted 
to the Bar on the ist of June, 1854, and about the 
middle of that month opened a law office in Nau- 



558 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



vcx). He engaged in practice in various courts, 
both State and federal, with good success. In 
1867, he aided in organizing the Carthage & Bur- 
lington Railroad Company, and from that time 
until i86g was interested in building the railroad 
from Carthage to Burlington, Iowa. He has 
served as Secretar}- and Treasurer of the com- 
panj-, and as one of the Directors of the road un- 
til 1870, when it was sold to the Chicago, Bur- 
lington & Qnincy Railroad Company. Mr. Hook- 
er remained at Nauvoo for about four years, engag- 
ing in the practice of law with Milton M. Morrill, 
under the firm name of Morrill & Hooker. He 
also ser\'ed as City Attorney during a greater 
part of the time. On the i.st of March, 1858, he 
came to Carthage, and formed a partnership with 
Hiram G. Ferris and George Ednuinds, under 
the firm name of Ferris, Hooker & Edmunds, 
which coiniection contiiuied three years. From 
1872 until 1878, he was associated with Bryant 
T. Scofield in Circuit Court practice, under the 
style of Hooker & Scofield, and from 1880 until 
1883 was connected with Timothy J. vScofield and 
George Edmunds, as a member of the firm of 
Scofield, Hooker & Edmunds. Later he formed 
a partnership with his son, Chellis K., and is now 
doing business under the firm name of W. C. 
Hooker &Son. From 1863 until 1874 Mr. Hook- 
er ser\-ed as Master in Chancery of Hancock 
County, and was again appointed to that office 
in 1892. 

On the 24th of June, 1856, Mr. Hooker was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Hume, 
the wedding being celebrated at the home of her 
father, Matthew M. Hume, between Paris and 
Winchester, K^-. The lady died December 11, 
1857, and on the 2d of December, 1862, Mr. 
Hooker wedded Mary C. McQuary, who was 
born in Mt. Vernon, Ky., March 10, 1846, and is 
a daughter of James C. McQuary, a native of 
Mt. Vernon County. He was a .son of Allen Mc- 
Quary, who died in Hancock County in 1869. 
The mother of Mrs. Hooker was Elizabeth, 
daughter of John Moore, a lawyer of considerable 
note in Mt. Vernon County, who died there about 
i860. To Mr. and Mrs. Hooker ha\e been born 
four children; Mamie, wife of Charles J. Daoust, 



of Defiance, Ohio; Fannie, wife of M. Flynn, of 
Carthage; Harley J., of Guatamala City, Guata- 
mala; and Chellis E., who is now engaged in the 
practice of law with his father. 

Mr. Hooker was made a Mason in Alabama in 
February, 1853, and is also a member of the Chap- 
ter, Council and Commandery. His parents 
were Congregationalists of the strict New Eng- 
land type, but, although not a member of any 
church, Mr. Hooker is strongly Unitarian in be- 
lief His wife and children hold membership 
with the Episcopal Church. He believes in 
straightforward, honorable dealing, and his belief 
has been carried out in practice. In politics, he 
has been a supporter of the Democracy since cast- 
ing his first Presidential vote. He has served 
for maiiy years as Chairman of the Democratic 
Central Committee of Hancock County, and for 
some years was a member of the Democratic State 
Central Committee; yet he is not strictly partisan 
and would overstep party lines in order to remain 
true to what his best judgment sanctions. At the 
Bar he holds an enviable position as an earnest 
and able lawyer, and in political and social circles 
he is alike highly esteemed. 



=3. 



[3_ 



^-i^ 



3OHN COOPER, who devotes his time and 
attention to agricultural pursuits, being rec- 
ognized as one of the leading farmers and 
extensive land-owners of Henderson County, now 
lives on section 22, township 12 north, range 4 
west. An early settler, his residence in the 
county dates from 1849. He was born in Wash- 
ington County, Pa., on the 8th of July, 1817, and 
is a .son of William Cooper, who was also born in 
the Keystone State, and was a farmer bj- occupa- 
tion. During the War of 181 2 he .served in the 
American army. Moses Cooper, the father of 
William Cooper, served through the Revolution- 
ary- War. The mother of our subject bore the 
maiden name of Elizabeth Jennings. They were 
married in Penn.sylvania, and became the parents 
of nine children, of whom John is the third in or- 
der of birth; Perry and Moses are now deceased; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



559 



Sarah is the wife of M. Baldwin, a resident of 
Wayne County, Ind. ; Ephraim is li\ing in Hen- 
derson County (see biography in this vohinie ) ; 
Annie and Matilda are now deceased; Eunice 
makes her home in Oquawka; and Mary is the 
wife of S. Pickering, of Little York, 111. 

The educational privileges which our subject 
enjoyed were limited to those afforded by the 
subscription schools of \Va\ne Couut\-, Ind. When 
he was only three months old, liis parents left 
Pennsylvania and went with their family to that 
county. He grew to manhood upon the old 
homestead, and earl)- in life great care and re- 
sponsibihty devolved upon him. His father died, 
and, although John was then quite young, he as- 
.sumed the management of the home farm and the 
care of the family. At the age of twenty years, 
he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he 
followed continuously for about twelve years. In 
1849 he came to Henderson Count}-, 111., locating 
near his present home. Two years later he bought 
a part of his present farm, and has re.sided there- 
on since 1861. He now owns and operates eight 
hundred and .seventy-five acres of valuable land, 
constituting one of the largest and best farms in 
the county. He keeps it under a high state of 
cultivation, and a neat appearance characterizes 
every department of it. 

Mr. Cooper has been twice married. On the 
6th of March, 1845, he was joined in wedlock 
with Miss Martha Smith, daughter of Benjamin 
and Tamar Smith. Her death occurred June 20, 
1848. By that union were born two children: 
Rau-seldon, who is now County Judge of Hender- 
■son County, and a leaditig lawyer; and Martha 
E., decea.sed. On the 27th of October, 1864, Mr. 
Cooper was again married, his second union be- 
ing with Miss Mary A. Crawford, daughter of 
Jacob Crawford. They became the parents of 
twelve children, one of whom died in infancy. 
Those still living are: Frank, William, Emma, 
John, Eva, Ada, Sophia, Howard, Jeiuiie, Ethel 
and Arthur. 

In politics, Mr. Cooper is a Republican, and 
has advocated the principles of that party since 
its organization. In early life he was a Whig, 
and cast his first Presidential vote for William 



Henry Harrison. He has been honored with a 
number of local offices, having sen'cd as School 
Trustee, School Director and Township Super- 
visor. .Socially, he is connected with the Odd 
Fellows' society, but has ever devoted the greater 
part of his time to his business interests, in which 
he has met with most excellent and well-deser\-ed 
success. Steadily he has worked his way upward, 
overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in his 
path, until he is now one of the wealthiest farm- 
ers of Henderson County. 



-=) 



^+^1 



|ILLIAM H. MYERS, proprietor of a black- 
smith, wagon and carriage making shop at 
Terre Haute, is recognized as one of the 
enterprising citizens of this place, and is doing a 
good business. He was born near Greensburg 
in Jennings County, Ind., February 28, 1849, and 
is a .son of Harrison and Rebecca (Smiley) Myers, 
the former born in Pennsj-lvania of German 
parentage, while the latter was of Irish descent. 
In the familj- were five children: Sanuiel, who 
served in the Confederate army and was killed at 
the battle of Pea Ridge, when about twenty-four 
years of age; Richard, a mechanic now living in 
La Harpe; Eliza, wife of Schuyler Hurd, a farm- 
er of Nebraska; Hattie, wife of Samuel R. 
.Spikes, of Nebraska: and William H., who com- 
pletes the family. 

During his early boyhood the father became a 
resident of Indiana. When a young man he 
.served as a pilot on the Ohio River, and in the fall 
of 1848 he suffered an attack of cholera, which 
terminated his life. His wife survived him for 
many years, and pas.sed away in 1884. 

William H. Myers was born and reared upon 
a farm, and during the winter .season he would 
walk three miles to a log schoolhouse, where school 
was conducted on the subscription j)lan. He there 
pursued his studies at intervals until fifteen jears of 
age. In 1853 he accompanied liis mother on her 
removal to Lewis County, Mo., where he re- 
mained until 1864, when he came to Henderson 
County, 111., locating in Terre Haute. At the 



s6o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



age of fifteen he oegaii learning the blacksmith's 
trade with his brother, working three years as an 
apprentice. After serving as an employe for a 
year, he purchased his brother's shop, and has 
since been engaged in blacksmithing and wagon 
and carriage making. He is doing a most excel- 
lent bu.siness, which yields to him a handsome 
income. 

On the 20th of August, 1869, Mr. Myers was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Susan Evans, 
(laughter of Benjamin and Ellen (Arnold) Evans. 
Seven children have been bom to them: Artie, 
wife of H. B. Miller, of Gale.sburg, 111. ; Addie, 
who died at the age of two and a-half years; 
Charles \\'.; Edward R., who was accidentally 
shot while out hunting Dtcember 29, 1893, and 
died the following day; Juniata, Frank and Leroy. 

Mr. Myers has always been a supporter of the 
Democracy, and in 1890 was elected to represent 
his district in the vState Legislature. So ably did 
he fill the office that in 1892 he was re-elected, 
.ser\-ing as an honored and prominent member of 
the House. Socially, he is a Royal Arch Mason, 
and is a member of the Knights of Pythias frater- 
nity. His wife belongs to the Baptist Church. 
Mr. Myers is a public-spirited and progres.sive 
citizen, and the best interests of the community 
ever find in him a friend. He is prominent in 
business and political circles, and his merit and 
worth have gained him the po.sitiou which he now 
occupies. 



c=l 



^+^ 



[=- 



JOSEPH ALLEN, a farmer residing on .sec- 
I tion 21, Terre Haute Township, Hender.son 
Q) County, is a native of the Empire State. He 
was born near Bath, Steuben County, N. V., 
July 4, 1 82 1, and is a son of Amasa Allen, who 
was born in Connecticut, and followed agricultural 
pursuits throughout his life. The family was of 
linglish lineage. On leaving his native State the 
father removed to New York, and in 1855 came to 
Henderson County, 111., locating in Terre Haute 
Township, where he purchased a tract of laud, 
ujM)n which he made his home until his death. 



Had he lived two months longer he would have 
reached the age of one hundred years. He held 
membership with the Bapti.st Church, and was a 
most highly respected citizen. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Susanna Farrington, pa.ssed 
away at the advanced age of ninety-two years, and 
in Terre Haute Cemeterj- both were laid to rest. 
They became the parents of twelve children, 
namely: Jacob, Elizabeth, Martha, Hannah, 
Theodama, Mary, Joseph, Catherine, Ama.sa F., 
Alfred T. , David and Charles. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads, Mr. Allen 
of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth. He attended the district schools of his 
native State until twenty-one years of age, and 
acquired a fair bu.sine.ss education. On attaining 
his majority he began working as a farm hand, 
receiving about $10 per month, and in this way 
was employed for three years. On the expiration 
of that period, he purchased a farm in New York, 
and made his home there until October i, 1854, 
when he came to the West. Believing that he 
could better his financial condition thereby, he 
emigrated to Hender.son County, 111., and pur- 
chased one hundred acres of land on section 2 1 , 
Terre Haute Township. This was a wild tract, 
still in its primitive condition, but the care and 
labor he has bestowed upon it has transformed 
it into rich and fertile fields. The farm has be- 
come one of the best in the county. The fields 
are well tilled, good improvements have been 
made, and the owner is now successfully engaged 
in general farming and .stock-raising. 

On the 24th of February, 1848, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Allen and Miss Amy C. 
Westcott, who was born in Jefferson County, N. 
Y., October 25, 1822, and is a daughter of Henry 
and Amy (Cushing) Westcott. Her father was 
a native of Mas.sachu.setts, and was of English 
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have no children 
of their own, but have reared two: William J., 
who is now an attorney-at-law of We.st Superior, 
Wis.; and Belle J., wife of Joseph H. Donaldson, 
a farmer of Waverly, Ohio. 

In his political views, Mr. Allen has always 
been a Republican, having voted with that party 
since supporting Gen. Fremont, its first candidate, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



561 



in 1856. He has been honored with several local 
offices, having served as County Commissioner for 
five years, and as Township Treasurer for the long 
period of thirty-five years. He and his wife are 
consistent members and earnest workers in the 
Methodist Epi.scopal Church. Mr. Allen has 
ser\-ed as Class-Leader for forty years, and as 
Trustee and Steward, and was Sunday-school vSu- 
perintendent for fourteen years. His wife has 
been teacher of the primary class in Sunday- 
school for fourteen years. The poor and needy 
find in them friends, and thej- are prominent in 
benevolent and charitable work, though all is 
quietly and unostentatiously performed. Mr. Al- 
len began life a poor boy, with little capital save 
a bright hope of the future, but he has steadily 
worked his way upward, and enterprise and a 
resolute purpose have overcome the difficulties in 
his path. He has thus achieved succe.ss, and be- 
come one of the leading and substantial farmers of 
the communitv. 



"S] 



^+^ 



cs_ 



(lOSEPH HORTEN MAGIE is one of the 
I honored pioneers, self-made men, and retired 
(2/ fanners of Henderson County. He is now 
living in Terre Haute, where in his pleasant 
home he is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits 
of his former toil. He was born on the 26th of 
August, 1831, in Morris County, N. J., and is 
the sixth of a family of ten children born unto 
Abraham and Phoebe C. (Tunis) Magie. The 
father was al.so a native of Morris County, N. J., 
and in the East made his home until the autumn 
of 1856, when he came to Illinois and cast in his 
lot with the early settlers of Henderson County, his 
home being upon the farm where our subject now 
resides. Here he made his home until his death, 
which occurred October 30, 1868, at the age of 
seventy-one years, for he was born September 12, 

1797. Mr. Magie was buried in Terre Haute Cem- 
etery-. He traced his ancestry back to the first 
settlers of New Jersey, coming of a family of 
Scotch origin, which was founded in America at 



a very early day. His father was only a bo_\- 
during the Revolution, but he joined the Colonial 
army and aided in the struggle for independence. 
In political affairs, Abraham Magie took a very 
active part, and was a .stanch supporter of the 
Republican party. His wife, who was born 
April 19, 1799, in Whippany, N. J., died in Hen- 
derson County, December 4, 1874, and was laid 
to rest by the side of her husband. She was of 
Irish lineage. 

No event of .special importance occurred during 
the childhood and youth of J. H. Magie. He 
remained in his native State until the fall of 1855, 
when he came to Illinois and purchased the farm 
on which he now resides. He operated it in con- 
nection with his father until the latter' s death, 
and since that time has engaged in its cultivation 
alone. It comprises eighty acres of valuable 
land, and is under a high .state of cultivation. 
This, together with the many excellent improve- 
ments upon it, makes it one of the finest farms 
of the county. On one corner of the place the 
town of Terre Haute has been built. 

On the nth of February, 1858, Mr. Magie was 
luiited in marriage with Miss Martha A. Averett, 
who was born in North Carolina, July 6, 1831, 
and came to Illinois with her parents in 1833, the 
family locating in McDonough County. Mr. and 
Mrs. Magie have three children: Albert H., who 
operates the home farm: Lillie J., wife of C. C. 
Drake, of Terre Haute: and Florence, wife of S. 
E. Mace, a school teacher of Terre Haute. 

Mr. Magie is a member of Terre Haute Lodge 
No. 616, I. O. O. F. His wife holds member- 
ship with the Baptist Church, and he contributes 
liberally to the .support of the same. He cast his 
first Presidential vote for Winfield vScott. and 
since the organization of the Republican party 
has been one of its stanch .supporters. He has 
.served as School Director and Road Supervi.sor, 
but has alwajs refu.sed other offices, preferring to 
give his entire attention to busine.ss interests. 
Through his well-directed efforts he acquired a 
comfortable competency, and is now living retired, 
enjoying the re.st which he has so trulv earned 
and richly deserves. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



rjBENEZER E. HARRIS, one of the repre- 
rt) seiitative farmers of Hancock County, now 
I living on section 27, Fountain Green Town- 
ship, has long been numbered among the leading 
citizens of this communit}-, and it is with pleasure 
that we present to our readers this record of his 
life work, for we feel assured that it will be re- 
ceived with interest by many. A native of Clin- 
ton County, Ind., he was born on the 20th of 
November, 1829, of the union of James and Eliza- 
beth (Elliott) Harris. His father was a native of 
Kentucky, and was of English descent; while the 
mother, who was born in South Carolina, was of 
Irish lineage. Their family numbered four sons: 
Robert, whodiedin 1864; EbenezerE.: James R., 
who is engaged in farming and painting in Car- 
thage Township, Hancock County; and Daniel, a 
minister, now living in Caledonia County, Vt. 
The father of this family followed agricultural 
pursuits throughout his business career. In 1849 
he emigrated to Illinois, locating in Warren, 
where he made his home until his removal to 
Hancock County in 1867. Here he spent his re- 
maining days, his death occurring in Fountain 
Green Township on the ist of March, 1889, in 
his eighty-ninth year. He was laid to rest in the 
cemetery near his home, and his loss was mourned 
by many friends. His wife died in Warren County 
in 1857. 

Mr. Harris who.se name heads this record was 
reared on the frontier, and acquired his education 
in the old-time sub.scription schools, which were 
held in a log schoolhouse. He there continued 
his .studies until about nineteen years of age, and 
thus acquired a good practical education. His 
training at farm work began as soon as he was 
old enough to follow the plow. When nineteen 
years of age he started out to make his own way 
in the world, and began scliool teaching, to which 
pursuit he devoted his time and attention through 
the winter season for three terms. In the summer 
he found the out-door work of the farm more con- 
genial. When his parents came to Illinois he 
accompanied them, and continued a resident of 
Warren County until 1869, which year witnessed 
his arrival in Hancock County, where he has 
since made his home. He located upon a farm, 



where he resided a year; then bought another farm 
a mile east, where lie lived three or four years; 
then in the village about twelve years, and upon 
the occasion of his father's death took possession 
of the old homestead. He now owns one hundred 
acres of rich prairie, comprising one of the valua- 
ble farms of the locality, and in addition he has 
some property in the town of Fountain Green. 

On the 30th of September, 1851, Mr. Harris 
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Har- 
ris, and by their union were bom seven children: 
James R. H., who now operates the old home- 
stead; Wallace W., who is engaged in carpenter- 
ing; Marion, who died at the age of three years; 
and four children who died in infancy. 

Mr. Harris ca.st his finst Presidential vote in 
1852, and since the organization of the Republi- 
can party has been one of its stanch supporters, 
although he has never sought public office for 
himself He has, however, served as Justice of 
the Peace, and for nine years filled the position of 
Notary Public. Socially, he is a member of the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he also 
belongs to the Methodist Church. His honorable, 
upright life has won for him high regard, and his 
sterling worth has made him one of the best citi- 
zens of the connnunitv. 



-S) 



^^f^ 



[S_ 



1^^ 



/HYRUS S. rice, M. D., is connected with 
I { various busine.ss interests. He is engaged 
\_) in the practice of medicine, and is a druggist 
and the Po.stmaster of Disco. He al.so owns a good 
farm, comprising three hundred and seventy-five 
acres on .section 14, Durham Township, and in 
connection with its cultivation he is extensively 
engaged in Isreeding fine Angus cattle. His varied 
business interests make his life a bu.sy one, and 
he is recognized as one of the enterprising and 
progressive citizens of the connnunitv. 

Dr. Rice was born in Fayette County, Pa., 
Januan,- 14, 1S47, and is a son of Samuel Rice, 
who was educated in the district schools of Fayette 
County, and after attaining his majority married 
Fannie .Strickler. They became the parents of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



563 



eleven children, of whom nine are living. Nancy, 
deceased, was the wife of Francis Andrews, a 
fanner of Wayne County, 111.; Christina is the 
wife of Samuel Keagy, a minister of the United 
Brethren Churcli, living in Wayne County; Hen- 
ry is a farmer of Disco; John is engaged in farm- 
ing near Golden, Adams County; Fainiie is the 
wife of Henrj- Davidson, of Abilene, Kan., a min- 
ister and editor of the E'i'a)ig(ii(al J 'isitor; Sam- 
uel is engaged in farming in Durham Township; 
George is an agriculturist of Henderson County; 
Lydia is the wife of John Hershey, a fanner of 
Akron, Ohio; Rebecca married W'illiam M. Coup, 
who is employed as book-keeper in a flouring- 
mill in Mt. Vernon, Ohio; and Mary, deceased, 
was the wife of Jacob vStauffer, a farmer of White 
Pigeon, Mich. 

The Doctor acquired a fair education in the 
common schools of Fayette County, Pa. , and after- 
ward attended the Mt. Pleasant Seminary, in 
Westmoreland County, Pa. Later he engaged in 
teaching in his native comity and home district 
for two years. In 1866 he accompanied his par- 
ents on their removal to Wayne County, Ohio, 
and attended the High School at Smithville several 
terms. He then engaged in teaching for two 
years in Wayne County, and in the autumn of 
1868 he came to Durham Town.ship, Hancock 
County, where he continued teaching until 1873. 
During the winter of 1873-74 he attended the first 
medical lectures in the University of Michigan at 
Ann Arbor, and was graduated from that institu- 
tion in the spring of 1876. Innnediately after- 
wards he pursued a partial course in Ru.sh Med- 
ical College, of Chicago, and then, returning to 
Durham Town.ship, spent the winter of 1S76-77 
in teaching. 

On the 13th of September, 1876, Dr. Rice was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Ida L. Manifold, 
daughter of Benjamin J. and Cornelia (Hutton) 
Manifold. Five children graced their union, four 
sons and one daughter, but Benjamin Ivdison and 
Victor M. are both decea.sed. \'ilas, X'irgil and 
Jewie Constance are .still at home. 

In 1877, Dr. Rice entered the store of A. J. 
James, of Di.sco, where he remained for a year, 
and in 1878 began the practice of his profession. 



which he has followed continuously since. He 
also purchased the drug store which he yet car- 
ries on. His skill and ability as a practitioner 
have brought him a liberal patronage, and in his 
store he also enjoys a good trade. His farm, too, 
yields him a good income, and as a stock-raiser 
he has been .successful. He has placed his land 
under a high .state of cultivation and has made 
many excellent improvements upon his place, all 
of which stand as moinnnents to his thrift and 
enterprise. Among them is a private telephone 
line, now six miles in length, connecting his office 
and farm home. He was the first in this section 
of countrj- to erect such a line. He cast his fir.st 
Presidential vote for Horatio Seymour, and has 
since been a supporter of the Democracj-. He 
holds membership with the Methodist Protestant 
Church, and is a mo.st highl}- respected man. 



^3 



^HJH^ 



(S_ 



l^" 



HERBERT LAWRENCE, M. D., of War- 
saw, is one of the yoiniger members of the 
medical profession of Hancock County, but 
in the two years of his practice here he has won a 
reputation which might well be envied by those 
older in the profession. He is a member of the 
firm of Winnard & Lawrence. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was born in Manchester, Delaware Count)-, 
Iowa, on the iSth of October, 1S66, and is a son 
of H. W. and Almeda (Wilder) Lawrence. His 
father was a native of Ohio, and came of a family 
of English origin. The paternal grandparents of 
our .subject were natives of England, and on 
crossing the Atlantic to America became residents 
of Cleveland, Ohio. The Doctor's mother was a 
native of Massachusetts and belonged to an old 
New England family, which was noted for lon- 
gevity. The grandfather Wilder died at the age 
of seventy-nine, and his wife still survives and re- 
sides in Lowell, Ma.ss., at the advanced age of 
eighty-four. The paternal grandfather, W. E. 
Lawrence, died at Manchester, Iowa, in 1887. 

Unto H. W. Lawrence and his wife were born 
four children, three of whom are yet living. 



564 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



namely: Herbert H., who is the eldest of the 
family; Franklin H.: and Blanche C. Charles 
died in early childhood. 

Dr. Lawrence was reared to manhood under 
the parental roof and acquired his literary educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native town and in 
Winnebago. Becoming imbued with the desire 
to enter the medical profession, he became a stu- 
dent in the Homeopathic Medical College of Chi- 
cago, and after completing a thorough course was 
graduated from that in.stitution on the 21st of 
March. 1893, in a class of sixty. Immediately 
after his graduation he came to Warsaw and en- 
tered into partnership with Dr. \\'. L. Win- 
nard. 

On the 7th of June, 1893, Dr. Lawrence led to 
the marriage altar Miss Etta M. Steadman, a 
daughter of S. A. Steadman, who is engaged in 
the manufacture of saddler>- in Manchester, Iowa. 
Mrs. Lawrence is a most estimable lady and has 
won the confidence and high regard of all with 
whom she has become acquainted in this com- 
munity. The Doctor and his wife move in the 
best circles of .society, and their home is noted for 
its hospitality. He is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen and the Masonic order, and in politics 
is an advocate of the principles of the Republican 
party. A close student of his profession, he 
keeps abreast with all the di.scoveries comiected 
therewith, and his career will undoubtedly be a 
successful one, for he has the ambition and energy 
to accomplish whatever he undertakes. 



}^+^[ 



FT DWARD C. SHAIN, who is engaged in the 
Iv) lumber business in Warsaw, was born in 
I Macon County, Mo., on the 23d of Decem- 
ber, 1S35, and is a son of William and Catherine 
(Smoot) Shain, both of whom were natives of 
Hardin County, Ky. The father was a farmer 
by occupation, and followed that i)ur.suit through- 
out his entire business career. In the year 182 1, 
he emigrated to Mis.souri, where later he married 
Miss Smoot, who went to that State in 1822. 
They located in Randolph County, when its lim- 



its extended to the Iowa line. Mr. Shain ser\-ed 
as Deputy Sheriff in this county in a verj- early 
day and was numbered among the honored pio- 
neer .settlers. His death occurred in 1882, and 
his wife passed away in 1878. They were the 
parents of twelve children, ten of whom are yet 
living. One son, Warren C, went to California 
in 1852. He was accompanied by his brother 
James, who died of cholera near Ft. Laramie, 
while en route for the far West. The others are 
all yet living in Macon County, Mo., save Charles 
W., who is now in Kan.sas, and Edward C. of 
this .sketch. The Shain family is of Gennan ori- 
gin and was founded in America by the grand- 
parents of our subject. The name was originally 
.spelled Schain. Having emigrated to America, 
the grandfather, John Shain, moved in 1828 to 
Sangamon County, 111., where he spent his re- 
maining days, his death occurring in 1843. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads our .subject 
was reared to manhood, .spending the days of his 
boyhood and youth in attendance at the common 
schools through the winter sea.son, while in the 
.summer months he aided in the labors of the 
field. He continued at home imtil twenty-five 
years of age, and during the early part of the war 
served as owe of the home guards, but later he 
enlisted in the regular service and became First 
Lieutenant of Company K, Forty-second Missouri 
Infantry. His duties called him mostly to Ten- 
ne.ssee. He participated in a number of skir- 
mi.shes on the Cumberland River and took part in 
the battle of Nashville, also in the engagement at 
Hunt.sville, Ala. His regiment formed a part of 
the Sixteenth Army Corps, which was under the 
command of Gen. A. J. Smith. On the 2d of 
April, 1865, Lieut. Shain was honorably dis- 
charged, but on the assassination of President 
Lincoln, another company was organized, of 
which he was made Captain. It was never mus- 
tered in, however, for about that time Gen. Lee 
surrendered to Gen. Grant at Appomattox, and the 
war was declared ended. 

On his return home, Mr. Shain embarked in 
merchandising in Missouri. He was extensivelj- 
engaged in buying and shipping tobacco, hand- 
ling about four lunulred thou.sand pounds a year. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



565 



In this enterprise he was quite successful. In 
1870, he was elected Sheriff" and Collector of his 
county, and so creditably and acceptably did he 
fill the office that on the expiration of his first 
tenn he was re-elected. On his retirement from 
office, he engaged in fanning for a time, and later 
dealt in lumber and farm implements in Greentop, 
Mo., for three years. On the expiration of that 
time he came to Warsaw, in March, 1893. and 
has since been engaged in the hnnber trade. 

Mr. Shain has been twice married. On the 
20th of August, 1859, he was joined in marriage 
with Mi.ss Emily Bristow, who died October 31, 
1862, leaving one child, a son, H. B., who is 
still at home. After the death of his first wife, 
Mr. Shain was again married, his second union 
being with Miss Minnie Bri.stow. The family are 
all members of the Christian Church, and are peo- 
ple of prominence in the community, where the}- 
have many warm friends and acquaintances. Mr. 
Shain holds 'membership with the Masonic fra- 
ternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. 



-=]. 



^ 



^-^m=-= 



QAMES ALLEN, a highly -respected and rep- 
I resentative farmer of McDonough Comity, 
Qj residing on section 28, Mound Township, is 
a native of Kentucky. He was born in Pulaski 
County on the i8th of February, 1843, and is a 
son of Thompson and Rhoda (Adams) Allen. 
His father was born in Kentucky, August 29, 
1819, and was one often children, whose parents 
were David and Martha (Harris) Allen. The 
former was born in South Carolina, September 17, 
1797, and died October 18, 1881, at the age of 
eighty-four jears. With his parents he removed 
to Kentucky, locating on a fann near Somerset, 
where he grew to manhood. The occupation to 
which he was reared he made his life work. He 
was married December 22, 1816, to Miss Harris, 
and, locating upon a fann, began accunudating 
land. He became the owner of seven hundred 
acres, constituting a very valuable propertj-. 
About 1874 he divided his land among his chil- 
dren, and, coming to McDonough County, made 
his home with his son Thompson until his death. 



He came' of one of the oldest families of South 
Carolina. His children were Ryal, who died in 
early life: Gilmore, who died at the age of fift>- 
years, leaving a wife and four children; William 
B., who died at the age of fifty \-ears in Mis- 
souri: Polly, who became the wife of John Mc- 
Clure, by whom she had two sous and three 
daughters, and who now makes her home with 
her children in Mound Township: Richmond, 
who married Polly Adams, and after her death 
wedded Patsj- Wood, and is now living in Mis- 
.souri: Harris, who married Rebecca Jasper, and 
with his family is now li\ing in Missouri; Xancy, 
the wife of Galen Cooper, a resident of Kansas; 
Samuel, who married Louisa Cooper, and is liv- 
ing in Kansas; and John, who married Catherine 
Jasper, and makes his home in Kentucky. 

Thompson Allen, the father of our subject, re- 
mained in his native State during his boj-hood, 
and acquired such educational advantages as were 
afforded by the common schools of the neighbor- 
hood. His privileges in that direction, however, 
were somewhat meagre, for during the greater 
part of the year he worked upon the farm, aiding 
in the cultivation of the same from the time when 
the ground was first broken in the early spring 
until the crops were har\-e.sted in the late autumn. 
He was married November 19, 1840, to Miss 
Rhoda Adams, and they became the parents of 
three children, who are yet living. The eldest, 
John, a farmer of Mound Township, wedded Marj- 
Derby, and they have three children ; Rose, Daisy 
and Bessie. James, also of Mound Township, 
married F. A. Manlej-. The parents are mem- 
bers of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and Mr. 
Allen is now serving as one of the Deacons. In 
politics, he is a Democrat, and has filled the office 
of Road Commi.ssioner. He removed from Ken- 
tucky to Missouri, and, purchasing land, there car- 
ried on agricidtural pursuits until 1863, when he 
came to McDonough County and bought one 
hundred and sixty acres of land. To this he 
added from time to time, until he owned four 
hundred acres, but he has since disposed of a por- 
tion of this. He is still living on the old farm, 
and is recognized as one of the representative and 
highly -respected citizens of the conununity. 



566 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



James Allen whose name heads this record was 
a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his 
parents on their removal to Missouri. He came 
with them to McDonoiigh Count}- in 1863, when 
a young man of twenty years. His education was 
acquired in the district schools of his native State 
and Missouri. On coming to lUinois, he settled 
in Good Hope, where for a year he attended the 
public .schools, since which time he has been en- 
gaged in farming and stock-rai.sing. In his un- 
dertakings he has met with excellent success, and 
is now doing a prosperous business. 

On the 19th of February, 1S69, Mr. Allen was 
united in marriage with Miss Fhrousin Manley, 
of Bushnell, and their union has been blessed with 
three children : Ross, Louis H. and Bernice. The 
family circle yet remains unbroken, for the chil- 
dren are still under the parental roof. 

Mr. and Mrs. Allen began their domestic life 
in the old home of their parents, and our subject 
engaged in cultivating that fann for two years. 
His father then gave him eighty acres of land, 
and he located thereon, since which time it has 
been his home. The boundaries of the farm, how- 
ever, have been extended, until now it comprises 
a quarter-section of good land, the greater part of 
which is now under a high state of cultivation. 
He has made good improvements upon the place, 
and the fann is one of the best in the neighbor- 
hood. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of 
the Free-Will Baptist Church, and for their many 
excellencies of character they are held in high re- 
gard. In politics, he is a Democrat, and for 
twenty consecutive years he has served as School 
Director. 



-S) 



nOHN MANIFOLD is numbered among Han- 
I cock County's best citizens. He resides on 
(2) section 19, La Haqje Township, where he is 
successfully engaged in farming. As he is both 
widely and favorably known in this community, 
we feel assured that the record of his life will 
prove of interest to many of our readers. A native 
of Tennessee, he was born April 8, 1829, and is a 



son of George Manifold, who was a native of the 

Keystone State, and by occupation was a builder 
of bridges and flatboats. The family emigrated 
from Teiniessee to Illinois in 1836, when our .sub- 
ject was a lad of seven summers. He therefore 
became one of the pioneer .settlers of Hancock 
Count}-, and was reared to manhood amid the 
wild scenes of the frontier, sharing with the fam- 
ily the hardships and privations which come to 
those who make their home in an unde\-eloped 
region. The educational privileges which he re- 
ceived were those afforded by the district schools 
of La Harpe Township, but his advantages in that 
direction were meagre. He has, however, largely 
o^-ercome the obstacles in the path of learning, 
and through business experience, reading and ob- 
servation he has become a well-informed man, 
and has prospered to a great degree. 

December 14, 1854, Mr. Manifold married 
Miss Eliza A. Miller, and their union was blessed 
with one son, \V. E., now a banker of La Harpe, 
who.se .sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. 
In 1 88 1, Mr. Manifold was called upon to mourn 
the lo.ss of his wife, who passed away on the 3d 
of February of that year. On the 12th of March, 
1882, he was again married, his second union be- 
ing with Mrs. Elizabeth Loretta Foley, an accom- 
plished and cultured lady. She was boni in Gal- 
lia County, Ohio, on the 25th of November, 1843, 
and is a daughter of Robert P. and Elizabeth 
(Farmer) Chapin. vShe went to McDonough 
County, 111., in 1855, and in 1882 came to Han- 
cock County. To Mr. and Mrs. Manifold has 
been born a son, Arthur Ray, a bright boy of 
some ten years. 

In politics, Mr. Manifold affiliates with the 
Democracy, which he has supported since casting 
his first Presidential vote for President Pierce, in 
1852. The honors and emoluments of public 
office, however, have had no attractions for him, 
although he keeps him.self well informed on the 
i.ssues of the day. Socially, he is a member of 
La Harpe Lodge No. 195, A. F. & A. M., and 
for nineteen years was its Treasurer, a fact which 
indicates the confidence and trust reposed in him, 
and also tells of his high standing in the lodge. 

Mr. Manifold is now enjoying home life on his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



567 



farm on section 19, La Harpe Township, where 
he has one of the most commodious and elegant 
residences in the county, surrounded by good 
outbuildings and well-tilled fields, all of which 
indicate the careful supen-ision of the owner. 
He has ever been an enterpri.sing and public-.spir- 
ited gentleman, and has watched with interest 
during all his residence the growth and develop- 
ment of the community. Hone.st, truthful and 
temperate, his is a life worthy the emulation of 
all young men who desire to tread the pathway 
of prosperity, and who wi.sh to leave behind them 
a name which will be an inspiration to coming 
generations. 



"SJ 



^+^ 



[=" 



QAMES CYRUS HUMPHREY, a leading 
I agriculturist of Henderson County, now liv- 
(2) ing on section 22, Walnut Grove Township, 
was born on the ist of Februan,-, 1848, near 
Biggsville, and has spent his entire life in this 
community. His father, Henry Humphrey, was 
born in Jefferson County, Ohio, June 14, 1822, 
and in an early day emigrated to Warren County, 
111., where, on the 15th of June, 1843, he married 
Ferba Hagood, who was born in South Carolina, 
December 22, 181 3. He was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and followed that pursuit throughout his 
entire life. On attaining his majority he identi- 
fied himself with the Democratic party, and con- 
tinued one of its supporters for a number of 3'ears. 
When the war broke out he entered the Union 
army, and was one of the valiant defenders of 
the Old Flag and the cause it represented. After 
that he became a Republican, and has since affili- 
ated with the party. He now makes his home 
in Iowa, where he has lived for some years. His 
wife was called to her final rest May 25, 1867, at 
the age of fifty-two years. She was a faithful 
member of the Seceder Church, was a devoted 
Christian, and a loving and tender mother. 

In the Humphrey family were six children, of 
whom four are yet living, namely: J. Cjrus of 
this sketch; Mrs. Ellen Rankin, who is now liv- 
ing in Mis.souri; John E., who follows farming in 



Iowa; and Robert S., a resident farmer of Hen- 
derson County. Laura G. died when quite small, 
and Rachel (twin si.ster of our subject) died Oc- 
tober 19, 1870, at the age of twenty -two years. 

J. C. Humphrey spent his childhood days in 
his parents' home, but on his mother's death, 
which occurred when he was about eighteen years 
of age, he began to earn his own livelihood, 
working as a farm hand by the month. This he 
continued until his marriage, when he rented 
land. On the ist of January, 1873, he was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Rebecca 
vSmall, a daughter of Albert and Mary J. ( Haynes ) 
Small, who came to Henderson Countj^ 111., 
from Greene County, Ohio, in 1851. Her father 
was born October 12, 1825, and throughout his 
life carried on agricultural pursuits. His wife 
was born Januan,- 13, 1830. They became the 
parents of twelve children, the dates of whose 
births are as follows: G. C, September 14, 
1852; Mrs. Sarah R. Humphrey, February 14, 
1854; Mrs. Cora L. Glenn, May 4, 1855; James 
S., April 5, 1857; Mrs. Ellen J. Exley, January 
10, 1859: Albert E., March 31, i860; William 
G., November 23, 1862; Mrs. Anna M. Belts, 
February 8, 1865; Mrs. Carrie B. Southwell, 
December 23, 1866; JohnC, September 10, 1868; 
David M., May 2, 1870; and Frank H., vSeptem- 
ber 7, 1873. With the exception of three all the 
members of this family reside in Lincoln, Neb., 
and the .sons are there engaged in merchandising. 
Two of the family yet live in Henderson County, 
and one on \'ancouver Island. 

Mr. and Mrs Humphrey are the parents of 
three children: Edith Emeline, who was born 
November 3, 1874, and is now attending the 
academy in Media; Ferba Jane, who was born 
July 19, 1879, and is now in .school in Media; 
and Ella Blanche, who was born December 29, 
1884, and died in childhood. 

Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey began their domestic 
life upon a rented farm. He had saved $600, 
and, buying a team with part of this sum, he be- 
gan work for himself His industry and good 
management, combined with perseverance, .soon 
brought him .some capital, and in 1883 he bought 
a farm of eighty acres, on which he is now living. 



S68 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



This is a good place, and its neat appearance 
indicates the enterprise of the owner. Since 
casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. 
Grant, Mr. Humphrey has supported the Re- 
publican party. His wife and daughters are 
members of the United Presbyterian Church. 
The family is one of prominence in the com- 
munity, and the parents and children rank high 
in the social circles in which they move. 



1^+^ 



[^^ 



HON. BENJAMIN F. MARSH, of Warsaw, 
was born in Wythe Township, Hancock 
County, November 19, 1835, and is a .son of 
Benjamin F. and Ruth (Wetman) Mansh. On 
both sides the family was of English lineage. The 
father was a native of Vennont, and the mother 
was born in New Brunswick. The Marsh faniil>- 
was founded in America in 1637, by Engli.sh ances- 
tors, who crossed the Atlantic and located in Ma.ss- 
achusetts. The father was a merchant and farm- 
er. In 1S33 he emigrated we.stward to Illinois, 
where his death occurred in the autumn of 1864. 
His wife pas.sed away in 1837. They had a large 
family of children, but only four are now living; 
B. F., J. W., Mrs. Elizabeth Richmond and Mrs. 
Caroline Richmond. The two last-named reside 
in Iowa. 

The early boyhood dajs of our subject were 
spent upon his father's farm, and at the age of four- 
teen he left home to enter Bishop Chase's school 
at Jubilee, where he pursued his studies for four 
years. After completing the junior year he left 
that school and liegan studying law with his 
brother in Warsaw. He was admitted to the Bar 
in i860, and in that year became a candidate for 
the office of Pro.secuting Attorney, but was 
defeated. 

Mr. Marsh was found among the defenders of 
the Union during the late war. He was not 
slow to go to the front, but enli.sting at the fir.st 
call, in April, 1861, he became a member of Com- 
pany B, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. In July of 
that year he aided in organizing the Second Illi- 
nois Cavalry, and on the (tli of Jid\-, at Monroe 



Station, Mo., received a telegram that his com- 
pany was accepted for service. It was made 
Company G, of the Second Regiment, and he was 
commissioned its Captain. In Jainiary, 1863, he 
was promoted to the rank of Major, in the latter 
part of the same year became Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and in 1S65 was commi.ssioned Colonel. He took 
part in numerous battles and skirmishes, and saw 
ser\-ice in all the Southern States except the Car- 
olinas and Virginia. He was in the Vicksburg 
campaign, and that of the Department of the 
Gulf, in the spring of 1864. He also took part 
in the Mobile campaign in the spring of 1865, 
and after the fall of that city went to Eufaula, 
where they heard of the surrender of Jo John- 
ston. He was mustered out in Springfield in 
January-, 1866, after five years of faithful and 
arduous service. Few regiments were more under 
fire or traveled a greater distance than the Sec- 
ond, of which Col. Marsh was a member. It 
was formed of a splendid body of soldiers, who 
were movnited on their own horses and who were 
obedient to every command. The war histon- of 
Col. Mar.sh is certainly worthy of perpetuation, 
and his army record is one of whicli he may well 
be proud. 

The Colonel was married on the 6th of August, 
1861, to Miss Josephine E. Miller, of Warsaw, 
daughter of Robert Miller, a merchant of this 
place. She died in 1872, leaving three children: 
Arthur Wetmore, Charles Carroll and Josephine 
Bertha. Mr. Marsh was again married, January 
I, 1 88 1, the second union being with Jane Eliza 
Coolbaugh, daughter of William C. Coolbaugh, 
of Chicago, a banker of note in that city. The.\- 
have three children: William Coolbaugh, Rich- 
ard Oglesby and Benjamin F. 

Upon his return from the war, Col. Marsh 
re.sumed law practice in Warsaw, and continued 
the pro.secution of that profession until 1876, 
when he was elected to .Congress. He was re- 
elected in 1878 and in 1880, and was re-nominated 
in 1882, but was defeated. In 1883 he embarked 
in farming, in which he has been actively engaged 
continnou.sly since, but his business pursuits were 
again interrupted in 1892 by his fourtli election 
to Congre.ss. The fact that he has been four times 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



569 



sent to the law-making assembly of the nation 
shows ven- clearly the confidence and trust re- 
posed in him, and that he is true to the trust is 
indicated by his long service. In 1888 he served 
as a delegate to the National Republican Conven- 
tion, and was a stanch supporter of Harrison. 
Socially, he is a member of Marsh Post No. 343, 
G. A. R. His entire life has been spent in Han- 
cock County, and he is one of its most popular 
and highl\- respected citizens, who manifests the 
same loyalty and allegiance to his country in daj-s 
of peace as he did in times of war. 



.^. 



^+^1 



(TOSEPH THOMPSON, who is now living on 
I section 18, Walnut Grove Township, isnum- 
Qj bered among the leading farmers and stock- 
raisers of Henderson County. He claims Ohio as 
the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred 
in Crawford County, on the 31st of August, 
1843. His father, Adam Thompson, was a Penn- 
.sylvania farmer, born in 1795. About 1820 he 
married Jane Raitt, and for many years was a 
farmer of the Buckeye State. In 1851 he came 
to Henderson County-, 111., where he purchased 
eight hundred acres of land, paying from $3 to $5 
per acre for the same. In the Thompson family were 
ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and wo- 
manhood. William, a farmer of Henderson Coun- 
ty, was killed May 30, 1858, in the Elhson tor- 
nado; David is now a farmer of Harper County, 
Kan. ; Mrs. Sarah Rankin died in Henderson 
County; Samuel F., a mini.ster of the United 
Presbyterian Church, is living in Missouri; Lillis 
is the wife of Joseph White, a well-known citizen 
of Henderson County; John died in 1859; James 
follows farming, and makes his home in vStrong- 
hurst; Jane became the wife of James F. Rankin, 
but is now deceased; and Barbara is the widow of 
T. V. Nichols, of Stronghurst, 

Joseph Thompson of this sketch spent the first 
eight years of his life in the Buckeye State, and 
then came with his parents to Illinois, where he 
was reared to manhoo<l. He became familiar 
with all the duties of farm life, and in the common 



schools he was educated. He remained at home 
until after the breaking out of the late war, when, 
prompted by patriotic impulses, he responded to 
the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 13th 
of August, 1862, as a member of Company F, 
Eighty-third Illinois Infantry. He served under 
Capt. J. T. Morgan, took part in the second bat- 
tle of Ft. Donelson, and after that date was with 
his regiment doing garrison duty and scouting at 
DoneLson and Clarksville. When the South had 
laid down its arms he was honorably discharged, 
July 5, 1865, and returned to his home in the 
North. 

On the 16th of September, 1880, Mr. Thomp- 
son married Miss Mary J. Nel.son, a native of 
Jackson, Washington County, N. V., daughter 
of John and Mary Nelson, who were natives of 
New York. Her father was born about 18 14, 
and is now deceased. Her mother is still living 
in Washington County, N. Y., at about the age 
of eighty years. They had eight children, all of 
whom reached adult years, while seven are yet 
living. Robert is engaged in carpentering in Cali- 
fornia; Mrs. Margaret Andrews is now deceased; 
William is a farmer of Kan.sas; Sarah and Mary 
are twins, and the former resides with her 
mother; Wishart is a druggist of New York; 
James is a resident farmer of Texas; and Eliza- 
beth is the wife of Harvey Rich, a farmer of New 
York. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson liave been born 
five children, and the family circle yet remains 
unbroken. The.\- are; Sarah J., born September 
23, 1882; Margaret E., March 8, 1885; Ray- 
mond H., .Vugust 15, 1888; Lillian B., Septem- 
ber 7. 1890; and Marjory R., April 10, 1892. 

In his political views, Mr. Thompson is a Re- 
publican, having supported that party since at- 
taining his majority. He has .served both as 
Road Commissioner and School Director. He 
and his wife hold membership with the United 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Thompson now devotes 
his time and attention to farming and stock-raising. 
He is one of the extensive land-owners of the coun 
ty, having seven hundred and eighty acres of valu- 
able land, pleasantly located two miles north of 
Stronghurst. He is a man of excellent business and 



D/>- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



executive ability, and his enterprise, perseverance, 
and well-directed eiforts have made him one of 
the wealth}- farmers of the count\-. All who 
know him esteem him highl\- for his sterling 
worth, and with pleasure we present this record 
of his life to our readers. 



(TAME.S F. peas ley, one of the honored 
I pioneers and representative farmers of Hen- 
O derson County, now living in Terre Haute 
Township, section lo, was born in the Province 
of Quebec, Canada, on the 13th of January, 1822, 
and is the sixth in order of birth iu a family of 
eight children, whose parents were Moses and 
Mar>- f Ayers) Peasley. All, however, are now 
deceased, with the exception of our subject and 
two sisters. The father was born in the town of 
Ware, N. H., and after attaining to man's e.state 
removed to Canada, where he spent his remaining 
days, devoting his time and attention to agricul- 
tural pursuits. His death occurred at the ripe old 
age of about seventy-eight years. He was a mem- 
ber of the Societ}- of Friends, and his ancestors 
were all connected with the same religious .sect. 
The family is of Engli.sh extraction. The mother 
of our .subject was a native of New Hampshire, 
and her death occurred in Lowell, Ma.ss., at the 
age of sixty-eight years. She was also of Eng- 
lish lineage, but at a very early da>- in thehistor}' 
of this country the family was founded in New 
England. 

Mr. Peasley of this sketch spent the days of his 
boyhood and youth with his parents, and after he 
had reached man's e.state purchased the old home- 
stead, which he further cultivated and improved 
until 1855, when he sold out and came to Illinois. 
He took up his residence in Henderson County, 
locating in Terre Haute Township, section 10, 
where he has since resided. Purchasing three 
hundred and twenty acres of land, wliich was still 
in its primitive condition, he began its develop- 
ment, and .soon transformed the wild tract into 
rich and fertile fields, which were made to yield to 
him a good income. At the time of his arrival 



the county was new, the few settlers within its 
borders were widely scattered, and the nearest 
trading- post to his home was at Burlington, a dis- 
tance of sixteen miles. 

Ere coming to Illinois, Mr. Peasley was mar- 
ried, Jaiuiarj- 30, 1853, to Miss Sarah J. Tarle- 
ton, of Piermont, N. H. Six children were 
born to them: Ellen M., who died at the age of 
thirty-four years; Ernest, a prosperous fanner of 
Henderson County; Hattie, deceased; James O., 
who is engaged in the banking business in Ma- 
comb, 111.; Bertha, wife of W. E. Hurdle, who is 
engaged in banking in La Harpe, 111. ; and Sewell 
H., who aids in carrying on the home farm. 

Mr. Peasley has met with most excellent suc- 
cess in his business dealings, and has become the 
owner of nine hundred and ninety acres of valu- 
able land in Terre Haute Town.ship, comprising 
one of the finest farms in all Illinois. He has 
been one of the leading stock-breeders of this lo- 
calit}-, making a specialty of Shorthorn and Here- 
ford cattle. His prosperity has been won through 
close attention to the details of his business and 
by enterprise and good management, and is there- 
fore well deserved. Mr. Peasley- has always taken 
quite an active part in politics and is an ardent 
advocate of Republican principles. He has served 
as Township Supervisor and School Director, is a 
liberal contributor to the church, although he is a 
member of no religions organization, and is always 
found on the side of right and order. His life has 
been an honorable and upright one and has gained 
him the confidence and warm regard of many 
friends. 



t=ri 



^-^ 



RICHMOND MERRITT,who makes his home 
in .section 36, Rock Creek Township, Hancock 
County, 111., where he is successfully engaged 
in farming and stock-raising, was born on the 5th 
of November, 1825, in Bradford County, Pa., and 
is one of a familj' of seven children, three sons and 
four daughters, whose parents were Calvin and 
Mehitable ( Pratt) Merritt. His father was a native 
of Vermont, and his mother was born in Massa- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



571 



chusetts. The children were Calvin, Harrison, 
Richmond, Annie. Lurena, Emily and Louisa. 
In 18,^7 the family removed to Athens Coiintw 
Ohio, where the father purchased fifty-six acres 
of improved land, and carried on general farming 
and stock-raising for eleven years. In 1848 he 
came to Hancock County, 111., and rented a farm, 
which he operated until 1S53, when he went to 
Bond County to live with his daughter. There 
his last days were .spent, his death occurring in 
1863. His wife pas.sed away at her son's home 
in Wi.sconsin, in 1857. Both were faithful mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church, and he 
was a life-long Democrat in politics. His sup- 
port was ever given to public enterprises of 
merit, and the community in which he lived al- 
ways numbered him among its most valued as 
well as among its most highly respected citizens. 

We now take up the personal history of Rich- 
mond Merritt, who spent the first twelve years of 
his life in his native State, and then accompanied 
his parents on their removal to Ohio. His edu- 
cation was acquired in the public schools, which 
he attended in the winter sea.sons until about 
nineteen years of age. During the winter of 
1844-45, he worked in the lumber business, but 
his time was largely devoted to agricultural pur- 
suits in the Buckeye State until 1848, when he 
came to Hancock County, 111. For six years he 
rented a farm in Prairie Township, and then, in 
1854, he purchased eighty acres of wild land in 
Pilot Grove Tcnvnship. Not a furrow had been 
turned or an improvement made upon it, but 
with characteristic energy he began its develop- 
ment. The following year, however, he sold 
that tract, and purchased one hundred and .sixty 
acres of raw land on section 36, Rock Creek 
Township. Upon this farm he has since made 
his home, and in connection with the cultivation 
of the land he has also .successfully carried on 
.stock-rai.sing. 

In 1 8^8 Mr. Merritt was united in marriage 
with Harriet Tennyhill,a native of Athens County, 
Ohio. Seven children graced this union: Marion 
A., the eldest son. married Mi.ss Martha Jane 
Laws in 187 1, and died in 1880. Cali.sta, the 
eldest daughter, was niairiod in 1870 to L. P. 

30 



Kunkel. John K. married Mi.ss Harriet Isabel 
White in 1879. Mary Louisa married John 
White in 1877; and Flora HUen married Elmer 
Ingraham on the 25th of December, 1884. San- 
ford O. and William H. died when between the 
ages of one and two years. Mrs. Harriet Merritt 
died April 9, 1884, and on the 7th of July, 1886, 
Mr. Merritt married his pre.sent wife, Mi.ss Sarah 
K. Miller, of Page Count_\-, \'a. 

Mr. Merritt has always supported the men and 
measures of the Democratic party, but has never 
sought or desired political preferment or office of 
any kind for himself. He has held the office of 
School Director for a number of years, and the 
cau.se of education finds in him a warm friend. 
He maj' truly be called a self-made man, for 
he started out in life emptj--handed, and has 
steadily worked his way upward by indu.stry, 
perseverance and good management, until he 
is now numbered among the substantial citi- 
zens of the community. He now owns a valu- 
able and well-improved farm, and his home is 
pleasantly located within a half mile of Ferris. 
He also owns a good farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres in Nodaway Count}-, Mo. 



_^] 



-^} 



<"t">g 



(31 NDREW J. DAVIS, one of the representa- 
Li live farmers and stock-dealers of Hender.soii 
I I County, now living on section 32, Strong- 
hurst Townsliip, claims New York as the State of 
his nativity. He was born October 28, 1826, and 
is the second in a family of four children, but all 
are now decea.sed with the exce])tion of himself 
and sister Sarah, who is now tlie wife of John 
Evans, a prominent farmer, who is represented 
elsewhere in this work. The father, Abner Davis, 
was born in Windham County, \'t., September 
21, 1794, was reared on a farm, and served in the 
War of 181 2. In 1835 he came to Illinois, landing 
at Monmouth, and thence went to Centre Grove, 
where the family wintered. In the spring they 
moved to Stronghur.si Township. Mr. Davis had a 
patent for the northwest quarter of section 36, 
town.shiji 9 north, range 5 west. Henderson Coun- 



57^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ty, 111., the same being granted him for ser\ice iii 
the War of 1 8 1 2 . He wa.s the first to locate upon 
the prairie, where he built a cabin and reared his 
family, living in true pioneer .style. Hi.s nearest 
neighbor to the south was eight miles away, and 
to the northwest six miles. In his political views, 
he was a Democrat. He came of a family of 
Engli.sh origin, but for many generations its rep- 
resentatives had lived in America. Mr. Davis 
married Miss Lucy Oaks, a native of Windham 
County, Vt. They were buried side by side in the 
family burying-ground. 

The subject of this sketch spent the first ten 
years of his life in the Empire State, and then be- 
came a resident of Henderson County. He turned 
the first furrow on many an acre of wild land, and 
shared in all the hardships and experiences of 
frontier life. Until 1850 he remained at home, 
and then went to California, making the trip 
acro.ss the plains with a party of twenty-five, who 
had three wagons and pack-mules. After six 
months they reached Placerville, Cal., where Mr. 
Davis engaged in mining for a short time. He 
then engaged in freighting and in keeping a trad- 
ing store near Burn River. His trip to the West 
proved a profitable one, and after two years he 
purcha.sed one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
Hender.son County, his pre.sent farm, the old 
Hiram Brooks farm. 

On the loth of December, 1853. was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Clarissa 
Miller, of Henderson County, who died in 1870. 
Five children were born to them: Charles H., a 
prosperous farmer of this community ; Ella, who 
died at the age of nine years; Frank M., also a suc- 
cessful agriculturist; Palmer A., who carries on 
agricultural pursuits in Pottawattamie County, 
Iowa; and Bertha C, wife of Charles Powell, of 
Stronghurst Township. 

Mr. Davis married the second time, February 28, 
1872, Sophronia M. Taylor, of Burlington, Iowa, 
the widow of Allen Hendricks, and a daughter of 
Allen and Margaret (Budlong) Taylor. Mrs. 
Davis was bom June 27, 1841, in Huntington, 
Lorain County, Ohio. 

Mr. Davis exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Democracy, and has served as School 



Director for a number of years. In his bu.siness 
career he has prospered. He has carried on farm- 
ing and stock-raising quite extensively, and is now 
the owner of nine hundred and forty acres of as 
fine farming land as can be found in this com- 
miniity . His home is a beautiful and commodious 
one, and there, surrounded by all the comforts 
of life, he will probably spend his remain- 
ing days. He can all the more thoroughly 
enjoy his prosperity as it has come to him through 
his own labors. Through life he has endeavored 
to follow the Golden Rule, and his honorable, up- 
right career is one well worthy of emulation. It 
has also gained for him the high regard of these 
with whom he has been brought in contact, and 
given him a place among the best citizens of his 
adopted county. 



^ 



^+^ 



[=^ 



*y T. POGUE follows farming on section 22. 
I Walnut Grove Township. He was born in 
X, this township, August 27, 1843, and is a 
worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer 
families of Henderson County. His father, John 
Pogue, was born in Ohio about 18 19, and in 1837 
emigrated we.stward to Illinois. Here he worked 
as a farm hand until the following year, when, at 
the age of nineteen, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Elizabeth Brooks, a native of Ohio, 
born in 18 16. He then entered land from the 
Government, and began farming in his own inter- 
est. His first tract comprised eighty acres, and to 
this he soon added an eighty -acre tract adjoining. 
Subsequently, he purchased more land from time 
to time, until he became one of the largest land- 
owners in the county, having at the time of his 
death sixteen hundred acres. He was truly a 
.self-made man, for he started out empty-handed, 
and by his own unaided efforts worked his waj- 
.steadily upward. In the family were seven chil- 
dren, all of whom are yet living, with the excep- 
tion of one son, who died at the age of nineteen 
years. They are; Samuel H.; Maria L., wife of 
Dr. Stewart, of Hender.son County; I. T., of this 
sketch; William G., one of Henderson County's 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



573 



successful farmers; Margaret J., wife of Jacob 
P'ord, a retired farmer, and one of the enterpris- 
ing citizens of Media: and James and John, twin 
brothers, who make their home in Media. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He 
acquired a fair education in the country schools, 
and early became familiar with all the duties of 
fami work, for as soon as old enough to handle 
the plow, he entered upon the labors of the field. 
On attaining his majority he left the old home- 
.stead, but did not go far away, removing to a 
form adjoining that of his father's. There he 
lived one year, when he removed to the farm on 
which he now resides. His father died in 1887, 
leaving deeds to his large estate, which was dis- 
tributed to the satisfaction of all the heirs. 

In October, 1866, Mr. Pogue was united in 
marriage with Miss Emeline E. Spears, daughter 
of Alexander and Mary (McElroy) Spears, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, who came to Henderson 
County, 111., in the '50s. Her father was a 
blacksmith, and followed that trade for sometime 
cxclu.sively, but after^vard purcha.sed land. He 
then devoted his time both to farming and black- 
smithing, but at length abandoned the latter on 
account of ill-health. His death occurred in 
1873. In the farail>- were eleven children, and, 
with the exception of one who died in infancy, 
all grew to mature years, and are as follows: Mat- 
thew, Mrs. Margaret Campbell, Mrs. Jane Stewart, 
James, Emeline (wife of our subject), Samuel, 
Clara, William A., Mrs. Man,- E. Whiteman and 
Je.ssie M. Richie. 

Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Pogue, of whom seven are yet living: Mary Eliz- 
abeth, wife of Jacob Rankin, a stock-buyer of 
Media; Mrs. Anna Margaret Mathers, of Hen- 
derson County; and I'lanche L., Lewis J., Mabel 
M., Ralph vS. and Clare. 

Mr. Pogue is now .successfully engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits, being numbered among the en- 
terprising and successful farmers of thecommunity. 
He is also one of the valued citizens of the county, 
and is now serving as County Commissioner. In 
politics, he is a Republican. The best interests 
of the community ever find in him a friend, and 



he is a wide-awake and progressive citizen. He 
and his family hold membership with the United 
Pre.sbyterian Church, in which he has ser\-ed as 
Elder for more than twenty years, and they take 
an acti\e interest in church and benevolent work. 



i^HJH^ 



[=. 



QOHN BYLER devotes his time and attention 

I to agricultural pursuits, and makes his home 
G/ on .section 28, Durham Town,ship. The By- 
ler family is one of prominence in Hancock Coun- 
ty, its members being among the leading farmers 
of this community. The father, David Byler, 
was one of the first settlers of the county, and has 
become one of its wealthy and influential citizens. 

Our subject was born on the old homestead 
farm on Christmas Day of 1846, and was reared 
to manhood under the parental roof. His educa- 
tion was acquired in the district schools of the 
neighborhood, which he attended through the 
winter season, while in the summer months he 
aided in the labors of the field and in other work 
of the farm. To his father he contiiuied to give 
the benefit of his services until he had reached 
the age of twenty-two years, when he was mar- 
ried, and started out in life for himself Februar\- 
10, 1868 he led to the marriage altar Miss Meli.ssa 
Riley, daughter of William Riley, of Adams 
County, and by their union were born three chil- 
dren, a son and two daughters. The son died 
December 19, 1S91. The daughters, Ettie and 
Alvesta J., are both living with their father. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. Byler rented land of 
his father, but after a year he purcha.sed a tract of 
eighty acres and began the development of what 
is his present farm, and what constitutes one of 
the best farms in this locality. His wife died 
October 5, 1879. He was again married, on the 
loth of April, 1881, his second union being with 
Miss Mary Hyatt, daughter of EHsha and Mar- 
garet Hyatt, who were natives of Penns\ Ivania. 
One child graces this union, a .son, Ernest by 
name. 

Mr. Byler is a Master Ma.son of nine years' 
standing, and holds membership with Burnside 



574 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Lodge No. 683. A. F. & A. M. He belongs to the 
Old-School Bapti.st Church, and, in his political 
views, is a Democrat. His life has been well and 
worthily passed, and those who know him esteem 
him highly for his many excellencies of character 
and his sterling worth. Durham Township num- 
bers him among its be.st citizens, a position which 
he well merits. 



^+^ 



c=_ 



-S) 



3 AMES A. MARSHALL, one of the early .set- 
tlers of Henderson County, who for fifty- 
sex-en years has witnessed the growth and 
development of this region, now carries on gen- 
eral farming on section 22, Stronghunst Town- 
ship. As he is widely and favorably known in 
this community, we feel assured that the record 
of his life will prove of interest to many of our 
readers, and therefore gladly give it a place in 
this volume. 

Mr. Marshall claims South Carolina as the 
State of his nativity. He was born in Fairfield 
County, June 8, 1826, and is a son of Alexander 
and Marj- (McMillan) Marshall. The paternal 
grandfather was a native of Ireland, but was of 
Scotch extraction. The father of our subject was 
V)orn in Fairfield County, and there remained 
upon a farm until 1837, when, with his family, 
he came by team to Illinois, reaching his destina- 
tion after a journey of two months. He then lo- 
cated in Stronghurst Township, Henderson Conn 
ty, and, entering land from the Government, be- 
gan the development of a farm, on which he made 
his home until his death, which occurred at the 
age of .seventy-three years. He served as a pri- 
vate in the War of 1812, filled the office of Town- 
ship Treasurer for a number of jears, and was 
County Assessor for se\eral years in an early day. 
He was one of the first settlers of this community, 
and in the development and upbuilding of the 
county he bore a I'loniinent part. His wife. 
who was born in Chester, S. C, died at the age 
of eighty-four, and was laid to rest by the side of 
her husband in Glena Cemeterw Her parents 
were both Lalixes of the Ivnierald Isle, and, ha\'ing 



crossed the Atlantic to America, the father served 
in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary 
War. 

James A. Marshall was the fifth in a family of 
seven children, numbering .six sons and one 
daughter. He aided his father in the cultivation 
of the home farm until twenty-three years of age, 
and then rented the old homestead, operating it 
in his own interest for a number of years. He was 
early inured to the arduous task of developing 
wild land, and has turned the first furrow on many 
an acre of prairie. He lived here when Indians 
.still visited the neighborhood, and when wild 
game of all kinds could be had in abundance. 

On the 13th of March, 1851, Mr. Marshall was 
united in marriage with Miss Janet H. Ricliey, 
who was bom July 24, 1829, in Washington Coun- 
ty, N. Y., and is a daughter of Richard W. and 
Helen (Green) Ricliey, who came to Illinois in 
1840 and located upon a farm in Henderson 
County. The father was elected County Judge 
in 1852, and creditably filled that responsible po- 
sition for sixteen years. He also served as Justice 
of the Peace for a number of years. His death 
occurred in Oquawka, at the age of eights-four. 
His parents were natives of England, and his 
wife's parents were born in Scotland. Mrs. Ricli- 
ey was a native of the Empire State, and died at 
the age of thirty-three years. 

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall were 
fi\e sons and six daughters: Maria, wife of J. W. 
McClinton, a farmer of Colonia, III.: James W., 
who died at the age of nineteen; Mary H., wife of 
W. A. Spear, an agriculturist of Henderson 
County; Elizabeth, wife of Cecil McArthur, of 
Walton, Kan. ; Cornelia Ann, wifeof C. H. White, 
of Somonauk, 111.; Jennie L., who died in infan- 
cy; Charles R., who now owns and operates a 
part of the old homestead farm; John D., an agri- 
culturist of Walton, Kan.; Florence \'. and 
Thomas R., at home; and Hugh L., who carries 
on agricultural pursuits in Stronghur.st Township. 

Mr. Marshall ga\'e his children good educa- 
tional privileges, thus fitting them for the duties 
of life, and has given them one hundred and sixt>- 
acres of land, but still retains jxi.sse.ssion of a valua- 
ble tract of two hundred anil fort\' acres. He and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD. 



575 



his wife are members of the United Presbyterian 
Church of Stronghurst, and the worthy- couple 
have the warm regard of a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances. On questions of national im- 
portance, Mr. Marshall supports the Democracy, 
but at local elections, when no issues are involved, 
he votes independently of party ties. The cause 
of education finds in him a warm friend, and he 
supports all worthy enterprises which are calcu- 
lated to prove of public benefit. The community 
recognizes in him a valued citizen, and he is also 
numbered among the honored pioneers of the 
county. 



_^) 



~=D 



^-+^1 



30HNS0N TRIMMER, who carries on gen- 
eral farming on section 5, Stronghurst Town- 
ship, Henderson County, where he owns and 
operates two hundred and sixty acres of good land, 
is one of the self-made men of this county, who 
started out in life empty-handed, but has steadily 
worked his way upward. He was born in War- 
ren County, N. J., on February 5, 1833. His fa- 
ther, Daniel Trimmer, was born in Warren Coun- 
ty, N. J., October 14, 1800, and became a black- 
smith by trade. In 1828 he left the East, emi- 
grating to Ohio, where he purchased about one 
hundred acres of land, and in connection with 
fanning he carried on blacksmithing, thus pro- 
viding for the wants of his faniilv. He was mar- 
ried about 1823 to Mi.ss Charity Gulick, who was 
born in New Jersey, March 18, i8oy. They be- 
came the parents of nine children, eight of whom 
grew to mature years, namely: Mrs. Mary Ann 
Masters, Jo.seph, Abraham, Johnson, Conrad, 
Henry, George and Mrs. Catherine Hoskin. 
The father of this family was called to his final 
rest on the 3d of July, 1874, and the motliti 
pas.sed away about one year afterward. 

Under the parental roof Johnson Trimmer 
spent his childhood days. He had to walk three 
miles to school, and probably did not attend 
school for more than two years altogether in his 
life, yet he made the most of his opportuni- 
ties, and by observation and business experience 



he became quite well informed. On attaining his 
majority he left his Ohio home and went to 
Iowa. I^ater, he resided in Wiscon.sin, and 
thence came to Henderson County, 111., where, 
on the 15th of March, 1854, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Marietta Westfall, a daughter 
of Alva and Anna (Mapes) Westfall. They were 
natives of New Jersey, but in an early day re- 
moved to New York, and about 1836 became 
residents of Iowa, where they spent eight years. 
On the expiration of that period they came to 
Illinois, settling in Henderson Count}-, where 
Mr. Westfall carried on agricultural pursuits. 
They had eight children: Benona, Mrs. Caroline 
Brown, Mrs. Catherine Dowell. Mrs. Trinuner, 
Mrs. Nancy Cargill, Franklin and Lewis. 

Upon their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Trimmer 
located on a rented farm, for the}- had no capital 
with which to purchase property. For five years 
they rented land, and then purchased eight v 
acres on section 5, Stronghurst Township, a part 
of their present farm. Mr. Trimmer at once began 
its cultivation, and in course of time the once 
wild tract was transformed into rich and fertile 
fields. As his financial resources were increased, 
he added to his property from time to time, thus 
extending the boundaries of his farm until it now 
comprises two hundred and sixty acres of good 
land. 

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Trimmer: Mrs. Mary Ann Hurd, who was born 
December 31, 1856, and who died November 7. 
1883; Wesley G., born February .•je, 1858; and 
Mrs. Charity A. Smith, who was born December 
5, i860, and died .September 6, 1884. They 
also have twelve grandchildren. Mr. Trimmer 
aided his children in .starting out in life, and still 
has plenty for himself, owing to his perseverance 
and well-directed efforts. 

Our subject and his wife are both members of 
the Methodist Ivpiscopal Church, and are earnest 
workers in the Master's vineyard, doing all in 
tlieir power for the advancement of the cause. 
All who know them esteem them highly for their 
sterling worth and strict integrit> , and their 
friends in the community are many. In his po- 
litical vie.vs, Mr. Trimmer is a Democrat. ' He 



576 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



has sensed as School Director for about twelve 
years, and as vSupervisor for about three terms, 
discharging his duties with a promptness and fi- 
delity that have won him high commendation. 



-^J. 



^H^l-= 



(f ASPER LOGAN, who owns and operates 
I ninety acres of good land on section 34, Lo- 
QD max Township, Henderson County, was 
born in Fayette County, Ind., on the 8th of Octo- 
ber, 1846, and is one of eleven children whose 
parents were George W. and Melinda (Martin) 
Logan. Franklin died June 4, 1861. Jasper is 
the next younger. William H. is a traveling 
man. James M. is a resident of Ft. Scott, Kan. 
Amos \V. died August 31, 1878. Lively G. W. 
is living in Dallas City, 111. Samuel lives in 
Browning, Mo.; and four died in infancy. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a fann, 
and was a lad of only seven summers when, in 
1853, he came with his parents to Henderson 
County, where he grew to manhood. During 
the winter season he attended the district .schools 
until twenty-one >ears of age, and then entered 
Bryant & Stratton's Bu.siness College of Burling- 
ton, Iowa, from which institution he was gradu- 
ated after completi:ig the prescribed cour.se. He 
was still at home in 1865, but on the gtli of April 
of that >ear, at the age of eighteen, he responded 
to the country's call for troops. He was mus- 
tered in as a member of Company I, Eighty- 
third Illinois Infantry, at Springfield, but was 
transferred to Company G, Sixty-first Illinois In- 
fantry. He continued in the service until after 
the close of the war, when, on the 19th of Septem- 
ber, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Nasli- 
ville. 

Returning to his home, Mr. Logan then com- 
pk-lcd his education, and on attaining his major- 
ity he started out in life for himself For one 
term he taught school, and at the age of twent\- 
three he rented a farm, which he operated for 
four years. On the expiration of that period he 
purchased eighty acres of land on section 34, 
Lomax Township, a partially improved tract, 



which he at once began to further cultivate and 
develop. He now owns ninety acres, and carries 
on general fanning and stock-raising. Thor- 
oughly understanding his business in all its de- 
tails, he is a practical and progressive agricultur- 
ist, and in his undertakings is meeting with fair 
success. 

On the 14th of April, 1870, Mr. Logan married 
Miss Elizabeth A. Scott, and their union has 
been blessed with ten children: Lem.uelE., Clem- 
ent E., Royal C. (who died November 8, 1892, 
his death resulting from the kick of a horse J, 
Clayton H., Nellie A., Ada M., Horace V., 
Lawrence G. , Nora, and one who died in in- 
fanc}-. 

In his political views, Mr. Logan has always 
been a Republicaii. F'or nine years he sensed as 
School Director, and the cause of education found 
in him a faithful friend. Socially he is a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic. Having re- 
sided in Henderson County for forty years, he is 
widely and favorably known within its borders, 
and as one of its valued citizens he well deser\-es 
representation in its history. 



ROBERT S. HUMPHREY, one of the highly 
respected fanners of Henderson County, 
now living on section 20, Walnut Grove 
Township, was born on the 9th of December, 
1856, in Kirkwood, Warren County, 111., and is 
the .son of Henn,- and Ferba (Hagood) Humphrey. 
The mother was born in 18 12, in South Carolina. 
The father was a native of Ohio, and in an early 
day removed to Warren County, 111., where he 
engaged in operating his father's land, and then 
followed farming upon land which' he purchased 
for himself Later, he embarked in merchandis- 
ing, but finding this venture unprofitable, he re- 
sumed farming, which he continued until his en- 
listment in the Union army during the late war. 
He served for about a year, when, in 1865, he re- 
turned to the fann. Not long after this his wife 
died, being called to the home beyond in May of 
that year. They were married June 15, 1843, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



577 



and became the parents of six children, four of 
whom are j'et living: J. C. , who makes his home 
in Henderson County: Mrs. Eleanor A. Rankin, 
of the same countj-; John, who is engaged in the 
livery business in Griswold, Iowa; and Roberts, 
of this sketch. The father was again married, in 
1869, and then removed to Columbus Junction, 
Iowa. 

On the death of his mother Robert S. Humph- 
rey went to live with C. M. Lant, with whom he 
remained three years. At that time his .service 
seemed quite hard, but thereby he developed a 
self-reliance and force of character which have 
proven of incalculable benefit to him in later 
years. Subsequently, he entered the employ of 
S. C. Gibson, with whom he continued for two 
\-ears, receiving a small .salary through the sum- 
mer season, while in the winter months he worked 
for his board and the privilege of attending .school. 
On leaving Mr. Gibson he entered a mill, where 
he was employed for a year. The next summer 
was again devoted to farm work, and in the winter 
he further pursued his studies in the district school 
of the neighborhood. He worked all one winter 
for a watch, the possession of which he wanted 
more than anything else. After two years spent 
in the employ of Mr. Rankin, he went to Mills 
County, Iowa, where he remained for a year, and 
then returned to Henderson County, to work for 
his brother, Cyrus Humphrey, with whom he 
remained two years. He ne.xt entered the em- 
ploy of Jo Mathers, working as a farm liand by 
the month. 

On the 14th of March, 1.SS3, Mr. Humphrey 
was united in marriage with Miss Louisa L. 
Davis, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of 
Isaac and Ann Davis. She died on tlie 2 2d of 
August, 1890, leaving two children: Olive A., 
bom June 20,' I S84; and Earl D., born May 7, 
1890. On the 5th of November, 1S91, Mr. Hum- 
phrey was again married, his .second union being 
with Miss Brachie Nevius, daughter of John S. 
and Maria A. Ne\ius, and a native of Henderson 
County. Mr. Nevius is now decea.sed, but his 
widow is yet living in .Stronglntrst. In their 
family were eight children; vSimon, who is now 
living in .Stronghurst ; Mrs. Catherine Johnson; 



Mrs. Sarah J. Gilmore; Peter B.; Mrs. Humphrey; 
Mrs. Mary B. Powlson, who died in Adams 
County, Iowa, leaving two children; and two who 
died in childhood. 

Upon his first marriage Mr. Humphrey rented 
the farm on which he is now living, and which has 
been his home continuously since. Both he and 
his wife hold membership with the United Presby- 
terian Church, and are highly respected citizens, 
who have many warm friends throughout the 
community. In politics, he is a Republican and is 
now serving as School Director and District Clerk. 



"SI 



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(^ 



(=" 



HON. JAMES OSCAR ANDERSON, one of 
the representative farmers and .stock-dealers 
of township 9 north, range 5 west, Hender- 
son County, was tiorn on the fann on whicli 
he now resides Augu.st i, 1845. He is of 
Scotch descent, his grandparents, Thomas and 
Elizabeth Ander.son, having emigrated from Scot- 
land, their native land, to America in an early 
day. They located in Penn.sylvania, where Mr. 
Anderson was extensively engaged in .stock- 
dealing. He was nuirdered for his money in a 
tavern near Lanca.ster, Pa. His .son Ale.Kander. 
the father of our subject, was born in York 
County, Pa., June 5, 1817, and was reared to 
manhood upon a farm. He continued to make his 
liome in the Keystone State until i84i,whenhe 
came to Illinois and purchased land on .section 32, 
township 9 north, range 5 west, Henderson 
County, where he made his home until his deatli, 
whicli occurred February 12, 1S54, at the age of 
thirty-six years. He took quite an active part in 
local politics and was a supporter of the Deni- 
ocrac\' . 

Ale.xander Anderson was united in marriage 
February 22, 1844, with Miss Harriet C. Davis, 
who was born on the 13th of November, 1S21, in 
Windham County, \'t., and at an early day came 
to tlie West with her parents, Abner and Lucy 
(Oaks) Davis. Her death occurred on the old 
homestead, August 3, 1877. In the family were 
four children, two of whom died in infancy. 



578 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The surviving brother of our subject is Charles 
A., a prosperous farmer of Stronghurst Township. 

James Oscar Anderson was reared upon the 
old home farm where he now resides, and ac- 
quired his education in the common schools and 
in Monmouth College. When he was about 
eighteen years of age he entered the service of his 
country, enlisting May 6, 1864, as a member of 
Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth 
Illinois Infantry. Nearly this entire company 
was formed from students who left the .school- 
room to aid in the defense of the Union. Mr. 
Anderson enlisted for one hundred days, but on 
the expiration of that period re-enlisted as a mem- 
ber of Company H, Twenty-eighth Illinois In- 
faiitn-. He ser\'ed for a time as a vSergeant, was 
afterwards commissioned Second Lieutenant, and 
when the war closed %vas sent to Texas and Mex- 
ico, being retained in the service until March 13, 
1866. He took part in the sieges of Mobile and 
Ft. Blakeley, and was in the la.st fight of the war, 
April 13, 1865. 

On receiving his discharge Mr. Anderson re 
turned to his home, but his health was so greatly 
impaired that it was a year before he was able to 
engage in wor]^. He then began operating the 
farm, having inherited the same from his father's 
estate. On the 6th of March, 1867, he married 
Miss Rhoda H. Paul, and to them ha\e been born 
three children: Francis M., a farmer of Strong- 
hurst Township; Edwin A., at home; and Eva M., 
who is now a student in the vStronghurst High 
vSchool. 

Mr. Anderson continued to engage in agricul- 
tural pursuits until 1876, when he was elected 
Sheriff of the county on the Republican ticket, 
filling that office for ten years, the limit that the 
constitution allows. On his fir.st election he re- 
moved to Oquawka, and there made his home 
until :888, when he returned to the farm, and has 
since devoted his time and attention to agricul- 
tural pursuits and the breeding of Jersey cattle. 
He now owns eighty acres of valuable land, which 
was .secured on a land warrant given his grand- 
father Davis for service in the War of 18 12. 
On his retirement from the office of County Sheriff 
he was elected to the Legislature, was re-elected 



in 1890, and again in 1892, and is now serving 
as Representative from his district. Socially, he 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging 
to the Blue Lodge of Oquawka, the Chapter of 
La Harpe, the Commandery at Galesburg, and 
the Consistory at Peoria. He also holds mem- 
bership with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows of Oquawka, and the Knights of Pythias of 
Stronghur.st. Mr. Anderson is recognized as one 
of the most prominent and influential citizens of 
Henderson County. His long continuance in 
office well indicates his fidelity to duty and the 
confidence and trust repcsed in him by his fellow- 
townsmen. He is a most able member of the 
House, faithful to the best interests of tho.se he 
represents, and among the Legislators of the 
State, he is held in high regard. 



(lOHN H. HUGENSCHUTZ, a prominent 
I and well-known farmer of Stronghurst Town- 
Q) .ship, Hender.son County, now living on sec- 
tion 30, is numbered among the early settlers of 
this community, and is one of its .self-made men. 
He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 29th 
of January, 1821, and is the second in order of 
l)irth in a family of four children whose parents, 
Harmon H. and Marj' (Stickford) Hugenschutz, 
were also natives of Hanover, Germany. Two 
of the children are now deceased, George D. and 
Mary, but Caroline and John H. are yet living. 
The father of this family was a tailor by trade, 
and was al.so a musician of considerable merit. 

In his parents' home our subject .spent the days 
of his boyhood and youth, and in the public 
.schools of the neighborhood acquired his educa- 
tion. At the age of eighteen years he began 
learning the carpenter's trade, and worked for 
two years for $19. He has been dependent upon 
his own resources since a youth of fifteen; at 
this time he began working as a farm hand, being 
thus employed for three years, during which 
time he received only $21. He continued to 
make his home in the Fatherland until tliirty years 
of age, when he decided to emigrate to America, 




Wll.I.IAM PkKNTISS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sSi 



believing that he might thereb)- benefit his 
financial condition. Boarding a westward-bound 
sailing-vessel, the "Matilda," he spent seven 
weeks upon the ocean, and on the 2d of June, 
1 85 1, landed at New York. For three j-ears he 
remained in the Empire State, working at what- 
ever he could find to do to earn an honest liveli- 
hood. 

In December, 1851, while in New York, Mr. 
Hugenschntz was united in marriage with Miss 
Margaret Annegers, who died in 1854. In Octo- 
ber of that year he returned to his native land on 
a visit, and there spent the succeeding winter, 
coming again to America in the spring of 1855. 
It was then that he located in Henderson County, 
where for two years he followed the carpenter's 
trade. In 1856, he began farming and has since 
carried on agricultural pur>uits with good suc- 
cess, until he is now the owner of a valuable farm 
of two hundred and thirty-five acres, which is 
under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
proved. 

In 1858, Mr. Hugenschutz was joined in wed- 
lock with Miss Margaret Jurgens, who was born 
in Hanover, Germany, on the i.st of August, 
1830, and came to America in 1855. Her death 
occurred on the ist of September, 1864. Three 
children were bom of that union: two sons, who 
died in infancy, and Mary, wife of Dr. I. F. 
Harter, of Stronghurst. 

In his political views, Mr. Hngenschutz is a 
Democrat, having affiliated with that part\- since 
casting his first Presidential V(jte for Stephen A. 
Douglas. He keeps well informed on the issues 
of the day, but has never been an office-seeker, 
preferring to devote his entire time and attention 
to his business interests. He takes quite a prom- 
inent part in social interests, is a member of 
Carman Lodge No. 732, A. F. & A. M.; Dallas 
City Chapter No. 11, R. A. M.; Burlington Com- 
manderj- No. 15, K. T.; and tlie Order of the 
Eastern Star. His life has been well and worthily 
spent, and though he has taken no prominent 
part in public affairs, he has lived an honorable, 
upright life, that has won liim the confidence and 
esteem of all with whom he lias l)een brought in 
contact. With no capital, he began life for him- 



self, but has .steadilx' worked liis way upward, 
overcoming the obstacles and difficulties in his 
path by a resolute purpo.se and a determined will. 
As the result of his enterprise and industry, he 
has achieved a success which has made him one 
of the .substantial citizens of the connnunitv. 



_=]. 



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[ILLIAM PRENTISS is a member of the 
law firm of Prentiss, Montgomery- & Hall, 
of Chicago, and makes his home in Evan- 
ston. He has been engaged in practice in the 
city since 1891 only, but in this short period of 
time has Isecome widel}- known and has gained 
ah enviable reputation at the Cook County Bar. 
He was born in Davenport, Iowa, on the 19th of 
September, 184S, and is the elder of two children 
who.se parents were Dr. William and Elizabeth 
(Gapen) Prentiss. The ancestors on his father's 
side were of Scotch and English extraction, and 
the family was founded in America in 1650 by 
Capt. Thomas Prentiss, who was in command of 
a company of horse, and was known as "Thomas 
the Trooper." He also had quite a reputation 
as an Indian fighter. His paternal great-grand- 
father fought in the Revolution in 1776, under 
La Fayette, and had charge of his wagon-train. 
On the return of the French general to this coun- 
try in 1824, Mr. Prentiss was \-isited by his old 
commander. The grandfather of our subject 
.served as a soldier under William Henry Harri- 
son in the War of 18 12. The maternal ancestors 
were of German and Irish lineage, and that fam- 
ily also had its representatives in the War for In- 
dependence, and in the struggle which .saved the 
ITnion. 

William Prentiss acquired his primary educa- 
tion in the common and High vSchools of Fulton 
and McDonough Counties, 111., and later attended 
Cherry Grove Seminary, the Normal College of 
Bloomington, 111., and Knox College of Gales- 
burg, 111. He was brought by his parents to tliis 
.State during his infancy, and continued here to 
reside until 1869, when he went to Miiniesota on 
account ni' liis lieallli. There he engaged in farm- 



582 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing and in school teaching, and for three 3 ears 
seri'ed as County Superintendent of Schools of 
Cottonwood County, making his home during 
that period in Windom. On leaving the North, 
he returned to McDonough County, 111., in 1876, 
and located at Macomb. 

Mr. Prentiss began fitting himself for the legal 
profession while on the farm, and after going to 
Macomb studied law in the office of Judge J. S. 
Bailey, of that city. In 1878 he was admitted to 
the Bar, and at once began practice. The same 
year he was elected State's Attorney to fill an un- 
expired term, and in 1880 was elected for a full 
term, filling that office until December, 1884. In 
1 88 1 he was elected Mayor of Macomb, the onh- 
Democrat cho.sen to that position in the cit>- for 
twenty-one years. In 1884 he was a candidate 
for the position of Presidential Elector. The fol- 
lowing year he received the support of the entire 
Bar of McDonough County for Circuit Judge, but 
was defeated by two votes at the Quincy Conven- 
tion. In anticipation of the passage of a bill 
then pending in the Legislature which would 
cause a fourth judge to be called to the Bench of 
the Circuit Court, he was nominated for the place, 
but as the bill did not become a law, he in conse- 
quence was not elected. In 1888 he became a 
candidate for Congress from the Eleventh Dis- 
trict, but the Republican majority was too great 
to be overcome b>- one of his political views. 
During all of this time, Mr. Prentiss was actively 
engaged in the practice of law as the senior mem- 
ber of the firm of Prentiss, Bailey & Holly. They 
enjoyed a large practice, for Mr. Prentiss was ac- 
knowledged to be one of the best lawyers in that 
part of the vState. He was also one of the most 
popular citizens of that community, a fact well 
indicated by his election as Macomb's Mayor. 
The high regard in which he was held by the 
members of the fraternity was also well attested 
by the unanimous support given him as candidate 
for Circuit Judge. 

In 1872, Mr. Prentiss was united in marriage 
with Miss E. Helen McCaughey, of Fulton Coun- 
ty, 111., and their union was blessed with three 
sons, but only two are now living. James M., 
born in 1873, was drowned in Lake Michigan, 



June 11,1 893. He was out boating with a young 
lady, and in exchanging seats the boat was cap- 
sized. Through his heroic efforts to save the 
lady he lost his life. Jackson M. was born in 
1875, and William was bom in 1879. Mr. and 
Mrs. Prentiss attend the Universalist Church. 
In 1S91, Mr. Prentiss removed with his family 
to Cook County, and located in Evanston, on ac- 
count of the superior educational advantages there 
afforded. He organized the law firm of Prentiss, 
Montgomery & Hall, and has since been actively 
and successfully engaged in practice in the city. 
His popularity here, and the high opinion of others 
concerning his legal ability, were manifested in 
1893, when, after a residence of only two years in 
the county, he was nominated for Circuit Judge. 
The Republican landslide, however, caused his 
defeat. He is a warm advocate of Democratic 
principles, takes an active interest in political 
affairs, and is a member of the Cook County Dem- 
ocratic Club, the Iroquois Club, and the Wau- 
bansee Club. He is also a Knight Templar 
Mason, a member of the Knights of Pjthias fra- 
ternity, and belongs to the National Union and 
the Evanston Club. 



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"S) 



I OUIS p. MAYNARD, one of the honored 
I C veterans of the late war, who followed the 
12 Old Flag through much of the hardest ser\-- 
ice, is now engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising on section 19, Terre Haute Township, 
Henderson County. The greater part of his life 
has been passed in this locality. He was born in 
LaHarpe, Hancock County, July 2, 1839, and is 
a son of Louis C. and Adeline (Ward) Maynard, 
both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The 
family is of Scotch lineage. The father was a 
farmer, and resided in the Old Ba> State until 
1 835, when he decided to seek a home in the West, 
and emigrated to this State. He located in LaHarpe 
when there were only a few houses in the town, and 
there established a general store, which he car- 
ried on for several years. Later he purchased a 
tract of unimproved land, and, devoting his time 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



583 



and energies to its development, made his home 
thereon until 1856. He then removed to another 
farm close by, upon which he resided until his 
death. He died November 8, 1893, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-seven years, and was buried 
in La Harpe Cemeter\-. His wife passed away 
April 6, 1886, and her remains were interred in 
the same place. 

Louis P. Maynard is the eldest .son in a family 
of five children. Lucy, the only daughter, is 
now living in La Harpe. Harrison died in Iro- 
quois County, 111., in 1878. James W. follows 
farming near La Harpe, and Pliny is also a farmer 
of that community. Our subject was reared on 
the old homestead farm, and acquired his educa- 
tion in the common schools. He was still at 
home with his parents at the time of the breaking 
out of the late war, but soon entered hiscountry's 
ser\'ice. 

Mr. Ma}-nard enlisted July 25, 186 1, in Burling- 
ton, Iowa, as a private of Company D, Seventh 
Iowa Infantry, and took part in the battle at Bel- 
mont, Mo. He was in the engagements at Ft. 
Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth, was all through 
the Atlanta campaign, and went with Sherman on 
the celebrated march to the sea. He was wounded 
at the battle of Belmont, and was taken prisoner, 
but was given up by the rebels and sent to Mound 
City Ho.spital, where he remained for about six 
weeks. He was aLso wounded at the battle of 
Corinth, October 4, 1862. He was discharged at 
Louisville, Ky., v.-ith the rank of First Lieutenant, 
for merilorous conduct had won him promotion. 

When the war was over, Mr. Maynard returned 
to La Harpe, and for about four years engaged in 
farming on rented land. He then purchased an 
eighty-acre farm, on which he lived for ten years, 
after which he removed to his present home on 
section 19, Terre Haute Township, where he first 
bought one hundred and sixtj' acres. Now- a 
tract of three hundred and twent>- acres of rich 
land pays tribute to his care and cultivation. In 
connection with general farming he carries on 
.stock-raising, and in both branches of his busi- 
ness is quite successful. 

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Maynard 
was, in her maidenhood, Jennie Kirkpatrick. 



Their wedding was celebrated March 14, 1866. 
Unto them were born .seven children: Clara, 
who died December 17, 1879; Ruth, at home; 
George and Sudie, and three who died in infancy. 
The family is widely known in this community, 
and the members rank high in .social circles. Mr. 
Maynard votes with the Republican part>-, and is 
now .serving as County Connnissioner. He is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and 
takes an active interest in all that pertains to the 
welfare of his countv. 



"=] 



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f=^ 



[=- 



^ 



nOHN IRONS, who now carries on general 
farming and stock-raising on section 32, 
Walnut Grove Township, Henderson County, 
claims Mi.s.souri as the State of his nativity, his 
birth having occurred in Randolph County on 
the ist of April, 1856. His parents, Charles and 
Mary Irons, were both natives of Zanesville, 
Ohio, and in an early day emigrated to Missouri. 
At the breaking out of the Civil War, the father 
entered the Confederate service, and was in the 
Southern army until nearly the clo.se of the war, 
when he was taken ill, dying in the South. His 
wife had pa.s.sed away about i860, and our sub- 
ject was thus left an orphan. 

John Irons was only about four years old at the 
time of his mother's death, and was then bound 
out to N. H. Rutherford, a farmer of Randolph 
County, Mo., with whom he remained until eigh- 
teen years of age. His privileges and advantages 
ill youth were ver>- limited. He attended school 
but ver)- little, and hence is almo.st entirely self- 
educated. At the age of eighteen he left his na- 
tive State and came to Illinois, locating in Mc- 
Donough County, where he spent about a year, 
working as a farm hand by the month. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey 
Mr. Irons chose Miss Dora Mathers, their mar- 
riage being celebrated on the i6th of Jaiiuan,-, 
1884. The lady is a native of Henderson County, 
and is a daughter of Robert Mathers. In that fam- 
ily were six children, and she has three brothers 
and a sister now living, Mr. Irons also has two 



584 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sisters living: Mrs. Ella Sharp, who makes her 
home in Macon County, Mo. ; and Mrs. Maggie 
Poison, who is living on a farm in Henderson 
Count}-. Four children were born unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Irons, namely: Robert, now deceased; Lo- 
gan and Effie, both at home; and one who died 
in infancy. 

The home of the family is pleasantly located in 
Walnut Grove Township, where Mr. Irons now 
owns eighty acres of good land. He carries 
on general farming and stock-raising and is meet- 
ing with success in his undertakings. Industn,- 
and enterprise are numbered among his chief 
characteristics, and have been the means of secur- 
ing for him the comfortable property which he 
now possesses. His place is neat and thrifty in 
appearance and indicates to the passer-b}- the 
careful supervision of the owner. Mr. Irons is a 
loyal and faithful citizen, yet devotes little time to 
public or political interests. Socially, he is con- 
nected with the Modern Woodmen of America. 
Although his father was a Southern soldier and 
he was reared as a strong Democrat, he votes the 
Republican ticket, and is a warm advocate of party 
principles. 



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€4^ 



[S_ 



IILLIAM HARRISON BOWEN issuccess- 
full}- engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising in Raritan Township, Hen- 
derson County. He lives on section i8, where 
he owns and operates one hundred and fifty acres 
of good land. His farm is well tilled, and its neat 
and thrifty appearance indicates the enterprise 
and careful supervision of the owner, who is re- 
garded as one of the leading agriculturists of the 
community. In stock-raising he is quite success- 
ful, and upon his farm is a good grade of hor.ses 
and cattle. 

Mr. Bowen was born in Ohio, January 22, 
1832, and is a son of John and Marj- (Burton) 
Bowen. The father was l)()rn in \'irginia, was of 
German descent, and by occupation was a farmer. 
In an early day he went to the Buckeye State, 
but in the Old Dominion was married. He con- 



tinued his re.sidence in Ohio until 1836, when 
with teams he started westward. Several fami- 
lies located in Michigan, and Mr. Bowen took up 
land from tiie Government. Indians still lived 
in the neighborhood, and the family went through 
all the experiences of life on the frontier. With 
ox-teams, Mr. Bowen removed his family to Iowa 
in 1840. but after a short time purchased a tract 
of unimproved land near Blandinsville, McDon- 
ough County, III., upon which he built a log 
cabin, 16x18 feet. There he made his home for 
eight years, and after one other purchase and re- 
moval, went to Hancock County, where he bought 
three hundred and twenty acres of land, and con- 
tinued its cultivation until 1854. His next pur- 
chase made him the owner of eight hundred acres 
in Raritan Township, Henderson County, and 
upon that farm he spent his remaining da^-s, his 
death occurring March 29, 1890, at the age of 
ninety years. He was laid to rest in Terre Haute 
Cemetery. He took part in the Mormon War, 
was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He started out in life a poor 
boy, but won success and became one of the sub- 
.stantial citizens of the community. His wife 
passed away July i, 1877. 

Upon the farm our subject was reared to man- 
hood. He began his education in a log school - 
hou.se, and has often walked two and a-half miles 
to school. His advantages in that direction were 
not of the best, but by business experience, read- 
ing and observation he has made himself a well- 
informed man and keeps abreast with the times. 
At the age of twenty he left the parental roof to 
earn his own livelihood, and began working on a 
farm by the month, breaking jirairie with o.x- 
teams. Since 1853, he has been a resident of 
Henderson County, and in 1855 he purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of land on .section 7, 
Raritan Township, a wild and unimproved tract 
of prairie. It was soon placed under the plow, 
however, and as the result of his care and cultiva- 
tion was made to yield to him gootl harvests. 
There he lived until 1S65, when he purcha.sed an 
eighty-acre farm, on which he spent three \ears. 
On the expiration of that period he bought a 
quarter-.section of land in Terre Haute Township, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



585 



and upon that farm resided until 1878, wlieii lie 
became the owner of his present farm. He has 
altogether three hundred and ten acres of rich 
land. 

On the 6th of November, 1851, Mr. Bowen 
was united in marriage with Miss Marj- Coon, a 
daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Moody) Coon, a na- 
tive of Greene County, 111., born March 23, 1835. 
Six children blessed this union: Amanda E., who 
died November 14, 1886; Elizabeth, wife of J. W. 
Shawgo; Germanicus, who is living in Terre 
Haute: Clarinda, wife of Albert Brewer; Lewis C, 
who died December 14, 1892: and John H., who 
died February 27, 1891. 

Mr. Bowen takes quite an active interest in pol- 
itical affairs, and is a supporter of the Democracj% 
His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. 
Both are highly respected people, and in the com- 
munity where they live ha\-e a large circle of 
warm friends. 



=-=m-^-^m= 



NERMANN G. ANNEGERS, whois.succes.s- 
fully engaged in farming on section 28, 
Stronghurst Township, is one of the worthy 
citizens that Germany has furnished to Henderson 
County. He was born on the ist of June, 1834, 
in the Kingdom of Hanover, at Badbergen, and is 
a son of Hermann G. and Catherine M. (Kuhl- 
mann) Annegers, who were al.so natives of that 
country-. The father was a civil officer, and his 
family numbered five children, of whom our sub- 
ject was the .second in order of birth. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the earlj' boyhood of Mr. Annegers, who remained 
at home until sixteen years of age, and in the 
common schools acquired a good education. At 
length he determined to try his fortune in Amer- 
ica . He bade adieu to friends and native land and 
took pa.ssage on the .sailing-vessel " Matilda," 
which after a voj-age of forty -three da\s dropped 
anchor in theharborof New York. Landing on the 
2d of June, 1851, Mr. Annegers spent four years in 
New York City, engaged as a clerk in a grocer)' 
and provision store. On the expiration of that 



period he was joined by his parents, and together 
they made their way westward to Henderson 
County, 111., where the father purcha.sed one hun- 
dred and sixtj- acres of land on section 29, Strong- 
hurst Township, having brought .some capital 
with him from Germany. Upon that farm he re- 
mained until his death, which occurred on the 
14th of June, 1891, at the age of eighty-.six years, 
his birth having occurred on the Sth of March, 
1805. His wife was bom March 12, 1806, and 
died October 31, 1857. They were buried on the 
old homestead, and a substantial monument now 
marks their last resting-place. Both were mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, and were highlv 
respected people. 

During the first winter after his removal to the 
west, Mr. Annegers of this sketch engaged in 
clerking in Burlington, Iowa, and then returned 
to the farm, aiding his father in its cultivation 
and management until 1870, when he purchased 
the farm on which he now resides. He has three 
hundred and thirty acres of rich and arable land, 
under a high .state of cultivation. His home is a 
comfortable residence, in the rear of which stand 
good barns and other outbuildings, while these in 
turn are surrounded by well-tilled fields, whose 
neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful 
supervision of the owner. 

On the 14th of September, 1875, Mr. Annegers 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Julia H. Tay- 
lor, of Burlington, Iowa. .She was born at Hunt- 
ington, Lorain County, Ohio, Augu.st 30, 1845. 
Their union has been blessed with four children: 
Mary Jennette, born October 24, 1876; Clara 
Elmina, born December 2, 1881; John Hermann, 
born April iS, 1886: and Francis Allen, born De- 
cember 19, 1887. The family circle yet remains 
unbroken, for the children are still with their par- 
ents. The Annegers household is the abode of 
hospitality, and its doors are ever open for the re- 
ception of their man>' friends. 

On questions of national inip')rtance, Mr. An- 
negers is independent and he supports the man 
whom he thinks best qualified for the office. He 
has .served as vSupervi.sor, and is a member of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. The cau.se of 
education finds in him a warm friend, and his 



586 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



eldest daughter is now attending the High School 
of Stronghurst. Mr. Aiinegers is a self-made man, 
who started out in life empty-handed, but b)- a 
resolute will and determined effort has overcome 
the difficulties and obstacles in his path and stead- 
ily worked his wa>- upward to success. 



«. 



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rjjAMUEL W. BLACK is now engaged in gen- 
TV eral merchandising in Olena. He has a 
\^J good store, supplied with a complete stock of 
dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries and hard- 
ware, and is now enjoying a liberal patronage, 
which is well deserved. Mr. Black has a wide 
acquaintance in this communit)-. and we feel as- 
sured that the record of his life will pro\e of in- 
terest to many of our readers. A native of Ohio, 
he was born in Greene County, November 8, 
1835, and is a .son of William and Elizabeth 
(George) Black. 

The father was born in Le.xington, Va., and 
upon a farm was reared to manhood. At the age 
of twenty-one, he went with his parents to Greene 
County, Ohio, where he resided until 1839, when 
he came to the West, locating upon a farm in 
Warren County, 111. A part of the citj- of Mon- 
mouth now stands upon that place. There Mr. 
Black resided until 1841, when he came to Hen- 
derson Count)', and purchased a tract of raw 
land in Stronghurst Township. This he at once 
began to improve and cultivate, and soon his la- 
bors made it a valuable tract. Selling that fann 
in 1848, he purchased land a mile south of Olena, 
and thereon made his home until his death, which 
occurred in the winter of 1856. His parents were 
natives of Germany, and his father .served in the 
Revolutionary War. The mother of our subject 
was a native of Pennsylvania, and her parents 
were born in County Cork, Ireland. In Strong- 
hurst Township she spent her last days, pa.ssing 
away April 17, 1885. In the Black family were 
nine children, of whom Samuel was the seventh 
in order of birth. 

.Since the age of six years our subject has re- 
sided in Illinois. He was reared under the par- 



ental roof, and when he had attained his majority 
he purcha.sed the old homestead and began farm- 
ing in his own interests. He is a successful and 
energetic farmer, and still owns two hundred and 
forty acres of rich land, which in its improved and 
cultivated condition attests the careful super\ision 
of the owner. On the 4th of March, 1864, Mr. 
Black was united in marriage with Mi.ss C. Z. 
Henman. Unto them have been born ten chil- 
dren, but two of the number died in infancy. Et- 
tie is now the wife of .Samuel Lant, a farmer of 
Henderson County; Elizabeth is the wife of Burt 
Wat-son, a farmer of this community ; Nellie is the 
wife of Edward Lant, an agriculturist; and Ida, 
Florence, Sanuiel, Andy and Wilbur are all at 
home. 

For twelve years Mr. Black has been a member 
of the Masonic fraternity of Carman. In politics, 
he is a stalwart Democrat, has faithfully served 
as Justice of the Peace for twelve j-ears, and was 
the efficient Constable for six years. In 1883, he 
purchased a .store in Olena, and is now giving the 
greater part of his time and attention to his mer- 
cantile interests. He is an enterprising and pro- 
gre.s.sive citizen, and his support and co-operation 
are never withheld from any worthy object. He 
came to Henderson County in an earh- day, and 
is numbered among its honored pioneer settlers. 
Tho.se who have known him from boyhood are 
numbered among his .stanchest friends, a fact 
which indicates an honorable and well-spent 
life. 



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rTRNE.ST W. .SALTER, M. D., a leading 
1^ young physician of Stronghurst, isinunbered 
I among Henderson County's native sons, for 
he was born on a farm within the borders of the 
county, October 13, 1869. The family is of Eng- 
li.sh origin. The father, Paul I). Salter, who was 
a native of New Jersey, emigrated westward in 
1856, and settled upon land in Henderson County, 
111. On the 30th of June, 1857, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Sarah E. Edwards, daughter 
of David and Eliza (Bell) Edwards. Flight chil- 
dren were born to them, namely: William E. , now 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



587 



a grocer of Stroiighurst; David P.. who is en- 
gaged in farming in Henderson County; Abbie 
B., wife of Sidney Gridley, an agriculturisl of llie 
same county; John N., who carries on farming in 
Warren County: Harriet C, wife of F. Ackerman, 
a lawyer of South Chicago; Ernest W., of this 
sketch; Chahner N., a pharmacist of Kirkwood, 
111.; and one who died in infancy. 

During his boyhood, Dr. Salter worked upon 
his father's farm. His early education, which 
was acquired in the di.strict .schools, was supple- 
mented by study in the .schools of Kirkwood, 
which he entered in 1884. In 1886 he went to 
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and became a student in 
Howe's Academy, of that city, where he remained 
for eighteen months. From early youth he dis- 
played special aptitude for .study, and it became 
his earnest de.sire to acquire an excellent educa- 
tion. In 1888 he went to Champaign, 111., and 
spent fifteen months as a student in the State Uni- 
versity. This completed his literary education, 
but he at once began fitting him.self for the prac- 
tice of medicine, wishing to make it his life work. 

It was in March, 1889, that Dr. Salter began 
.studying in the office of Dr. McClanahan, of 
Kirkwood, where he remained for .si.x months. In 
September, 1889, he entered Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College, of New York City, where he 
continued to pursue his studies until March 28, 

1892, when he was graduated with the degree of 
M. D. On the 23d of May following, he opened 
an office in Stronghur.st, and lias since been en- 
gaged in practice in this place. In February, 

1893, he also establi.shed a drug store, which he 
conducts in connection with his other business 
interests. 

The Doctor was married June 22, 1892, the 
lady of his choice being Miss Flora Hobart, by 
whom he has one child. Mrs. Salter's parents 
were Frederick and Louisa (Ford) Hobart. Her 
mother was a daughter of the daughter of Brig.- 
Gen. Kean, one of the heroes of the War of 1812. 

Socially, Dr. Salter is connected with Lily 
Lodge No. 553, I. O. O. F. ; Magie City Lodge 
No. 397, K. P.; and Stronghur.st Camp, M. W. A. 
He proudly cast his first Presidential vote for 
Benjamin Harri.son, for he is a warm advocate of 



Republican principles. He holds membership 
with the Presbyterian Church, and his wife be- 
longs to the Epi.scoi)al Church. The Doctor is 
one of the leading and highly -respected citizens 
of this connnunitx-, and now enjoys an extensive 
and lucrative practice. 



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H ARLES E. PEASLEY owns and operates a 
fine farm on .section 33, Stronghurst Town- 
ship, Henderson County, having four hundred 
acres of rich and arable land, the greater part of 
which is under a high state of cultivation. It is 
divided into fields of convenient .size, and in re- 
turn for the care and labor he bestows ui)on them 
they yield to him a good income. A comfortable 
home and good bams are upon the place, together 
with all accessories and conveniences found upon 
a model farm. 

The owner of this desirable place was here born 
December 22, i860, and is the youngest in a 
family of four children whose parents were John 
S. and Lucretia (Crownover) Peasley. Addie, 
the eldest, is now the wife of Nathaniel Bruen. 
George K. is engaged in .stock-dealing in Greeley, 
Colo. James F. is a prosperous agriculturist of 
this community. On coming to this county the fa- 
tlierenterud land from the Government, and to this 
added from time to time until he was the owner 
of an extensive tract. In connection with his land 
speculations he also engaged in stock -dealing, and 
was one of the first shippers in this section of the 
country, engaging in that enterprise at a very 
early day. He was numbered among the pio- 
neer settlers of the community and was a valued 
and highly-respected citizen. His death occurred 
January 25, 1866, and he was laid to rest in 
Terre Haute Cemetery. Mrs. Pea.sley, mother 
of our subject, came with her parents from Penn- 
sylvania to Illinois during her early girlhood. 
She still survives her husband and is now liv- 
ing in Burlington, Iowa, at the age of .seventy 
years. 

In the usual manner of fanner lads, Charles E. 
Pea.sley spent the days of his boyhood and vouth. 



588 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



aiding in the labors of the fields during the sum- 
mer mouths, while in the winter season he at- 
tended the public schools. His education was 
completed by a course of .study in Denmark Acad- 
emy, in Denmark, Iowa. On attaining his ma- 
jority he began farming for him.self and purchased 
the old homestead from the other heirs, since 
which time he has devoted his energies to its cul- 
tivation, except for a period of three years, which 
he spent in Colorado engaged in the .stock busi- 
ness. He now carries on stock-raising and ship- 
ping quite exten.sively, and finds this a profitable 
enterprise. 

On the 3d of October, 1888, was celebrated the 
marriage of Charles E. Peasley and Miss Lou E. 
Hunt, of Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa, 
whose parents were early .settlers of that locality. 
Three children grace the union of our subject and 
his wife, John, Eugene and Joseph. Socially, 
Mr. Peasley is connected with the Masonic lodge 
of Carman and the Knights of Pythias lodge of 
Stronghurst. He has followed in the political 
footsteps of his father, and is a .stanch advocate 
of Republican principles. A wide-awake and en- 
terprising young man, he is regarded as one of 
the leading farmers and citizens of this commun- 
ity, and in the county where he has so long made 
his home he is held in the highest e.steem. 



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0IDNEY S. SIMMONS, one of the highly re- 
2\ spected citizens of La Harpe, who since 1892 
j2/ has here engaged in the livery business, has 
the honor of being a native of Hancock County, his 
birth having occurred in Fountain, Green Town- 
.ship on the 8th of May, 1848. His father, Cal- 
vin D. Simmons, was born in Kentucky in 1808, 
and was a farmer by occupation. In 1834, he left 
the South and, emigrating to Illinois, took up 
his residence in .Sangamon County, where he spent 
a year and a-half He then removed to Boone 
County, Mo., but after a few months he returned 
to this State, and in 1836 ca.st his lot among the 
early settlers of Fountain Green Township, Han- 
cock County. He was numbered among the pio- 



neers of this locality, and was one who took an 
active interest in all that pertained to the welfare 
of the community and to its upbuilding. His 
death occurred in 1 88 1 . The mother of our sub- 
ject bore the maiden name of Miranda Hart. In 
the family were seven children, .six .sons and a 
daughter. Pinckney D., deceased, was a physician 
of Boone County, Mo., at the time of his death: 
Matilda J. died in Hancock Count}- in 1864; Mar- 
vin died in infancy; Ninian E. is a'farmer of Han- 
cock Township, Hancock County; Andrew R. is 
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fountain 
Green Township; and James A. is also an agri- 
culturist of the same township. 

Mr. Simmons whose name heads this record 
was the youngest child of the family, and in the 
usual manner of farmer lads the days of his bo\- 
hood and youth were passed. His education was 
acquired in the district schools of the community, 
and he became thoroughly familiar witli all the 
common branches. In 1864, he became a .student 
in Eureka College, and pursued a literary course 
for two years. He then, in 1865, started out in life 
for him.self as agent for a lightning-rod company, 
and continued business along that line with fair 
success until 187 1, when he embarked in farming 
in Fountain Green Township. With the capital 
he had acquired through his untiring industry 
and per.severance, he purchased two hundred and 
fifty acres of land on sections 35 and 36, Fountain 
Green Township, and at once began its develop- 
ment. He placed it under a high .state of culti- 
vation and made manj- excellent improvements, 
so that the fann was considered one of the best in 
the neighborhood. Its rich and fertile fields 
yielded to the owner a good tribute, and its neat 
appearance indicated his careful supervision. In 
the fall of 1890, he came to La Harpe, and, pur- 
chasing the livery stable of Grove Brothers, he 
has since carried on operations along that line. 

Mr. Simmons was married February 28, 1S73, 
to Nancy E. Bond, and five children have been 
born to them, two sons and three daughters, but 
Maude is now deceased. Florence, Clyde, Claude 
and Pearl are .still under the parental roof 

Mr Simmons is a progressive and public-.spirite<l 
citizen, who manifests a commendable interest in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



589 



everj'thing pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
munity. For four j-ears he has served as Con- 
.stable of Fountain Green Township, and for 
twenty years he ser\-ed as School Director. The 
cause of education has e\'er found in him a warm 
friend and he has done effective .ser\-ice in its in- 
terest. Since casting his first Presidential vote 
for Gen. Grant in 1872, he has been a stalwart 
supporter of the Republican party and its princi- 
ples. He is an honored member of La Harpe 
Lodge No. 653, I. O. O. F., and has filled all of 
its offices. 



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^EORGE \V. PICKENS, of Augusta, 111., is 
l_ numbered among the early .settlers of Han- 
\^ cock County. He came with his father's 
family to this place in i<S49, ^"^^ has since been 
numbered among its residents. Its growth and 
development he has witnessed, and in the work 
of progress and advancement he has ever borne 
his part, doing all in his power to aid in the pro- 
motion of worth)- public enterprises. He is recog- 
nized as one of the valued citizens of the com- 
munity, and is mo.st highlv respected by all who 
know him. 

Mr. Pickens has the honor of being a native of 
Illinois, for his birth occurred near Jack.sonville, 
in Morgan County, July ,s, 184,3. His parents, 
Samuel and Nancy (Steel) Pickens, were both 
natives of Mifflin County, Pa. The paternal 
grandfather was a Penn.sylvania farmer, and died 
in his native State at an advanced age. He 
served as a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church 
twenty years, and had a famil)' of one son and 
two daughters. The maternal grandfather, Alex- 
ander Steel, was born in the Keystone State, and 
in 1 833 emigrated to Schuyler Coiuit)-, 111. This 
locality was then on the extreme western frontier, 
and great herds of bufTalo and deer roamed, over 
the country. He died in Schuyler County at an 
advanced age. Samuel Pickens followed agricul- 
tural pursuits throughout his life, and after his 
emigration to Illinois, in 1839, purchased a small 
farm in Morgan County, which he operated until 

31 



1849. In that year he came to Hancock Count>', 
and purcha.sed a farm of two hundred and forty 
acres in Augu.sta Township. To this he added 
from time to time, as his financial resources in- 
crea.sed, until his landed possessions aggregated 
eight hundred an.d fifty-five acres, nearly all of 
which was highly impro\ed. He died June 19, 
1882, at the age of seventy-one years and seven 
months, and his wife passed away in 1865. They 
were both reared in the Presbyterian faith. This 
worth}- couple were the parents of six sons and 
three daughters, seven of whom are now living: 
Mary E., widow of William H. Burke, of Osborne 
Countj', Kan.; William A., who is living near 
Kirk.sville, Mo.; George W., of Augusta; Jehu P., 
who makes his home near Kirk.sville, Mo. ; Allen 
S., who resides near Kingfisher, Okla; Edward 
J., of Adams County, 111.; and Eliza A., wife of 
Edward Gorden, of Augusta. 

When a child of six, George W. Pickens ac- 
companied his parents to Hancock County, where 
he has since made his home. His education was 
acquired in the public .schools, save when he spent 
one year in Hedding College, Knox County, in 
1866. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
and remained under the parental roof until he had 
attained his majority, when his father gave him 
some land and he began fanning in his own 
interest. In 1864, he entered the ser\^ice of his 
country, l)ecoming a member of Company A, 
One Huntlred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. 
When the war was o\-er he recei\-ed an honorable 
discharge, and at once returned to his home. 

On the 27th of November, 1866, Mr. Pickens 
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah B. Burke, 
daughter of William and Margaret ( Balfour 1 
Burke, the former a native of \'irginia, and the 
latter of North Carolina. Nine children were 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Pickens, but Helen S., the 
eldest, is now deceased; Amanda is the wife of 
George W. Dunlavy, a teacher in the Western 
Normal College, of Bushnell, 111.; Henry G., 
C>rus E., Mar>- J. and William R. are .still at 
home; Pearl V. is decea.sed; and Abbie G. and 
Be.ssie L. complete the family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pickens and five of their children 
are members of the Christian Church, and take 



590 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



an active interest in its work and all that pertains 
to the advancement of the cause. They have a 
pleasant home, which is the abode of hospitality, 
and in social circles they hold an enviable 
position. Besides his residence, Mr. Pickens 
owns other property in Augu.sta. In politics, he 
is a Democrat. 



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IILLIAM ALEXANDER SPEARS, oneof 
the successful and highly respected farmers 
of Hendenson County, who in this locality 
has .spent his entire life, was born on the 22d of 
July, 1856, on section 8, township 9 north, range 
4 west. On the father's side he comes of Scotch 
ancestry. His grandfather, Alexander Spears, 
was born in Pai.sley, Scotland. "When a young 
man he bade adieu to friends and native land and 
crossed the broad Atlantic to America, where he 
spent his remaining days. The grandmother bore 
the maiden name of Margaret McHenry. 

Alexander Spears, father of our .subject, claimed 
Penn.sylvania as the State of his nativity, for he 
was born in Beaver County, on the nth of Sep- 
tember, 1812. Having attained to years of ma- 
turity, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
McElroy, who was born in Beaver County, Pa., 
February 16, i8ig, and was of Scotch-Irish de- 
.scent. Mr. Spears, when a young man, learned 
the blacksmith's trade and followed that occupa- 
tion during the greater part of his life. He was 
called to his final rest on the 1 1 th of December, 
1872, and Henderson County thus lo.st one of its 
early .settlers. In his family were ten children, 
four sons and six daughters. 

In the county of his nativity, \V. A. Spears of 
this .sketch spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth, his time being pas.sed in the usual manner of 
fanner lads. He early became familiar with all the 
duties of farm work. His education was all ac- 
quired in the district schools of the neighborhood, 
with the exception of three months' .study in a com- 
mercial college of Burlington, Iowa. On attaining 
his majority he embarked in farming for him.self 
and has since followed that pursuit. He keeps his 



land under a high state of cultivation, and his farm 
is a well-improved place, neat and thrifty in ap- 
pearance. 

On the 1 1 th of March, 1880, Mr. Spears was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Helen Marshall, 
who was born Februarj' 14, 1858, at the family 
homestead on section 22, township 9 north, range 
5 west, of Henderson County. Her father, James 
Alexander Marshall, was born in the Fairfield 
District of South Carolina, and came to Illinois 
on the 3d of June, 1837. Her mother, who bore 
the maiden name of Jeanette Hoy Richey, was 
born in Lakeville, Washington County, N. Y., 
and was a daughter of Judge R. W. Richey. She 
came to Illinois on the 2d of November, 1840. 
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Spears, 
of whom three are yet living, namely: Jean Eliza- 
beth, born October 2, 1S86; Jessie McElroy, born 
January i, 1890; and Lois Helen, born October 
3, 1891. Jeanetta Mary, born August 5, 1882, 
died February 29, 1888. 

In his political views, Mr. Spears is a Repub- 
lican, and is a memberof the United Presbyterian 
Church. His entire life has been passed in Hen- 
derson County, and an honorable, straightforward 
career has won for him the respect and confidence 
of all with whom he has been brought in contact, 
and gained for him manv friends. 



gLARENCEG. RICHEY, who is succes.sfully 
engaged in dairy farming and stock-raising 
on section 7, Walnut Grove Town.ship, was 
l)orn in Henderson Countj-. on the loth of Au- 
gust, 1859, and his entire life has been spent upon 
the home farm. His parents were Thomas G. 
and La vina (Randall) Richey. His grandfather, 
Judge Richard W. Richey, was born in Charlton, 
Saratoga County, N. Y., November 22, 1802, 
and was the eldest child of Andrew and Polly 
(West) Richey, the former a native of Cam- 
bridge, N. Y., and the latter of Connecticut. 
The father died when Richard was quite >oung, 
and the lad received but little .schooling. In earlv 
life he worked at tainiiug and carpentering, and at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



59' 



the age of eighteen went to Cambridge and en- 
gaged in the tanning and currying business. In 
1S23, he married Miss Nellie Green, of Cam- 
bridge, and unto them were bora five children. 
After the death of his first wife he was married, 
in 1840, to Miss Agnes Green, of Ohio, and emi- 
grated to Henderson County, III., which then 
formed a part of Warren County. He settled at 
Walnut Grove and bought eighty acres of land, 
on which he built a double log cabin, 18x50 feet, 
and a .stor>- and a-half in height, containing three 
apartments. This building is still standing. 
During the Mormon disturbances at Nauvoo, at 
the request of Gov. Ford, of Illinois, he raised a 
company to assist in preser\-ing the peace. He 
did not take his troops to Nauvoo, but visited the 
seat of hostilities and was requested by the Gov- 
ernor to take command of the militia there at the 
time. In 1854, he was elected County Judge, and 
filled that office until 1875, with the exception of 
four years. During that time he made his home 
in the county seat. His second wife died in 
1856, and the following year he married Mrs. 
Cornelia (Day) Moir, widow of Alexis Phelps. 
The Judge was a life-long Democrat and a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. 

The father of our subject, Thomas G. Richey, 
was a native of Washington County, N. Y., born 
April 25, 1825. By occupation he was a farmer. 
In 1840, he started for Illinois, making the jour- 
ney with an ox-team and wagon. He purchased 
one hundred acres of land, paying for it $2 per 
acre, with money he earned in California. To 
this he kept adding from time to time initil he- 
owned a mo.st excellent farm, upon which he 
made his home until 1884, when he removed to 
Kirkwood on account of his wife's health. Shortly 
afterwards, however, he went to Olena, where he 
was taken .sick, and died December 15, 1885. 

During the excitement attendant upon the dis- 
covery of gold in California, Thomas G. Richey 
crossed the plains with an ox -team and remained 
in the West about two years. He was by com- 
mon con.sent placed at the head of the vigilance 
committee which was formed after the Brook 
tragedy, and it was largely due to his skill and 
energy that every hor.se-thief in the counlv from 



the lime of the formation of the committee was 
l)rought to justice. Mr. Richey was a devoted 
member of the United Presbyterian Church and 
an earnest worker in its interests. 

Mrs. Richey, our subject's mother, was a daugh- 
ter of Rosvvell and Charlotte Randall, natives of 
New York, and with her parents she came to War- 
ren County, 111., in 1845. In the family were six 
children, all of whom are now living, namely: 
Mrs. Helen S. Ferris, now of South Dakota; 
Charles E., who makes his home in Chicago; 
Lillian M., wife of Dr. Cowden, who is living in 
Winfield, Iowa; Frank, who is engaged in the 
creamer}- business in Somonauk, 111.; Dora A., 
wife of A. G. McCowen, of Henderson Count}-: 
and Clarence G. 

Our subject acquired his education in the com- 
mon .schools, which he attended until sixteen 
years of age. To his father he gave the benefit 
of his services until he had attained his majority, 
and then started out for himself, working as a 
farm hand by the month. Thus he was employ- 
ed until his marriage, which occurred on the 4tli 
of October, 1881, Mi.ss Jessie M. vS pears becoming 
his wife. The lady is a daughter of Alexander 
and Man,- ( McElroy ) Spears, the former a native 
of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. They 
came to Illinois in 1840, and the father engaged 
in blacksmithing and farming in Henderson 
County. In their family were eleven children: 
Matthew, Mrs. Margaret Campbell, Mrs. Jane 
Stewart, James, Mrs. Emeline Pogue, Samuel, 
William A., Mrs. Mary E. Whiteman, Clara and 
Mrs. Je.ssie M. Richey. Seven of the.se children 
are yet living. 

The marriage of our subject and his wife has 
been blessed with four children, namely. RossS., 
who was born September 24, 1882; Grace, born 
March 11, 1885; Mary B., born July 8, 1887; 
and William H., born Mays, 1893. The parents 
are both members of the United Presbyterian 
Church, and are highly-respected citizens of this 
conmiunity. 

Upon his father's death, Mr. Richey bonglit 
the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, 
and is now the owner of three hundred and eighty 
acres of valuable land, which is under a high 



592 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



state of cultivation and well improved. It con- 
stitutes one of the finest farms in tliis locality. 
The owner is now engaged in stock-raising and 
in the dairj- business, and along these lines is 
meeting with good success. In politics, he is a 
Republican, and is now .serving as School Direc- 
tor. Socially, he is connected with the Modern 
Woodmen of America. He has always lived in 
Henderson County, where he is widely and favor- 
ably known. His .stanchest friends are among 
those who have known him from boyhood, a fact 
u-hich plainly indicates a well-.spent and honora- 
ble life. 



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REV. JOHN M. McARTHUR, of the United 
Presbyterian Church at Stronghurst, was 
the first resident pastor of any denomination 
in that place. He was born at Mclndoe's Falls, 
Vt. , Jaiuiary 9, 1850. His father, the Rev. James 
McArthur, was born in Cambridge, N.Y., Janu- 
ary 8, 1 8 1 5, and was first engaged in farming, then 
in teaching, and after the usual courses of .study 
was graduated successively from Cambridge Acad- 
emy, Franklin College and Canonsburgh Theo- 
logical Seminary. He was ordained September 
1 1 , 1846, and .settled as pastor of Barnet and Rye- 
gate congregations in Vermont for twelve years. 
In 1859 he came to Henderson County, 111., and 
for thirteen years was pa.stor of Ellison congrega- 
tion, worshipping at Walnut Orove. Impaired 
health led him then to resign, and his friends, feel- 
ing that he was too valuable a man to leave un- 
employed, without effort on his part .secured his 
election by a large majority as Countj- Superin- 
tendent of Schools. Refusing re-election, he lived 
on the home fann until he removed to be with 
his sons in Walton, Kan., where he made 
his home until the Sabbath of October 9, 
1887, when he fell asleep. I'"ather McAr- 
thur, as a preacher, was clear, earnest and 
fearless; as a scholar, he would read for recre- 
ation, as he grew old, the Greek theolog- 
ians, with Latin foot notes; as a pastor, he 



was a wise winner of souls, and his presence 
was accounted a benediction in every home; 
as a reformer, he successfully opposed evil, and 
was that rare man who gained the respect and af- 
fection of even the classes he opposed. He lived 
a life that was a model and an in.spiration, and 
leaves a fragrant memory of his words and deeds. 
The mother of Rev. John McArthur was born 
in Gloversville, N. Y., in 1826. She was an ac- 
complished woman, who placed her talents and at- 
tainments on the Lord's altar beside her hus- 
band's. She was called away bj' death in 1870, 
and was laid to rest in Walnut Grove Cemetery, 
where her husband has since also received inter- 
ment. 

In the McArthur family were the following 
children: Nettie, now of Walton' Kan.; JohnM., 
of this sketch; J. Wellington, who died at the age 
of thirty -four; Cecil, who is engaged in farming 
at Walton, Kan.; Samuel R., a succes.sful cloth- 
ing merchant, also of Walton; Anna M., who 
died at the age of twenty-six; and Nellie E., wife 
of Henry Brush, of Kansas. 

When nine years of age, John M. McArthur 
came with his parents to Henderson County, 111., 
and lived but three and a-half miles from his 
present church. He was graduated from Mon- 
mouth College in 1872, spent one year at the New- 
burgh Theological Seminary in New York, and 
was graduated from the Theological Seminary of 
Xenia, Ohio, in 1874. He was licensed b\- the 
Presbytery of Monmouth in 1873, and ordained 
b\- the Pre.sbytery of Xenia in 1874. In the fall 
of that year he was installed pastor at Reynolds- 
burgh, Ohio, remaining until 1877; was pastoral 
McDonald, Pa., from 1877 to 1880; at Yorkville, 
Wis., from 1881 to 1886; and in Iowa, from 
1886 to 1890. During 1891 and 1892, Rev. 
McArthur was engaged as a lecturer in Ohio, 
Illinois and Iowa on temperance and kindred 
themes. Visiting his former home herein 1892, 
he was secured as pa.stor of Stronghurst congre- 
gation, and duly installed pastor September 7. 
1892. 

On the I. st of December, 1881, Rev. McArthur 
married Mi.ss Jennie Burns, of Waupaca, Wis., 
an accomplished lad>-, and peculiarly .successful 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



593 



in Sabbath-schools and Junior Bands. James Le- 
roy, their first child, died in his sixth year; 
Robert Cecil, Ethel W. and Anna Margaret are 
the names of the rest. 

The standing of Rev. John M. McArthnr in 
pulpit, on platform and in literary criticism, 
is recognized and establi.shed. Well-organized 
churches, religious, educational and .secular en- 
terprises fostered bj' his tongue and pen, the poor 
and troubled ones who have found his helping 
hand, and the culturedclassof hearers who ever}- - 
where attend his ministrj-, are the witnesses to 
his con.secration to the service of God and man. 



-^] 



"^ 



^-^ 



[3- 






yyiRS. ELIZA J. FINCH, who is living in 
y Oquawka, has the honor of being a native 
(g of Illinois, for she was born in Champaign, 
on the 24th of December, 1851. Her father, 
Philip Adkins, was a native of Ohio, and about 
1844 was united in marriage with Miss Eliza 
Crabb. When he was a child he was brought by 
his parents to Illinois, the family locating in 
Champaign County, where he grew to manhood, 
and was married. Six children were born of 
their union: Mrs. Matilda E. Gibson, Mrs. Eliza 
J. Finch, John S., and three who died in child- 
hood. Mr. Adkins, during the late war, entered 
the service as a member of the Thirty-ninth Iowa 
Infantry. He now receives a pension of $10 per 
month from the Government in recognition of his 
.services. On leaving Illinois, he moved to Iowa, 
about 1857, and after a few years .spent in Des 
Moines, purchased a farm in Greene County, 
upon which he still makes his home. 

Mrs. Finch spent the days of her girlhood in 
her parents' home, and in the public .schools 
acquired a good Engli.sh education. On the 12th 
of September, 1870, .she became the wife of 
vStephen N. Van Horn, of Greene Comity, Iowa, 
the ceremony being performed by Stephen Jack- 
son, a Justice of the Peace. They began their 
domestic life upon a farm in that county, purchas- 
ing eightv acres of land. Six children were born 
to them: Mary M., born November 3, 1872; 



Harry Iv., June 29, 1873; I'Hiza J.. March 17, 
1875; Ada A., January 17, 1877; Philip E., Sep- 
tember 8, 1879; and one who was born Septem- 
ber 28, 1889, and died in infancy. 

After living upon their first farm for fifteen 
years, Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn removed to an- 
other farm of eighty acres in Greene County, 
where they remained for si.x years. They then 
purchased a home in Ripley, and removed to that 
place, where they lived until the 15th of Septem- 
ber, 1892, when they decided to separate. Mrs. 
Van Horn went to Guthrie County, Iowa, where 
she earned her living at general housework and 
nursing. On the loth of February, 1894, .she 
was married to Charles L. Finch by Squire Galy, 
of Aledo, 111. On the 12th of March, .she .sent 
Mr. Finch to Greene County, Iowa, to collect a 
note of $300, and the man probably secured the 
money and fled, for she has never since heard 
from him. Mrs. Finch yet makes her home in 
Oquawka, where she has a pleasant residence, 
and some other property in notes, etc. Her busi- 
ness is in charge of Elbert W. Weeks, an attorney 
of Guthrie Center, Iowa. She is a member of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and has been a 
constant worker in its interest, doing much for 
its upbuilding and advancement. 



-s: 



(S~ 



QETER C. B a INTER, who is engaged in 
L^ farming on .section 13, Terre Haute Town- 
\3 'ship, Henderson County, claims Ohio as the 
State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in 
Mu.skingum County on the 25th of September, 
1830. Tiie Bainter family is of German origin. 
The parents of our subject, Peter and Marj- Bain- 
ter, were both natives of Penn.sylvania, and in 
their family rt'ere seven children, namely: Abra- 
ham, who is now living a retired life in La Harpe; 
William A., who follows farming in Hancock 
County; Lncenia, wife of Samuel Gower, of La 
Harpe, 111.; Andrew J., who died in 1890; Peter 
C; Thomas J., a farmer living in Kansas; and 
Mary J., who died in 1889. 
The father of this family was engaged in agri- 



594 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cultural pursuits throughout his entire life. In 
an earl\- day he removed from the Keystone State 
to Ohio, and there grew to manhood and was mar- 
ried. He was numbered among the pioneer .set- 
tlers of Muskingum County. In 1852 he emi- 
grated to Hancock County, 111., locating in La 
Harpe Township, where he purchased three hun- 
dred and twenty acres of wild and unimproved 
land. There he successfully carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits for many years, but at length re- 
moved to La Harpe, where he spent his last days 
in retirement. His death occurred in 1888, and 
his remains were interred in La Harpe Cemeterj-. 
His wife survived him three years, and was called 
to the home beyond in 1891. 

Upon the home farm Mr. Bainter spent his child- 
hood days, and his early education was acquired 
m the old-time subscription .schools, which were 
held in a log schoolhou.se, furnished in a primi- 
tive fashion. His advantages in that direction 
were .somewhat meagre, but his training at farm 
labor was not limited. On attaining his majority 
he started out in life for himself working as a 
farm hand for the sum of $8 per month After- 
ward he engaged in operating rented land and in 
working for others until the spring of 1854, when 
he rented a fann near La Harpe, Hancock Coun- 
ty, upon which he made his home for six years. 
At the expiration of that period he purcha.sed 
eighty acres of land on .section 13, Terre Haute 
Township, Henderson County, a partially im- 
proved tract, on which was a small house. Here 
he has lived ever since, but a great change has 
taken place in the appearance of his farm. Its 
boundaries have been extended until it now com- 
prises three hundred and sixty acres, and upon it 
have been placed all modern improvements and 
conveniences, until it is regarded as one of the 
be.st farms in the county. He has an artesian 
well, and thus his stock is supplied with good 
water. In addition to this farm he also owns 
forty acres of land elsewhere. 

In 1852, Mr. Bainter was united in marriage 
with Miss lvmil\- Snoots, and to them have been 
born the following children : Nancy, wife of Robert 
\'each; Amanda, wife of Allen Randall: Jane, 
wife of George Nevius; William II.; Ada, wife 



of Oscar Beckett; Adell, wife of Freeman Doak; 

Ada E., wife of William Ro.ss; Allie and Allen, 
twins: and Orpha. 

Mr. Bainter exerci.ses his right of franchise in 
support of the Democracy, but has never sought 
or desired political preferment. He is a self-made 
man, who started out in life empty-handed, but 
has made the most of his opportunities, and has 
steadily worked his way upward from a humble 
position to one of affluence. He is now the owner 
of a valuable farm, and is numbered among Hen- 
derson Countv's substantial citizens. 



-^ 



^4^ 



CS- 



[sr 



(Joseph N. still, a hlgWy respected citi- 
. I zen of Media, who is now in the employ of 
Q) the Santa Fe Railroad Company, claims Vir- 
ginia as the State of his nativity'. He was born 
August 8, 1840, and is of Welsh descent. His 
father, John Still, was a native of Wales, and in 
an early day went to Ohio. For .some time he 
lived in the South, and by his well-directed efforts 
became quite wealthy. He there owned a fine 
woolen-mill, but at the time of the Stoneman raid 
it w-as destroyed by fire, and the incendiaries held 
him, forcing him to watch its destruction by the 
flames which they had kindled. Thus he lo.st 
all his property. 

About 1864, Joseph N. Still went to Ohio, and 
the following year came to Henderson County, 
111., where he began work as a farm hand by the 
month. For seventeen years he remained with 
one man, a trusted and faithful employe. On the 
4th of June, 1872, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Rosalie M. Stanley, daughter of A. E. 
and Hannah Stanley. Her parents were both na- 
tives of North Carolina. The father was born 
July I, 1827, and about 1866 came to Henderson 
County, 111. He now makes his home in Media. 
In the Stanley family were five children, four of 
whom are still living, the eldest being Mrs. Still, 
wlio was born May 7, 1853. Mrs. Sarah O'Don- 
nell is now living in Iowa. Mrs. Mary O. Mill- 
iken is also a resident of the Hawkeye State. 
Mrs Sarah C. Nicely is now residing in Hender- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



595 



son Count}-; and Susan A. died at the age of 
twenty years. 

Three children grace the union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Still: vSamuel A., born September 15, 1873; 
Bertie V., June 8, 1875; and Myrtle A., April 
22, 1879. All are yet with their parents. The 
mother and her daughters are members of the 
United Presbyterian Church, and the family is one 
of prominence in this connnunit\'. 

Mr. Still exercLses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the Democratic party. He is a .self-edu- 
cated and self-made man, and his success in life is 
due to his own efforts. ■ All who know him es- 
teem him highly, and with pleasure we i^resent his 
sketch to our readers. 



^-^hJh^I 



ROWLAND J. MADISON, M. D., who is 
successfully engaged in the practice of the 
medical profession in Ferris, Hancock Coun- 
ty, occupies a prominent place in the front rank 
among the physicians of this locality. He has a 
wide acquaintance in the connnunitj-, and we 
therefore feel assured that this record of his life 
will prove of interest to many of our readers. He 
was born in Plymouth on the 3i.st of December, 
1852, and is the .second in order of birth in a fam- 
ily of eleven children, whose parents were Ed- 
ward and Mary (Rankin) Madison. There are now 
only two surviving members of the family, the 
Doctor and his brother William, who is Prin- 
cipal of the public schools in Lamoille, 111. The 
father was a native of Ohio, and when a boy came 
with his parents to this State, in 1837. He re- 
mained at home until after he had attained his 
majority, and then began farming in his own in- 
terests. Throughout life he has followed agricul- 
tural jiursuits, and still makes his home upon his 
farm near Plymouth, at the age of sixty-four years. 
In his political views, he is a Prohibitionist, and 
the cause of temperance finds in him an ardent 
advocate. His parents were born in this coun- 
try, l)Ut the famil\' is of ICnglish extraction. His 



father was a cousin of President Madison, and was 
a Captain in the War of 18 12. His brother had 
charge of the first naval battle of that war, and 
the sword which belonged to that commander is 
now in po.sse.ssion of our subject. 

On the maternal side the Doctor is of vScotch- 
Irish lineage, but the Rankin family was founded 
in America in early Colonial days. His grand- 
father. Dr. William G. Rankin, also did .service 
in the War of 1 8 1 2 . He was a Presbyterian minis- 
ter, and became one of the first settlers of Hancock 
County, being prominently identified with its 
history in an early day. His daughter, the mother 
of our subject, was born in South Carolina, and 
died in this county at the age of fifty years. 

Dr. Madison remained upon the old home farm 
until about eighteen years of age, his boyhood 
days being passed midst play and work and in at- 
tendance upon the district .schools of the neigh- 
borhood. After thus acquiring a good English 
education, he began teaching in his native county, 
and followed that profes.sion for five years. In 
the mean time he began reading medicine with 
Dr. Hart, of West Point, for it was his desire to 
make its practice his life work. Later, he en- 
tered the college of Phy.sicians and Surgeons, of 
Keokuk, Iowa, and after pursuing a thorough 
course of study was graduated from that institu- 
tion in June, 1873. About a year later he located 
in Chili, where he engaged in practicing medi- 
cine for two }-ears, when he removed to La Crosse, 
where he continued practice utitil 1887. 

In October, 1873, another important event in 
the life of Dr. Madison occurred, his marriage 
with Mi.ss Mary Hart, who was born in Hancock 
County, June 27, 1856, and is a daughter of Dr. 
J. F. Hart. They became the parents of six chil- 
dren, but three of the number died in infancy. 
Tho.se living are Daisy, who is now attending 
college in Carthage; and Frank and Fred at home. 

In his political views, the Doctor is a Republi- 
can, but has never sought or de.sired ofllce. So- 
cially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
belonging to La Har])e Lodge Xo. 195, A. F. .Jt 
A. M. In 1887 he came to Ferris, where he has 
since made his home. His skill and ability soon 
won for him a liberal patronage, which has .steadily 



596 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



increased, until he is now enjoying an extensive 
and lucrative practice. In manner, he is pleasant 
and genial, and those who know him esteem him 
highly for his sterling worth. 



^+^[ 



^OHN S. EWELL, a grain-dealer and general 
I merchant of Adrian, Hancock County, 111., is 
(2/ one of the leading, enterprising and successful 
business men of this locality. He was born in 
Greene Countj', Pa., and is the .son of Thomas 
Henry and Abigail (Phillips) Ewell. His father, 
a native of Virginia, was born in 1805, and was a 
farmer by occupation. The mother was a native 
of Greene County, Pa., and there T. H. Ewell 
followed farming for about sixteen years. On the 
1st of April, 1847, he removed by team to Tyler 
County, W. Va. , and purchased one hundred and 
nineteen acres of partially improved land, to the 
further development and cultivation of which he 
devoted his time and attention throughout his 
remaining days. In politics, he was a Democrat, 
but never sought or desired public office. He 
held membership with the Christian Church, and 
his wife was a member of the Methodist Church. 
His death occurred in Tyler County in 1849, and 
his wife passed away on the old homestead in 
1869, having survived herhu.sband twenty years. 
They were the parents of five children: Amos; 
Thomas H.: Sarah Jane, wife of Jeremiah Bull- 
man, of Tyler County: George, decea.sed: and 
John S. 

Mr. Ewell whose name heads this record at- 
tended school for only about five months during 
his boyhood. At the early age of sixteen years 
he started out in life for himself, and has .since 
been dependent upon his own resources. He be- 
gan working on a farm for $5 per month, and was 
thus employed for five years. His wages, how- 
ever, were increased initil he received $14.50 per 
m(jnth, which was the highest price jiaid for labor 
anywhere in that vicinity. In 1853 he began 
serving an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's 
trade, but he found this was injurious to his 
health, and abandoned it. 



Mr. Ewell was married on the 7th of May, 

1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy 
Shrever, a native of Monongalia County, Va. 
To them were born five sons and a daughter, 
namely: Marion D., Crayton (deceased), Mar\-in 
Ellsworth, Waitman, T. W. , andDai.sy. In 1S56, 
Mr. Ewell had purchased eighty acres of land in 
Tyler County, W. Va., and he and his wife there 
began their domestic life, but after a time he 
traded that farm for the old homestead, upon 
which he lived until 1861. He carried on gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising, and met with good 
success in the work. In 1861 this farm was 
traded for land in Pleasant County, W. Va., 
where he carried on agricultural pursuits imtil 
1866. 

In the mean time, however, Mr. Ewell entered 
the Union ser\-ice. On the 9th of August, 1862, 
he enlisted as a member of Company F, Four- 
teenth West Virginia Infantry. The first import- 
ant engagement in which he participated was that 
of Gettysburg, where he was under the command 
of Gen. Kelley, of West Virginia. He was also 
in the battle of Eittle Petersburg; but the hardest 
engagement occurred at Cloyd Mountain, where 
the Confederate soldiers numbered sixteen thou- 
sand, and were defeated bj' ninety-five .hundred 
Union troops. Mr. Ewell was there twice wound- 
ed, and had part of his mu.stache shot away. He 
was taken prisoner in this engagement, and was 
detailed to take care of the wounded on the field. 
On the loth of Ma>', they were surrounded b\- 
Morgan's men, while engaged in bur\-ing the 
dead. They were allowed to complete the ta.sk, 
but were then sent to Andersonville Prison, where 
he was incarcerated until April 28, 1865. He 
was transferred several times in order to avoid re- 
capture by Gen. Shennan's forces. At Black- 
.shear, Ga., he managed to escape from the guards, 
and was n;aking his way to his own troops, 
but was recaptured at Brunswick, within twelve 
miles of the Union lines. He suffered many of 
the hardships and difficulties of war, but was al- 
ways found at his post of duty, and received his 
discharge June 21, 1865. 

Mr. I^well then returned to his home in Pleas- 
ants Countv, W. \'a. His health had become .so 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



597 



impaired during the service that for some time he 
was unable to engage in any work. In November, 
1866, he emigrated to Rock Creek Town.ship, 
Hancock County, 111., and jntrchased eighty acres 
of improved land on .section 11. Here he en- 
gaged in fanning and .stock-raising for a time. 
Later he purchased one hundred and .sixty acres 
of wild land on section 14, and, turning his atten- 
tion to its development, there continued agricul- 
tural pursuits until 1 87 1, when he came to Adrian, 
and embarked in the grain business and in gen- 
eral merchandising. He .still carries on opera- 
tions along the.se lines, and is enjoying an excel- 
lent trade. He also owns a farm in Carthage 
Township, and there carries on a dairy. On the 
1st of January, 1893, in connection with others, 
he became connected with the La Porte Land and 
Town Site Company, of Texas, and has since 
spent much of his time in the Lone .Star State, 
looking after his interests there. 

Previous to the war, Mr. Ewell was a supporter 
of the Democrac}', but has since been a .stanch 
Republican. For eighteen years he was the effi- 
cient Postmaster of Adrian, but was removed 
during President Cleveland's administration. He 
is a public-spirited citizen, and his aid and co- 
operation are ever given to those enterprises 
which he believes will prove of benefit to the 
community. A loyal soldier of the late war, a 
valued citizen, and an honorable, upright man, 
he well dk'serves representation in the hi.story of 
his adopted ccninty. 



-^-^+^1 



iJ\ RS. CATHERINE JOHNSON, who is now 
y living on section 6, Walnut Grove Town- 
(9 ship, was born on the i6thof July, 1849, 
in New Jersey, and is a daughter of John S. and 
Maria A. (Brookall) Nevius. They, too, were 
nativesofNewJer.se>-, the former born July 16, 
1820, and the latter October 16, 1S25. They 
were married on the 8th of August, 1S46, and re- 
mained in the I<<ast until 1S57, when they emi 
grated to Illinois, locating in Henderson Countx'. 
The father ])urchase<l one hundred and sixty acres 



of land, buying the .same, on time, but as .soon as 
possible he paid off the indebtedness on the place, 
and not only freed it from debt, but added to it, 
until at his death he was the owner of four hun- 
dred and fort>- acres of good land. He worked 
his way .steadily ujnvard to a position of affluence, 
and during the last few years of his life he lived 
retired, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of 
his former toil. He pa.s.sed awa_\- on the i4tli of 
February, 1888, and was laid to rest in Raritan 
Cemeten,-. His widow is still living, and now 
makes her home in Stronghurst with her .son 
Simon. 

In the Ne\ius family were seven children, of 
whom five are yet li\ing, namely: Simon, of 
Stronghurst; Mrs. Catherine John.son; vSarah J,, 
wife ofT. V. Gilmore, who resides in Stronghurst; 
Peter B., who makes his home in Raritan; and 
Brachie, wife of Robert Humphrey, one of the 
representative and succe.ssful farmers of Hender- 
son County. Mrs. Mary K. Powl.son is deceased. 

Mrs. John.son came with her parents to Hender- 
.son County when a maiden of eight .summers, 
and here grew to womanhood. Her childhood 
days were .spent under the parental roof, and in 
attendance at the di.strict schools of the neighbor- 
hood, where she acquired her education. On the 
4th of March, 1873, she gave her hand in mar- 
riage to Peter D. Johnson, who was bom April 
18, 1847, '''"il ^^''is a .son of Jacob H. and Liddie 
(Wykoff) Johnson, who were also natives of New 
Jer.sey, and came to Illinois in 1870. The son 
always followed agricultural inirsuils, and was a 
wide-awake and enterprising farnier.who success- 
full)- managed his business interests and became 
well-to-do. In politics, he was a Democrat, but 
never sought or desired political preferment. The 
best interests of the community ever found in him 
a friend, ready to aid in their advancement. He 
pa.ssed away on the ist of January, 1894, respected 
by all who knew him, and his remains were in- 
terred in Stronghurst Cemetery. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born four chil- 
dren, all of whom are yet li\-ing; Annie, born 
Decendjer 9, 1873; Aaron, March 3, 1878; Simon 
P., August 17, 1880; and E\-a, on the 12th of 
August, 1886. TliL- children are all with the 



598 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mother. The family has a pleasant home in 
Walnut Grove Township, where Mrs. Johnson 
now owns one hundred and twenty acres of good 
land. Since her husband's death she has man- 
aged the property, and by the assistance of her 



sons carries on general farming and stock-raising. 
She is a member of the United Presbyterian 
Church, and a most estimable lady, who has the 
confidence and high regard of all with whom she 
has been brought in contact. 



INDKX. 



B I ( )( J R A P H 1 C A L 



Adams, John 23 

Adams, J. Q 39 

Akin, J. M 483 

Allen, James 565 

Allen, Joseph , 560 

Allen, T. C 505 

Allison, H, M 543 

Anderson, J. A 315 

Anderson, Hon. J. O 577 

Andrews, Sardis 375 

Annegers. H. G 585 

Anton. Rudolph 3gq 

Argast & Bossier 381 

Armstrong. James .*. . ,546 

Arthur, C. A 99 

Ash, W.J 489 



B 



Balihitt, S. L., M. D 277 

Bacon, Franklin 545 

Baily, J. L 297 

Bainter, P. C 593 

Baker. Hon. J. H 302 

Baldwin. C. W 226 

Baldwin, W. W 412 

Barker, J . S 237 

Barnes. K. O 469 

Barnes, R. H 459 

Barr, J. A.. M, D 404 

Barrett, W. P 235 

Bartholomew. I, S 334 

Baumert Brothers 359 

liaync, W. I'.. M. D 331 

Bealy. D. A 445 

Bcaty, I . W 457 

Becker, K. P 126 

Bcgcr, A.J 347 

Berger, Herman 376 

Berry, Hon. O, F 162 

Bertschi. J. W 132 



Bidwell, F.sta 322 

Black, S. \V 5.S6 

Blasberg. Rev. Albert 353 

Blazer, John 317 

Bliss, Isaac 119 

Bliss, L. S 378 

Blunier, Rev. Adam 434 

Boscow, T. H., M. D 167 

Botts, A. G 314 

Bowen, W, H 584 

Bower, Henrj- 154 

Bradshaw, C. \V , . .,187 

Bradsliaw, Joel *. 1^3^ 

Bradshaw, J. M. . . 520 

Brainard, C. H 509 

Brandon, E. M : 178 

Brandon, G. M 407 

Breeden. Hon. R. G 295 

Bridges, W, C 527 

Brimhall, Her\'ey 493 

Brown , Eli 266 

Brown, J. C 387 

Browning. G. M 345 

Br>'au, Jacob 203 

nr}'an,S,F 174 

Buchanan, James 75 

Buck, Joseph 292 

Bullock, J. H 384 

Butler, B. B 327 

Butler. J . H "47S 

Byler. David 395 

Bylcr, H. C 408 

Byler, John 573 

Bylcr, S. H 402 

Bylcr, W.N ,S6 



Calilwcll, William 435 

Camp, I,. W 26,1 

Camp, T. H. B 267 

Camp, W. M 244 

Campbell, C. S 465 

Canady, Rev. T A 278 

Cannon, Dr. J. S 548 

Carpenter, G. t> 506 

Catlin, J. II 213 

Cay wood, N. H 496 

Chain, C. C ; 285 

Chalfant, J. G 436 

Chambers, David ..280 

Chandler, Col. Charles i^i 



Chandler, C. V 171 

Chatterton, O. W '. 275 

Clarke, M. 1 36, 

Cleveland, S. G 103 

Clover, J. F , 53, 

Cockein, I,. B ,54 

Coffnian, D. P ^24 

Compton, W. A 305 

Cooper, C. S 477 

Cooper, Ephraim 510 

Cooper, F. M 49, 

Cooper, John , (^38 

Cooper, Hon. Rauseldon 485 

Coulson, J. C 177 

Cox.J, M, J ,72 

Craig, Oliver 227 

Crose. J, B 502 

Crouch, W. A. M 413 

Crownover, Robert 508 

Crum, C. P 234 

Cutler, P. W 398 



D 



Dale.A, J.... ,42 

Dallam , E. 1 243 

Dallam, Philip 162 

Davenport, S, M 412 

Davis, A. J 571 

Davis. T. A 122 

Dickson, D. T, 536 

Dilalior, Mrs. Rachel 470 

Ditto. A.J 524 

Ditto, C. \V ja) 

Dixson, Joseph 429 

Dixon, Thomas 449 

Dormau, Charles 



»33 

Dory, Victor ijg 

Dudman, Prof, T, J 248 

Duke, Lewis 451 

Dunn, T. F 138. 

Dunsworth. J, M 349 

DunswDrth, J. M., Jr 313 

Dysinger, Rev Holmes 14S 



E 



Eads.C, J., MI) 446 

Eastman, <i. H 27s 



INDEX. 



Eckbohm, M. C '47 

Edtnuiuls. Oliver 55° 

Edwards, Oeii. Oliver '4i 

Elting. P. K '9' 

Emer\-, J. H. M. D 5^9 

Emerv.Olia 3o6 Hampton, H. R 284 

Enviii.C. M 3*4 Hampton, W.L 2»4 

Essex, Joseph 453 Hauna.jCapt, D, 

Essex, Swansou 434 

Evans. John. Jr .^5 

Ewell, J. S 59* 



Hainliue. W, H 3'o Johnson, Mrs .Catherine 597 

Haley, J. 1 4.S5 Johnson, J, G '27 

Hamilton, Artois 25S Jones, Darius 286 

Hamilton, W,R '.35 Judd, Homer, M. D "3 

Hampton, D. H ^45 



Fairchild, W. R... 

Ferris, H. G 

Fillmore, Millard. , , 
Finch, Mrs, E. J- ••■ 

Fish, A.J 

Forward, Isaac 

Foster, J. R 

Foster, Z. A 

Foulkes, Richard. . . 

Franklin. W. H 

Froehlich, G. F. W. 

Fr>'. Joseph. Jr 

Fuller, Albert 

Fullmer, F. I„ 



G 



Oalbraith, Sanuul 

Garfield, J. A 

Garuett, W. R 

Garrett, J. T 

Gash, J. S 

Geddes, R, P 

Geddes, Thomas 

Giller, John 

Gillis,T. N 

Gingrich, J. H 

Gittings, Hon. C. R... 

Gittings, \V. K 

Glass, J. M 

Goempler. A. A 

Goff, J. W 

Gooilrich, J. R 

Gould, Benjamin 

Grant, U.S 

Gray. Arthur 

(iray, Mrs. Mar>' 

(»reer. E. E 

Gngsby, J, H 

Grigsby, W. E.. M. T>.. 
Groves. J. M 
Guthrie, J. v.. 



C 476 

Hardy, Thomas 32S 

Harris, E. E • .5*2 

Harris, Rev, Rice 49' Kemp. Da\Hd 325 

Harris. Dr. Ralph - 300 Kendall. J. M 359 



• 67 

■ •593 

■ •3*4 
.46.^ 

..4S5 
.262 

..503 
■ J47 

,,419 

■ 193 
..165 
. .206 



Harrison, Benjamin '^7 

Harrison, H. M.. M. D ■ 27* 

Harrison. W. H ._ 5' 

Haselwood, F. W 241 

Hawley. G. C 2S1 

Hayes, R. B 9' 

Helms, A. F '7* 

Herring. William 3*2 

He.s,siou. P. J.. M. D 207 

Hibbard, W. D 39* 

Hill. \V. K '2' 

Hodson. Robert 44' 

HoUingsworth, Jaseph , 413 

Hooker, W. C 557 

Hovey, W. C 42° 

Howd, Smith i^ 

Huey, Erastus 33° 

Huey, William 3'8 

Hngenschutz, J. H 578 

Hulen, T. T 272 

Hull, J. R,,M. D ■'•537 

Humphrey. J. C 5*7 

Humphrey. R. S 57* 

Hungate. J. H '73 

Hunt. M. T '.57 

Hunt, T. B.,M. D '43 

Hurdle, J. N 205 

Hurka. Joseph 424 

V Huston, O. W '98 

Huston. Preston '82 

, Huston, W. M,, M, D '88 

Hutchins, I,. 1 4*0 



. . .524 

• ■95 
...380 
...425 
...299 
..■443 
..,481 
...'57 
.■346 

...468 

■••549 

• ••5" 

•••385 

•••438 

..422 T ,.• It 2^6 Madison, James, 

■■•42 Ingram. W.H 2,^e ^^^^._ ^ ^ 

•••32* Irons, John .S^J 

Irwin , S. M .3*7 



Kimball, Phineas 352 

King, Rev. J. B .528 

King. J. S ; 375 

Krieg, Jacob 333 

Kuhl. Rev. Conrad '95 



L 



Laird, John 4.58 

Lane, J. E 3'2 

Lathrop, Isaac -183 

Lawrence, Herbert. M. D 563 

Leach, Rufus 34' 

Lemaire, Leon 442 

Lemmon, S. P '82 

Lewis, M, R 3*8 

Lewis, W. E 268 

Libert. Rev. J. G 244 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Lionbcrger, J. W 53* 

Lionberger, S. G 386 

Logan, Judge John S12 

Logan, Jasper 57* 

Lomax, Robert 54' 

Long, Levi 402 

Lovitt, Daniel 260 

Lukens, J. M 472 

Lynn, A. W 486 



M 



•274 

• 87 
•532 
•4*7 

-255 
..192 
.184 

• 329 

26,-l 



Madison, R. J.. M. D. 

Magie, J. H 

Mains. J. F 

Maley, W. M. 



H 



Hagemau, Andrew 5' 

Haines, Amos 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jackson, Asa 4'* 

Jackson. F. M., M. D 2.19 

Jacobs, Stephen 397 

James, J, A,, M, D 405 

Jamison, N. H .507 

Jefferson. Thomas 27 



J.S Johnson, .\ndrew. 



83 



3' 

595 

S6i 

509 

450 

Manifold, J, E '** 

Manifold, John .5** 

Manifold, WE 2'5 

Mapes, F, H 3"' 

Markland, J, E '75 

Marsh, Hon, B. F 5*8 

Marshall, J. A .574 

Martin. I. M., M. D 44* 

Martin. J. M 393 

Martin. Preston 53o 

Martin, W. P 44° 

Mathers, Robert S40 

Matthews, F. A 4" 

Maxwell, W. A 259 



INDEX. 



Maynard, L. P 582 

McAllister. H. F 426 

McAllister. John .-.369 

Mc.\rthur. Rev. J. M 592 

McCIure, Thomas 235 

McCord. J. W 216 

McCrory, S. L 168 

Mcculloch. W. W 394 

McDonald. Hugh 454 

McFarland. Krauk 433 

McGaw. S. P 343 

McGill, Clayton 335 

McKown. J. T, M. D 36* 

Mcl.ellau, H. K .' 229 

McLellan. W. T 240 

McMahan. C. H 495 

McMahan. R. W 47° 

McMillan. S. H ■ 444 

McMillan. Rf "f 484 

McMurray, Thomas 526 

McXeall. A. E., M. D 355 

Merritt. Richmond 570 

Mesecher. E. A 185 

Mesecher. Elkanah 386 

Mickey. Samuel 499 

Millen, J. M 487 

Miller. Dr. J. R 500 

Miller, Robert 382 

Milliken, Wesley 482 

Mitchell, Mrs. E. M 405 

Mock,. Joseph .I 339 

Mohr, Henry 537 

Monroe, James ~ .■ ■ 35 

Morey. J. P 474 

Morford. J. R. R 54* 

Morgan, Thomas 542 

Mott, W. G, M. D.. 490 

Mumey, D. W '. 4'5 

Myers. W. H .- . ■ 559 



N 



Nagel, Conrad 35" 

Neece. Hon. W". H 303 

Nelsou. Joseph 360 

Newman. N. H 321 

Nimrick. S. H 37' 

Noble. G. W 437 



Painter, C. T 513 

Painter. J. T jo2 

Parker, R. M., M. D 201 

Pearce, G. T 403 

Peasley. C. E 587 

Peasley, J, F 570 

Pence, Capt. J. A 414 

Pence, Robert 521 

Peoples. Johu 488 

Pickens. G. W 589 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pogtie, I. T 572 

Polk, J. K 59 

Pontioiis, Byron 313 

Popel, Martin I2i 

Porter, EH 142 

Powell, William 548 

Prentiss, S. W 379 

Prentiss, William 581 



R 



Rabe, H. W 119 

Rahu, Justus ,354 

Raich, W. P 144 

Ramsey, Enoch 33S 

Randolph, Hon, W. H 151 

Records, ST 474 

Reed, W. J 456 

Reid, L. S 377 

Reirabold, Rev. H. J 525 

Reimbold, Max 369 

Reiselt, Jacob 201 

Rhea, L. J., M, D 521 

Rheinberger, J. J 361 

Rice, C. S.. M. D 562 

Rich. W. G 467 

Ricliey, C. G 59° 

Ricketts, J. H 42J 

Ricketts, S. A 438 

Risse, Hon. J. B 161 

koark. J. P., M. D 25.s 

Robbins, E. M 155 

Roberts, Mrs. Ann 522 

Rose, W. T! 439 



Sibert, John 400 

Simmons, S, S 588 

Smith, Gen. R. F mg 

Smith, T. C _. 464 

Smith, W. E ! 450 

Snodgra.ss. W. H 418 

Soule, G. W ,84 

Soule, Isaac 204 

Spears, W. A ^yg 

Speck, W. N., Jr 441 

Stansburj*, S. M 453 

Stevens, Hon. J. I> 145 

Still. J. N 5,4 

Stillwell, Greenup 422 

Stine, Johu 514 

Stripe, J, C 532 

Suttle, P. K 236 

Swisegood, D. H 294 



Tauner, John 352 

Tarman. Robert 196 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Thomas, C. L 475 

Thomas, I T 523 

Thomas. J. M 417 

Thompson, Joseph ,569- 

Towler, W. A 186 

Towler, W. B 194 

Tres.sler. Rev. D. L 153 

Trimmer, Johnson 575 

Tuck, Henrj- 348 

Twaddle, W. H iSl 

Tweed, H. S 41S 

Tweed, John 500 

Twidwell. Johu ". 291 

Twidwell, Solomon 242 

Twymau, H. C 271 

Tyler. John .<p 55 

Tyner, N. N 257 



u 



Urban, Mrs. M. II 



.19S 



o 



oakmau, G. M ly-" .Sample, James 164 

Oakmau, I. A 279 Salter, E. W., M. D 586 

OBrieu, Rev, M. P 133 Savidge, J. W 502 

Ochsner, J. F 35" Scaulan, Charles 371 

odenweller, I.saiah 238 Schurz, Rev. J. C 126 

Ovtrni.-iu. E. t" 49' Scofield, C. J 309 

Scott, J. F 134 

Scott. Larkin 332 

p Scott, Moses 346 

" Shaffer, J. W 319 

Shain, K. C 564 

Sharp, T.C 430 Waggener, G. C 

Pace, G. W 296 Shoup, Abraham 363 Waggoner, G. C 

Pace, J. M : 323 Shull, Rev. Jacob 344 Wallace, R. R. . 



Van Bureu, .Martin* 47 

Vance, W. A 337 

Vaughau. S. E 539 

Veatch. W H.. M. D 133 



w 



.390 
.230 



INDEX. 



Walters, John 423 

Walton, S. B 336 

Walton. Wesley, Sr 320 

Washington, George 19 



Wiesener, F. A 3S3 

Wilcox, J. M 261 

Wilcox. R. C 264 

Williams. A. D 401 



Watson, G. C 4.').s Williams, J. C. 

Weaver. Nathan 544 

Weinberg, Simon 253 

Welch, J. H •. 447 

Westfall, E. K.. M. D 293 

Wetzel. J. H iiS 

Wheatley, Francis 408 

White,;. A., Jr 166 

Wiegand. W. A 494 



136 

Williams. L. M 254 

Wilson. William 340 

Winnard. W. I,.. M. D I2,i 

Woods, R. A 452 

Wortheu, Prof. A. H 357 

Worthen. F. F.. D. M. D 3*5 

Wright. Dr. John 246 

Wright. T. G 388 



Yetter. G. W. 
Yoinig. John. 



■325 
.2S3 



Portraits. 



Adams. John 22 

Adams. J. Q 38 

Arthur. C. A 98 

liradshaw. Joel 534 

Bradshaw, Mrs. Joel 534 

Buchanan. James 74 

Catlin. J. H 211 

Catlin, Joel 210 

Catlin, Mrs. Joel 210 

Chandler, Charles 130 

Chandler, C. V sl/O 

Cleveland. S. G 102 

Compton. W. A 304 

Dixsou. Joseph 428 

Dorman. Charles 232 

Kdwards. Gen. Oliver 140 

Kiting. P. K 190 

Kvaus. John. Jr s^2 

Evans, Mrs. John, Jr 553 

Ferris. H. G 116 



Fillmore. Millard 66 

Forward. Isaac 462 

Forward, Mrs. Isaac 462 

Garfield. J. A 94 

Geddes, Thomas 480 

Grant, U.S 86 

Hagenian, Andrew 516 

Harrison, Benjamin 106 

Harrison, W. H 50 

Hayes, R. B 90 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson, Thomas 26 

Johnson, Andrew 82 

King, J. S V 374 

Lincoln. Abraham 78 

Madison, James 30 

Monroe. James 34 

Martin. I.M.. M. D 446 

Matthews, F. A 4>o 

Mickey, Samuel 498 



Parker. Dr. R. M 200 

Pierce. Franklin 70 

Polk, J. K 58 

Prentiss. William 580 

Randolph. Hon. W. H 150 

Risse. Hon. J. B 160 

Scofield. C. J 308 

Smith. Gen. R. F 218 

Taylor, Zacharj' 62 

Twaddle, W. H 180 

Twidwell. John 288 

Twidwell. Mrs. Barbara 288 

Twidwell, Mrs. Henrietta 2S9 

Twidwell. Mrs. Sarah J 289 

Twymau. H. C 270 

Tjler. John 54 

VanBuren. Martin 46 

Washington. George 18 

Weinberg. Simou 250 

Weinberg, Mrs. Simou 251 



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